Area 1: Participant Empowerment

The Direct Support Professional enhances the ability of the participant to lead a self-determining life by providing the support and information necessary to build self-esteem, and assertiveness; and to make decisions.

Skill Statements

• The competent DSP assists and supports the participant to develop strategies, make informed choices, follow through on responsibilities, and take risks.
• The competent DSP promotes participant partnership in the design of support services, consulting the person and involving him or her in the support process.

Area 2: Communication

The Direct Support Professional should be knowledgeable about the range of effective communication strategies and skills necessary to establish a collaborative relationship with the participant.

Skill Statements

• The competent DSP has knowledge of and uses modes of communication that are appropriate to the communication needs of participants.
• The skilled DSP learns and uses terminology appropriately, explaining as necessary to ensure participant understanding.

Area 3: Assessment

The Direct Support Professional should be knowledgeable about formal and informal assessment practices in order to respond to the needs, desires and interests of the participants.

Skill Statements

• The competent DSP initiates or assists in the initiation of an assessment process by gathering information (e.g., participant’s self-assessment and history, prior records, test results, additional evaluation) and informing the participant about what to expect throughout the assessment process.
• The competent DSP discusses findings and recommendations with the participant in a clear and understandable manner, following up on results and reevaluating the findings as necessary.

Area 4: Community and Service Networking

The Direct Support Professional should be knowledgeable about the formal and informal supports available in his or her community and skilled in assisting the participant to identify and gain access to such supports.

Skill Statements

• The competent DSP helps to identify the needs of the participant for community supports, working with the participant’s informal support system, and assisting with, or initiating identified community connections.

Area 10: Crisis Prevention and Intervention

The Direct Support Professional should be knowledgeable about crisis prevention, intervention and resolution techniques and should match such techniques to particular circumstances and individuals.

Skill Statements

• The competent DSP identifies the crisis, defuses the situation, evaluates and determines an intervention strategy and contacts necessary supports.
• The competent DSP continues to monitor crisis situations, discussing the incident with authorized staff and participant(s), adjusting supports and the environment, and complying with regulations for reporting.

Area 12: Documentation

The Direct Support Professional is aware of the requirements for documentation in his or her organization and is able to manage these requirements efficiently.

Skill Statements

• The competent DSP maintains accurate records, collecting, compiling and evaluating data, and submitting records to appropriate sources in a timely fashion.
• The competent DSP maintains standards of confidentiality and ethical practice.
• The competent DSP learns and remains current with appropriate documentation systems, setting priorities and developing a system to manage documentation.

Area 14: Provide Person Centered Supports

Skill Statements

• The competent DSP provides support to people using a person centered approach.

Area 15: Supporting Health and Wellness

Promotes the health and wellness of all consumers.

Skill Statements

• Observes and implements appropriate actions to promote healthy living and to prevent illness and accidents.
• Uses appropriate first aid/safety procedures when responding to emergencies.
• Assists with identifying, securing and using needed adaptive equipment (i.e. adaptive equipment) and therapies (e.g., physical, occupational, speech, respiratory, psychological).

Area 2: Person-Centered Practices

The DSW uses person-centered practices, assisting individuals to make choices and plan goals, and provides services to help individuals achieve their goals.

Skill Statements:

The Direct Service Worker:

• Helps design services or support plans based on the choices and goals of the individual supported, and involves the individual in the process.
• Gathers and reviews information about an individual to provide quality services.
• Completes and submits documentation of services on time.

Area 3: Evaluation and Observation

The DSW closely monitors an individual’s physical and emotional health, gathers information about the individual, and communicates observations to guide services.

Skill Statements:

The Direct Service Worker:

• Helps with the assessment process by gathering information from many sources.
• Uses the results of assessments to discuss options with the individual and with team members to guide support work.

Area 5: Safety

The DSW is attentive to signs of abuse, neglect or exploitation and follows procedures to protect an individual from such harm. S/he helps people to avoid unsafe situations and uses appropriate procedures to assure safety during emergency situations.

Skill Statements:

Emergency Preparedness

The Direct Service Worker:

• Maintains the safety of an individual in the case of an emergency.
• Helps individuals to be safe and learn to be safe in the community.
• Uses universal precautions and gives first aid as needed in an emergency.

