Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Location: Alexandria, VA
Position Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Monday - Sunday availability | Day, afternoon, evening & split shifts available

Available Hours May Include:

• 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Split shifts based on program and youth needs

Job Overview

1st Option Care Residential, LLC is seeking dependable, compassionate, and emotionally mature Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to support youth in a structured residential group home setting. Our DSPs play an important role in helping youth develop independence, maintain daily routines, participate in their communities, and work toward their individual goals. We are looking for team members who can provide compassionate support while maintaining appropriate boundaries, structure, consistency, and accountability. The ideal candidate is patient, reliable, professional, and comfortable supporting adolescents with developmental and behavioral needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision and support to youth in the residential home and community
• Maintain a safe, structured, supportive, and person-centered environment
• Assist youth with daily routines and activities of daily living as needed
• Support individual goals, behavioral support plans, and positive coping strategies
• Assist with homework, educational activities, and life-skills development
• Facilitate recreational activities and community outings
• Encourage independence, communication, social skills, and appropriate decision-making
• Provide transportation to approved activities, appointments, school, or community outings as assigned
• Support youth during challenging behaviors using approved de-escalation and behavioral support techniques
• Administer medications when trained and authorized
• Observe and report changes in behavior, health, or overall well-being
• Complete daily notes, shift documentation, incident reports, and other required records accurately and on time
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with youth and families
• Follow all agency policies, individual support plans, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, case managers, nurses, families, and other members of the support team
• Participate in required staff meetings and training

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid driver's license
• Acceptable driving record
• Reliable transportation
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks and drug screening
• Ability to work assigned shifts reliably and arrive on time
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to remain calm and professional during challenging situations
• Ability to work effectively as part of a residential care team

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working with adolescents or young adults
• Experience in ID/DD, behavioral health, residential services, special education, or related human services
• Experience supporting individuals with autism or developmental disabilities
• Behavioral support, crisis prevention, or de-escalation training
• Medication Administration certification/training
• CPR and First Aid certification
• Experience implementing behavioral or individual support plans

What We Value

At 1st Option Care Residential, we value team members who demonstrate:

• Professionalism
• Compassion and patience
• Emotional maturity and self-control
• Consistency and accountability
• Strong professional boundaries
• Dependability and punctuality
• Team collaboration
• Leadership and initiative
• Respect for each youth's dignity, choices, and individual needs

Why Join Our Team?

• Meaningful work supporting youth
• Supportive team environment
• Consistent opportunities for hours
• Professional training

Apply Online : www.optionhomehealthllc.com

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person