Direct Care Professional

Job Title: Direct Care Professional

Job Category: Direct Care

Department/Group: Direct Care Staff

Location: Residential Group Homes

Travel Required: Up to 25% for Licensed Driver

Pay Type: Hourly; $13 for Licensed Drivers, $12 for Non Transporting staff

Position Type: Full Time, Part Time, PRN

HR Contact: Human Resources Manager  

Will Train Applicant(s): Home Manager, or other member of Administration will train. RN will delegate to pass medications.

Job Description

General Description of Duties and Responsibilities:

Direct Care Professional (DCP) provides a range of services, from personal care to behavioral modification, in a variety of settings to promote quality care for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD). Direct Care Associates are responsible for maintaining a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment which fosters personal growth and independence to the greatest extent possible.

 Specific Duties:

  1. Teach/assist/monitor individuals with activities of daily living in residential settings. 

  2. Assist in the assessment of each individual(s) abilities, interests and needs. Report/discuss those needs with the case coordinator or designee. 

  3. Assist other DCP to ensure that all activities of daily living are met for each individual served. 

  4. Assist other DCP with medical appointments, community field trips and related activities.

  5. Handle emergency situations appropriately, (according to HHSC policies) and through the use of common sense judgment.

  6. Utilize crisis interventions when necessary, including behavior modification as identified in behavior support plans (BMP). Monitoring behaviors as identified in BMP requires documentation by DCP. 

  7. DCP should encourage socially acceptable behavior appropriate for home or social settings.

  8. Utilize teachable moments to assist individuals with problem solving skills/resolving conflicts.

  9. Provide leisure/recreational activities of individual(s) choice, increase individual’s self-initiative in leisure activities in the home.

  10. Teach/monitor individuals self-management skills (in health and behavior management).

  11. Provide opportunities for individuals to have choices, make decisions in daily living and personal goals.

  12. Encourage individuals to use natural supports through phone calls, facetime chat or in-home visits as applicable .

  13. Follow individual treatment plans consistently including documenting progress/lack of progress of outcomes as identified in the Person Directed Plan (PDP).

  14. Report suspected abuse, neglect and/or exploitation as defined in  ANE policy by contacting 1-800-647-7418. 

  15. Attend staff meetings and related training(s).

  16. Follow directions as specified to ensure that all activities of daily living of the individuals are met.      

  17.  Perform other duties as assigned. DCP must follow the most current instruction supervisor.

  18. direct personal assistance with activities of daily living (grooming, eating, bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene);

  • assistance with meal planning and preparation;

  • securing and providing transportation;

  • assistance with housekeeping;

  • assistance with ambulation and mobility;

  • assistance with medications and the performance of tasks delegated by an RN;

  • supervision of individuals' safety and security;


NOTE: This job description is designed to serve as a guide to your duties as a Direct Care Associate. On occasion, it may be necessary to make adjustments to current description to meet the needs of the individuals served.    

Preferred Qualifications:

The Direct Care Associate plays a critical role in the overall success of Sonya Golden dba Ngozi Place program. As “natural role models”, Direct Care Staff must have the following personal qualifications:

  1. Autonomy – ability to work without immediate supervision.

  2. Integrity-the ability to do the right thing without anyone watching. 

  3. Interpersonal sensitivity (objective awareness of others, tactful interaction, ease in establishing limits).

  4. Reliability. Report for duty on time and ready to perform work as expected. 

  5. Flexibility. Understand that the needs of the individuals change and be willing to adjust 

  6. Insight and the ability to articulate it.

  7. Ability to use good judgment: including the ability to evaluate, make decisions, and anticipate consequences.

  8. Initiative and motivation to learn, work as a team as well as have the ability to perform individual/self-directed shift work. 

  9. Valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, and the ability to drive company vans (Licensed Employees Only).

  10. CPR/First Aid and behavior de-escalation certifications are a plus.

The minimum professional qualifications for the Direct Care Staff position are

a High School Diploma/ GED (with three references),

ability to pass a competency test

ability to lift 50lbs without assistance.

At least six months’ experience working with individuals with a diagnosis of Intellectual Developmental Delay or related condition is preferred but not required.