Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Residential & Community Networking
Employer: Markham Homes LLC
Location: Kannapolis, NC
Pay: $15+ based on experience
Job Type: Full-time / Part-time
Shifts Available: Day, Evening, Overnight, and Weekends

About Us
Markham Homes LLC provides person-centered residential and community-based support services for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). We support people in our group homes and in Alternative Family Living (AFL) settings. Our mission is to promote independence, dignity, and meaningful community engagement in a safe and supportive environment.

Job Description
We are looking for dependable, compassionate Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to support individuals in two settings:

• Group Home Support: Provide supervision and help with daily routines in a residential group home.
• Community Networking: Help individuals who live in our group homes or in AFL homes take part in their community. This includes classes, volunteering, clubs, recreation, and building relationships and natural supports outside the home.

DSPs encourage independence and positive social engagement while maintaining confidentiality and professional standards. Assignments may include one or both settings depending on availability and agency needs.

Responsibilities

Individual Support & Care

• Help individuals complete goals as documented in their Individual Support Plan (ISP).
• Provide help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as grooming, brushing teeth, toileting, feeding, and meal preparation, based on each person’s needs and person-centered plan.
• Build positive, supportive relationships with individuals to foster trust and engagement.
• Actively engage with individuals in their home and in the community.

Community Networking (Group Home & AFL Clients)

• Plan and facilitate community activities based on each individual’s interests, preferences, and ISP goals.
• Support individuals in developing friendships, natural supports, and connections with community members.
• Help individuals access community resources such as libraries, recreation centers, places of worship, volunteer sites, classes, and local events.
• Teach and reinforce skills used in the community, including money handling, safety awareness, social skills, and use of community resources.
• Coordinate pick-up and drop-off times with AFL providers and group home staff, and communicate any updates or concerns.
• Treat AFL homes as the individual’s and family’s private residence, and maintain respectful, professional communication with AFL providers.

Health, Safety & Crisis Response

• Watch for signs of distress, agitation, or crisis, and intervene following established protocols.
• De-escalate conflicts or behavioral challenges using trauma-informed, person-centered techniques.
• Conduct routine safety checks and keep the home free of hazards.
• Keep individuals safe during community outings and transport, including following emergency procedures while away from the home.
• Administer prescribed medication(s) after completing required training, and help monitor medication compliance under supervision.
• Remain awake and alert for the whole shift.
• Be able to perform the physical demands of the position (e.g., lifting, transfers).

Transportation

• Safely transport individuals in company or personally owned vehicles, including to and from AFL homes, group homes, and community locations.
• Follow agency vehicle safety and transportation policies.

Documentation & Communication

• Complete all required documentation in Therap on time and accurately, including Community Networking service notes that tie activities to ISP goals.
• Share observations about behavior, progress, and concerns with the care team, AFL providers, and supervisors during handovers and team meetings.
• Help update support plans and document interactions as needed.

Compliance & Professionalism

• Uphold, respect, and advocate for individual rights at all times.
• Follow HIPAA regulations and keep all individual information confidential and private.
• Follow company policies and core values to support a professional environment.
• Keep professional boundaries in all interactions with individuals, families, and AFL providers.
• DSPs are mandated reporters and must immediately report any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• Be proficient with technology.

Home Operations

• Keep common areas, bedrooms, and shared living spaces clean and in order.
• Help prepare and coordinate therapeutic programming and community and recreational activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Must be 18 years or older
• Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record
• Reliable transportation with current auto insurance (for Community Networking assignments)
• Able to pass an NC criminal background check and Health Care Registry screening
• Willing and able to complete required trainings (CPR, First Aid, NCI; training provided)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with people with IDD or autism, or in residential or community-based support
• Previous DSP, Community Networking, or caregiving experience
• Familiarity with NC Innovations Waiver services and AFL settings
• Knowledge of confidentiality standards and HIPAA guidelines

Benefits

• Flexible scheduling
• Paid training
• Supportive team environment
• Opportunities for growth and advancement

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Contract

Pay: From $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a valid CPR certification?
• Do you have reliable transportation and current auto insurance?
• Are you able to pass an NC criminal background check and Health Care Registry screening?
• Provide your email

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's license (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)
• Overnight Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person