Personal Supports DSP - Part Time (M)

PAY RANGE: $20 - $20.50 per hour (Depending on years of experience and certifications)    

At Gallagher Services - a Catholic Charities program, we believe that every person deserves a life filled with meaning, independence, and relationships that matter. We are seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) who values people for who they are and is excited to walk alongside adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they engage in the activities they love and pursue their goals.  

We are seeking compassionate, energetic, and reliable Personal Support Staff to provide direct one-on-one support to individuals with intellectual disabilities in a residential and community-based setting. 

Work Schedule:     Saturday and Sunday 10 AM - 6 PM ; Monday and Wednesday 4 PM - 8 PM

Using a person-centered planning approach, the Personal Support Staff will assist individuals in achieving their personal goals, building independence, and actively participating in their communities. The ideal candidate enjoys being active and engaging in community activities and recreational outings. 

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides person-centered Activities of Daily Living (ADL), health, and safety support by assisting with hygiene, grooming, dressing, meals, household tasks, mobility, and other needs identified in the Person-Centered Plan while promoting dignity, safety, independence, and consistency of care.
• Implements Person-Centered Plan goals by supporting skill development, documenting outcomes, tracking progress, and reporting barriers or changes that may affect service delivery.
• Monitors and reports health, safety, behavioral, and environmental concerns by observing changes during each shift or service encounter and reporting incidents, accidents, unusual occurrences, and risk factors promptly according to agency procedures.
• Provides medication-related support within authorized role limits by assisting individuals with self-administration of medication, following the Person-Centered Plan, agency procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements to promote health, safety, accuracy, and individual independence.
• Supports rights and self-advocacy by encouraging informed decision-making, respecting privacy and routines, and helping people express preferences and concerns.
• Supports community inclusion by assisting with recreation, volunteer opportunities, social events, relationships, and natural supports that align with each person’s interests and goals.
• Provides safe transportation and travel training by helping people access appointments, services, resources, activities, and personal commitments while following agency transportation, safety, and documentation requirements.
• Protects client privacy and agency information by ensuring client information is documented, transmitted, and maintained only through approved systems and processes.
• Completes timely, accurate, and compliant documentation by recording services provided, goal progress, significant events, health and safety concerns, and required information within established agency and regulatory timeframes.
• Shares relevant updates with supervisors and support team members to support continuity of care, timely follow-up, and coordinated service delivery.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

POSITION SPECIFIC:

 DSP, Personal Supports – CMT Designated Assignments

• Administers medications within Certified Medication Technician (CMT) scope and requirements by following agency policies and procedures, physician orders, Medication Technician Training Program standards, and applicable regulations; verifies required medication administration rights; maintains current certification and training; documents administration accurately and timely; safeguards medications; and reports medication errors, refusals, missed doses, adverse reactions, or changes in condition according to agency protocol to support safe, accurate, and compliant medication management.

TRANSPORTATION & COMMUNITY TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• This role requires employees to provide transportation or travel support using a personal vehicle that is available for assigned work-related duties and maintained in safe operating condition in accordance with applicable laws and agency policy.
• Driver must be at least 21 years of age, with a minimum of 2 years of driving experience, and a valid driver’s license issued by the state of residence.   There can be no state issued restrictions on the licenses that would impede drivers’ ability to operate the vehicle as required by the Agency, and there must not be more than three (3) points on their driving record.
• Current automobile insurance that meets applicable legal and agency requirements, with proof of coverage provided as required.

TECHNOLOGY, DOCUMENTATION & CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS

• Access to a personal smartphone or mobile device with a current, manufacturer-supported operating system capable of running agency-required applications and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to install, access, and use agency-required applications, including electronic documentation and Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) systems, such as iCareManager/iCM.
• Maintain reliable data access sufficient to complete required electronic documentation, communication, and training.
• Ability to access agency-approved communication platforms/applications, complete electronic documentation, and communicate with supervisors using agency-approved technology.
• Maintain required security settings on personal devices, including password/PIN or biometric authentication, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and current security updates as required by agency policy.
• Promptly reports lost, stolen, replaced, or compromised devices, phone number changes, changes in job duties, or when mobile access is no longer needed to ensure agency system access remains accurate, secure, and appropriate.
• Comply with all agency policies regarding confidentiality, data security, HIPAA, and protection of personal and health information when using a personal device.

EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE & TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

• 2 years of experience supporting people with developmental disabilities.

DSP, Personal Supports – CMT Designated Assignments

• When assigned to a position or service requiring Certified Medication Technician (CMT) certification, obtains and maintains CMT certification within the timeframe established by the program; follows all applicable CMT standards when performing medication-related duties; and promptly notifies the supervisor of any change that may affect certification status or assigned responsibilities.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Demonstrates person-centered thinking by supporting individual choice, dignity, privacy, cultural preferences, self-advocacy, and decision-making.
• Works independently in home and community settings while using sound judgment to identify risks, follow support plans, and seek supervisory guidance when needed.
• Communicates clearly and professionally with people supported, families, guardians, supervisors, and team members.
• Maintains accurate, objective, and timely documentation of services provided, progress toward goals, incidents, health and safety concerns, and other required information.
• Uses problem-solving, adaptability, and de-escalation skills to respond appropriately to changing needs, schedules, environments, and behavioral or health-related concerns.
• Maintains confidentiality and protects personal and health information in accordance with HIPAA, agency policy, and professional boundaries.
• Demonstrates reliability by maintaining punctuality, consistent attendance, required availability, and timely communication regarding scheduling or service delivery concerns.
• Follows Maryland DDA requirements and, agency policies
• Requires proficiency in using computer systems and software to perform job function, including but not limited to, basic Windows PC, web browsing (i.e., Chrome, Internet Explorer, etc.), and Microsoft Outlook. Knowledge of other Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel PowerPoint, Teams, and OneDrive is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This position requires in-person work in home and community settings to perform essential direct support, transportation, documentation, and safety-related duties; remote or hybrid work is not available for the core functions of this role.
• Ability to perform the physical activities needed to support people safely, including standing, walking, bending, repositioning, and assisting with mobility or personal care, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to support people during community activities, appointments, errands, and transportation-related activities, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to move between home and community settings, including walking, standing, and traveling to assigned locations as needed to provide services, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to assist with mobility, transfers, repositioning, and related support needs, which may include lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying up to 75 pounds when required to safely perform assigned duties, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people supported, supervisors, families, guardians, healthcare providers, and team members through verbal, written, electronic, or other effective communication methods, with or without reasonable accommodation.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES COMMITMENTS:

Catholic Charities is committed to creating an environment where we are focused on mission, culture, and sense of belonging and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Catholic Charities recruits, employs, trains, and promotes without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.