DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP)

Location: Hamilton, ON
Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time | On-Site
Schedule: Rotating shifts including days, evenings, weekends, and overnights
Pay Rate: $25/hour

About the Role

We are seeking a compassionate and reliable Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide person-directed support to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities living in inclusive residential homes.

The DSP will work as part of an interdisciplinary team to support individuals in achieving their personal goals, developing independence, participating in their communities, and maintaining their safety, dignity, and well-being.

This role requires a calm, patient, and adaptable approach, particularly when supporting individuals who may experience responsive behaviours, including self-injurious behaviour and physical aggression toward staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide person-directed support with daily living activities, including personal care, meals, household tasks, and life skills.

• Support individuals in developing independence, communication, coping, and emotional-regulation skills.

• Implement Behaviour Support Plans and positive behaviour support strategies as directed by the interdisciplinary team.

• Recognize and respond appropriately to early signs of distress and behavioural escalation.

• Use proactive de-escalation techniques while maintaining a calm and regulated approach.

• Observe, document, and report behavioural patterns, triggers, incidents, progress, and relevant changes in well-being.

• Complete required documentation, including progress notes, incident reports, ABC charting, and behavioural data.

• Support community participation, appointments, employment, education, recreation, volunteering, and social activities.

• Provide medication administration support in accordance with organizational policies and applicable requirements.

• Collaborate with supervisors and clinical professionals, including Registered Behaviour Analysts, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers.

• Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and interdisciplinary planning.

• Maintain compliance with organizational policies and Quality Assurance Measures (QAM).

Qualifications & Requirements

• Diploma or degree in Social Service Work (SSW), Developmental Services Worker (DSW), Personal Support Worker (PSW), or a related social services field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience supporting adults or transitional-age youth with developmental/intellectual disabilities, dual diagnosis, mental health needs, or responsive behaviours.

• Experience in residential, group living, or supported independent living environments is preferred.

• Strong communication, interpersonal, writing, reporting, and documentation skills.

• Comfortable using computers, Microsoft Office, and electronic documentation systems; experience with AIMS is an asset.

• Ability to understand and respond to non-verbal or gestural communication, where applicable.

• Knowledge of alternative communication methods is an asset.

• Ability to work collaboratively with families and interdisciplinary professionals.

• Standard First Aid & CPR Level C.

• Vulnerable Sector Criminal Reference Check (VSC), dated within the last 6 months.

• 2-Step TB Test or negative Chest X-ray, dated within the last 6 months.

• Availability to work rotating days, evenings, weekends, and overnights.

• Valid Ontario G Driver’s Licence and reliable vehicle are preferred assets.

• Registration with OCSWSSW is considered an asset.