Area 8: Health and Wellness

The DSW plays a vital role in helping individuals’ to achieve and maintain good physical and emotional health essential to their well-being.

Skill Statements:

The Direct Service Worker:

• Assists the individual to learn disease prevention and maintain good health.
• Assists the individual to use infection control procedures and prevent illness.

Area 12: Education, Training and Self-Development

The DSW obtains and maintains necessary certifications, and seeks opportunities to improve their skills and work practices through further education and training.

Skill Statements:

The Direct Service Worker:

• Completes training and continues to develop skills and seek certification.

Competency Standard 1: Assessment and Observation

The qualified direct support professional (DSP) is competent in the area of “assessment and observation” as it relates to individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Mental Illness (IDD/MI).

Benchmark 1B: Use of Assessment and Observation Tools

The qualified DSP demonstrates proficiency in the use of assessments and observation methods to support needs of individuals served.

Benchmark 1B Performance Indicators

In the area of “assessment and observation tools,” the qualified DSP:

1. Explains the assessment process to individuals in ways that are paced to and respectful of their unique needs.
2. Coordinates efforts with peers and others to ensure complete and accurate assessment.
7. Completes formal assessment tasks accurately and as requested.

Benchmark 1D: Documentation and Communication Related to Assessment and Observation

The qualified DSP demonstrates effective skills in documentation and communication of assessment information and observations to others. The DSP maintains ethical and legal standards of confidentiality.

Benchmark 1D Performance Indicators

In the area of “documentation and communication,” the qualified DSP:

1. Documents observations accurately and objectively in clear, measurable terms.
4. Reports and documents risks to individual health and safety promptly.

Competency Standard 2: Behavior Support

The qualified direct support professional (DSP) is competent in the area of “behavior support” as it relates to individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Mental Illness (IDD/MI).

Benchmark 2B: Maintaining a Supportive Physical and Social Environment

The qualified DSP is aware of patterns and triggers to challenging behavior and plans accordingly. He/she is skilled at adapting demands and supporting new skill development. The DSP recognizes and build on a person’s strengths and interests. He/she encourages maximum choice and control in each environment. The DSP is validating and reinforcing of the person’s use of positive behavior choices.

Benchmark 2B Performance Indicators

In the area of “supportive physical and social environment,” the qualified DSP:

5. Uses effective and respectful communication strategies. Is patient and appropriate when communicating with individuals.

Competency Standard 3: Crisis Prevention and Intervention

The qualified direct support professional (DSP) is competent in the area of “crisis prevention and intervention” as it relates to individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Mental Illness (IDD/MI).

Benchmark 3B: Knowledge and Use of Crisis Intervention Strategies

The qualified DSP uses safe and effective crisis intervention strategies when necessary. He/she is aware of the specific needs and triggers of individuals supported and works with each person individually. He/she also is able to handle unexpected crises by using established response techniques. In a crisis, the qualified DSP is able to stay calm and work well with the person and others. He/she is able to work effectively with emergency response personnel. He/she is able to consider immediate as well as long-term outcomes for the person in choosing responses. The DSP is organized with necessary information and supports the comfortable transition of the person supported to crisis services. The DSP correctly identifies who to inform and when post-crisis.

Benchmark 3B Performance Indicators

In the area of “crisis interventions,” the qualified DSP:

1. Recognizes when a situation has become unsafe or the person needs more assistance and takes steps to respond in a way that protects people.
2. Activates procedures identified in the crisis plan as described.
7. Identifies and utilizes appropriate contact information in crisis situations (i.e. community mental health services, 911 and hotline resources, etc.).
9. Is prepared for contact with emergency personnel including complete medical and personal information, complete details of the incident, and preferences for treatment and intervention.
14. Promptly reports crisis to correct members of the support and treatment team.
15. Facilitates follow-up services while individuals are in other temporary placements as requested.

Benchmark 3C: Documentation and Communication of Crisis Situations

The qualified DSP recognizes that effective and complete documentation of crisis events is useful. It will guide future decisions regarding prevention and response in crisis. He/she follows all employer documentation guidelines as well as the state documentation requirements. The qualified DSP is familiar with and skilled at following each individual’s treatment plan. He/she communicates with the treatment team as indicated. The qualified DSP understands his/her unique position to observe and document individual behavior. This will support the treatment team in understanding behavioral antecedents and possible positive reinforcements.

