From the Heart Support Services, LLC

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) plays a key role in providing person-centered care and support to individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. The DSP assists clients in achieving greater independence, improving their quality of life, and participating fully in their community. This includes promoting skill development, personal choice, and well-being while maintaining the health and safety of each individual. Key Responsibilities : Assist with Daily Living : Support individuals with activities of daily living (e.g., personal care, meal preparation, hygiene, and household tasks) while fostering independence. Promote Independence : Encourage and facilitate skill development in areas such as communication, socialization, and self-care. Community Involvement : Accompany individuals to community activities, work placements, social events, and other appointments to enhance social interaction and engagement. Implement Care Plans : Follow individualized care plans and behavioral support strategies to provide consistent and appropriate care. Advocate for Choice : Promote personal choice and decision-making in all aspects of the individual’s life. Monitor Health and Safety : Ensure a safe and healthy environment by identifying potential risks and addressing health or medical needs as required. Documentation : Maintain accurate records of services provided, progress notes, and any incidents according to agency policies. Collaborate with Team : Work closely with families, supervisors, and other professionals to provide coordinated care and support for the individual. Provide Emotional Support : Offer encouragement and build a positive, trusting relationship with the individuals you support. Qualifications : High school diploma (required). Experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism (preferred). Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Patience, empathy, and a commitment to promoting independence. Ability to pass a background check and possess a valid driver's license. Working Conditions : Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on the needs of the individuals supported. Physical ability to assist with lifting, transferring, and mobility assistance when required.

The Behavior Specialist is responsible for assessing, developing, and implementing behavioral interventions for individuals with intellectual disabilities and or autism. The specialist collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to create tailored strategies that support positive behaviors and reduce challenging behaviors, with the ultimate goal of improving the individual's quality of life. Key Responsibilities: Conduct comprehensive behavioral assessments to identify the causes and triggers of challenging behaviors. Develop individualized behavior support plans (BSPs) based on assessment data, emphasizing positive behavior support and skill-building. Implement, monitor, and adjust behavior plans in collaboration with the individual, their family, and the care team. Provide direct support and guidance to individuals in various settings, such as homes, community environments, or day programs. Train staff, caregivers, and family members on the implementation of behavior intervention strategies. Collect and analyze behavioral data to measure the effectiveness of interventions and make necessary adjustments. Provide crisis intervention and develop strategies to de-escalate behaviors when necessary. Work collaboratively with other professionals, including therapists, case managers, and educators, to ensure a comprehensive approach to the individual’s care. Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation on interventions, progress, and communication with the team. Stay current with best practices in behavior analysis and apply evidence-based methods in service delivery. Qualifications: Master’s degree in psychology, behavior analysis, special education, social work, or a related field. Experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and or autism. Knowledge of behavior analysis principles and techniques, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Strong observational, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with individuals, families, and multidisciplinary teams. Certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is preferred but not required. Work Environment: This position may require travel to various locations, including clients’ homes, community programs, and residential facilities. The work environment can be physically and emotionally demanding, requiring patience, empathy, and resilience.