Direct Support Professional Jobs

The Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides high-quality, person-centered support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in a Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA). In addition to performing standard DSP duties, the Lead DSP acts as a peer mentor and shift coordinator. This role bridges direct care and management by ensuring shift compliance, helping train newer staff, managing household schedules, and maintaining a safe, supportive, and empowering home environment for all residents. Essential Duties and Responsibilities. Direct Care & Resident Support (Approx. 60%)

• Assist residents with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including personal hygiene, grooming, bathing, dressing, and toilet tracking as needed.
• Plan and prepare nutritious meals according to dietary guidelines and resident choices; involve residents in cooking and kitchen cleanup to build independent living skills.
• Support residents in achieving personal goals outlined in their implementation plans.
• Administer medications accurately in accordance with physician orders and state medication administration regulations; meticulously maintain Medication Administration Records (MAR).
• Transport and accompany residents to medical appointments, community outings, grocery shopping, and recreational activities using agency vehicles.

2. Peer Leadership & Shift Coordination (Approx. 30%)

• Act as the shift leader by delegating daily household tasks, assigning resident support tasks, and ensuring peer DSPs complete their duties.
• Assist the House Manager in onboarding and providing on-the-job training, mentorship, and guidance to new or regular DSP staff.
• Monitor the CILA home's daily operations, ensuring the house remains exceptionally clean, safe, organized, and compliant with state licensing regulations.
• Audit shift logs, medical records, and communication binders daily to ensure accuracy, clarity, and compliance before submitting them to management.
• Assist in monitoring household budgets, tracking house/grocery receipts, and managing client personal allowance funds under supervision.

3. Safety, Advocacy, and Crisis Intervention (Approx. 10%)

• Implement approved behavioral support plans and physical/verbal de-escalation techniques calmly and professionally during behavioral crises.
• Respond effectively to medical emergencies, administering First Aid/CPR and notifying emergency services and management immediately.
• Complete detailed and timely Incident Reports regarding accidents, behavioral events, or medication errors in compliance with agency and state guidelines.
• Run and document mandatory safety drills (fire, tornado, emergency evacuation) as required by state standards.

• Qualifications & Requirements
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of verifiable experience working as a DSP in a CILA environment.
• Licensing & Registry: Must be listed in good standing on the State Healthcare Worker Registry (or state equivalent) with active DSP status.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Must be able to assist with transferring, lifting, or positioning residents as required (often up to 50 lbs independently or more)
• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and standing for long periods.
• The work environment is a residential group home; must be comfortable adapting to dynamic behavioral situations and assisting with bodily fluids/personal hygiene care.
• Valid CPR and First Aid certifications (or ability to clear upon hire).
• Driver’s License: Valid U.S. driver’s license with an excellent driving record (must meet agency insurance standards to operate company vans).
• Background Clearance: Must successfully pass all state-mandated background checks, including fingerprints, CANTS (Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System), and sex offender registry clearances.

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid orientation

Work Location: In person