Benchmark 3C Performance Indicators

In the area of “documentation and communication of crisis situations,” the qualified DSP:

6. Documents and reports events of crisis incidents accurately and in a timely manner, in accordance with agency policy and state guidelines.

Competency Standard 4: Health and Wellness

The qualified direct support professional (DSP) is competent in the area of “health and wellness” as it relates to individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Mental Illness (IDD/MI).

Benchmark 4A: Knowledge of Health and Wellness

The qualified DSP has skills in basic health support. He/she uses proper infection control procedures. The DSP recognizes and responds to signs and symptoms of illness. He/she helps people obtain preventative and responsive medical services as needed. The qualified DSP recognizes health and wellness as holistic. He/she supports activities, choices and lifestyles that lead happiness and satisfaction on the part of the person. The DSP supports overall quality of life despite barriers. The DSP helps people develop and maintain positive relationships, valued social roles, and new opportunities.

Benchmark 4A Performance Indicators

In the area of “health and wellness,” the qualified DSP:

1. Uses effective infection control procedures when performing intimate care, cleaning, or when helping with food preparation or storage.
2. Recognizes signs and symptoms of infection or injury and responds appropriately.
3. Recognizes signs of seizure disorders and engages effective responses in the event of a seizure.
4. Recognizes signs of health crisis and obtains correct help in a timely way.

Benchmark 4E: Documentation and Communication Related to Health and Wellness

The qualified DSP recognizes that for people with IDD/MI behavioral symptoms are often a key component to the diagnosis and treatment of health disorders. The DSP takes time to maintain accurate and complete documentation in accordance with agency/ organizational guidelines. He/she organizes and communicates this information in useful ways. The DSP teaches skills to assist individuals in monitoring their symptoms and maintaining personal records.

Benchmark 4E Performance Indicators

In the area of “documentation and communication,” the qualified DSP:

1. Recognizes critical information to document and share with others.
3. Follows the documentation requirements and guidelines of their state and agency/organization and records important information as it relates to individuals.

Competency Standard 5: Community Collaboration and Teamwork

The qualified direct support professional (DSP) is competent in the area of “community collaboration and teamwork” as it relates to individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Mental Illness (IDD/MI).

Benchmark 5B: Communication Across Systems

Effective communication skills are essential for the qualified DSP. Each system has its own language and lens. Being able to recognize, organize, and share critical information is a key component to effectively working with others across systems. The DSP must also be able to listen to others and gain necessary information to help individuals understand what is available to them. Sharing current and accurate information will help in obtaining the most appropriate and effective supports.

Benchmark 5B Performance Indicators

In the area of “communication across systems,” the qualified DSP:

1. Communicates individuals’ needs and concerns in simple and effective language.
3. Maintains good records and information in a simple format and uses this as a basis for sharing information about treatment history and current support needs of individuals.
5. Can convey complicated information sensitively to others who needs to know about an individual’s needs and supports, particularly during a behavioral or medical crisis.

Benchmark 5D: Promoting Person-Centered Support, Informed Consent and Advocacy

Person-Centered care places the individual at center of his or her support plan. The qualified DSP recognizes that by their nature services are not person-centered. He/she also recognizes that people with IDD/MI are at high risk for having their rights overlooked or denied. The DSP takes an active role in supporting individuals in participating in decisions about their own treatment. The DSP focuses on flexibility and choice. He/she recognizes that efforts must be made to ensure people with IDD/MI understand and are consenting appropriately. He/she helps individual reach out to their systems of natural support in decision-making. He/she helps individuals develop self-awareness about their treatment needs and preferences. The DSP promotes inclusion and independence in communities of the person’s choice. He/she supports self-advocacy and participates in advocacy when needed.

Benchmark 5D Performance Indicators

In the area of “person-centered support,” the qualified DSP:

10. Works to protect an individual’s confidentiality to promote privacy and respect while simultaneously ensuring information gets to the correct people as desired by person supported.

Competency 2: Health, wellness, and safety

Frontline Supervisors work with participant and his or her teams to develop a support plan to promote the health, safety, and wellbeing of participant based on individual preferences and goals. Frontline Supervisors actively monitor, review, discuss with participant, and modify support plans to ensure most effective strategies are in place.