Residential Direct Support Professional (Skilled Care)
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Mayor s Youth Empowerment Program
Iowa City, IA, US
Summary
Provide hands-on daily support, including personal care, mobility assistance, and health monitoring for individuals with medical needs. Maintain accurate documentation and follow specific medical and behavioral support plans to ensure the safety and dignity of residents.
Job Description
Skilled Care Residential Direct Support Professional – Position Summary
MYEP is seeking Direct Support Professionals to work in specialized residential homes that support individuals with higher medical and personal care needs. Staff in these homes provide hands-on daily support while ensuring the health, safety, dignity, and quality of life of the individuals served.
In addition to the core responsibilities of a Residential Direct Support Professional, staff in Skilled Care homes provide enhanced health and personal care supports under agency training and supervision.
This position requires strong attention to health and safety, the ability to follow medical and behavioral support plans, and the ability to respond calmly and appropriately in situations that require problem solving and decision making.
Skilled Care Responsibilities May Include
Staff working in Skilled Care residential homes may provide supports including:
Personal Care & Daily Living Support
- Bathing, hygiene, grooming, dressing, and toileting assistance
- Incontinence care and personal hygiene support
- Meal preparation, feeding assistance, and monitoring nutrition and hydration
- Supporting individuals with daily routines and household activities
Mobility & Physical Support
- Wheelchair assistance and mobility support
- Transfers using gait belts or mechanical lifts
- Repositioning and pressure relief support
- Range-of-motion and basic physical support exercises as directed
Health Monitoring & Documentation
- Monitoring and documenting health changes and behavioral concerns
- Medication administration and tracking intake
- Reporting concerns related to physical or mental health
- Maintaining accurate daily documentation and progress notes
Trained Skilled Care Tasks (Site Specific)
Depending on the home assignment, staff may be trained to support individuals with:
- Tracheostomy care
- Feeding tube or G-tube support
- Oxygen therapy and respiratory support
- Catheter, ostomy, or stoma care
- Diabetic monitoring and management
- Behavioral and mental health supports, including de-escalation strategies
Staff receive training for all skilled care tasks required in their assigned home.
Skilled Care Pay Differential
Residential homes that provide higher levels of medical and personal care are designated as Skilled Care sites. Direct Support Professionals assigned to these homes receive an additional $2.00-4.00 per hour Skilled Care differential due to the increased level of care and specialized supports required.
The starting pay rate of $17.00-$19.00 per hour for Skilled Care positions includes the $2.00-$4.00 differential. The differential applies only while working scheduled shifts at the designated Skilled Care location and does not apply when working shifts at other MYEP locations or programs.
Work Environment
Skilled Care Residential DSPs work in team-based residential homes supporting multiple individuals with varying levels of need. The position requires reliability, strong communication skills, and the ability to provide compassionate, respectful care in a sometimes fast-paced environment.
Many shifts require working independently or with a small team, where staff must prioritize tasks, respond to health or behavioral needs, and maintain a safe and supportive home environment.
