Lead Direct Support Professional Resume Example

Lead Direct Support Professional · Empowerment & Integration Services

Philadelphia, PA · 2021 - Present

• Led a team of 8 DSPs, overseeing individualized vocational and independent living programs for 25+ clients, resulting in a 30% increase in client job placement rates over 3 years.
• Developed and implemented person-centered support plans, reducing critical incident reports by 20% through proactive behavioral intervention strategies.
• Managed caseloads for 10 high-needs clients, facilitating skill development in budgeting, transportation, and social interaction, leading to 15% achieving greater residential independence.
• Trained new staff on compliance with state regulations (e.g., ODP, HIPAA) and best practices for crisis prevention and management, improving team adherence by 25%.

Senior Direct Support Professional · Community Living Solutions

Upper Darby, PA · 2018 - 2021

• Provided direct support and case management for up to 8 individuals with complex behavioral and developmental challenges, resulting in a 40% reduction in disruptive behaviors through consistent implementation of behavior support plans.
• Coordinated with external stakeholders, including vocational counselors and employers, to secure internships and part-time employment for 12 clients.
• Designed and delivered skill-building workshops on daily living activities and community navigation, improving independent activity participation by 35% across assigned clients.
• Mentored junior DSP staff on effective communication techniques and documentation standards, enhancing team efficiency and report accuracy by 10%.

Direct Support Professional · Phoenix Residential Support

Norristown, PA · 2016 - 2018

• Supported 5 individuals in a residential setting with activities of daily living, medication administration, and community outings, ensuring 100% compliance with health and safety protocols.
• Implemented behavior support plans under supervision, successfully de-escalating challenging situations and reducing incidents requiring physical intervention by 15% annually.
• Maintained detailed and accurate client records and progress notes, contributing to seamless shift transitions and effective program adjustments.
• Assisted clients in developing social skills and engaging in recreational activities, increasing client participation in group activities by 20%.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology · Temple University

Philadelphia, PA · 2012 - 2016

• Graduated with honors, GPA: 3.7/4.0, Dean's List for 6 semesters.
• Relevant Coursework: Applied Behavior Analysis, Developmental Psychology, Counseling Techniques, Community Mental Health, Social Psychology.
• Completed a capstone project on effective strategies for vocational integration for adults with autism spectrum disorder.

Lead Direct Support Professional · Empowerment House Services

Chicago, IL · 2022 - Present

• Led a team of 8 DSPs, improving staff retention by 20% through targeted training and mentorship programs over two years.
• Developed and implemented individualized support plans for 15+ clients, resulting in a 30% increase in client participation in community integration activities.
• Managed a caseload of high-needs individuals, successfully de-escalating 95% of challenging behavioral incidents without requiring external intervention.
• Coordinated daily operations for a residential facility serving 10 individuals, ensuring 100% compliance with state and federal regulations during annual audits.
• Authored comprehensive progress reports and documentation, contributing to a 15% reduction in administrative errors and improved client record accuracy.

Direct Support Professional · Harmony Care Solutions

Evanston, IL · 2018 - 2022

• Provided direct daily support to 6-8 individuals with developmental disabilities, facilitating achievement of 85% of quarterly personal goals.
• Implemented behavioral support strategies, reducing instances of challenging behaviors by 25% for high-risk clients over a 12-month period.
• Managed medication administration and health monitoring for 7 clients, ensuring 100% adherence to prescribed treatment plans and documentation protocols.
• Facilitated community outings and skill-building activities, increasing client engagement in educational and recreational programs by 40%.

Special Education Paraprofessional · Chicago Public Schools

Chicago, IL · 2016 - 2018

• Supported lead teacher in managing classrooms of 10-12 students with diverse learning needs, contributing to a 10% improvement in student engagement.
• Implemented individualized education program (IEP) goals for 5+ students, tracking progress and achieving 90% of targeted academic and behavioral objectives.
• Assisted with behavioral interventions and de-escalation techniques, decreasing disruptive classroom incidents by 20% within the first year.
• Collaborated with parents and multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive student support and foster a positive learning environment.

Master of Education in Special Education · Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL · 2014 - 2016

• Specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis and Inclusive Education
• Completed thesis on "Impact of Peer-Mediated Interventions on Social Skills Development in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder"
• Relevant Coursework: Advanced Behavioral Strategies, Differentiated Instruction, Assistive Technology, Special Education Law

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology · University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Urbana, IL · 2010 - 2014

• Graduated Magna Cum Laude, GPA: 3.8/4.0
• Member of Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology
• Relevant Coursework: Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Research Methods