DSP (Direct Support Professional)

Direct is seeking compassionate, dependable, and dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to provide individualized care and support to clients with developmental disabilities, physical limitations, cognitive impairments, and behavioral support needs. The ideal candidate will be patient, attentive, physically capable, and committed to promoting each individual's safety, independence, dignity, and quality of life.

This position involves assisting clients with daily living activities, providing supervision, encouraging independence, supporting communication, and helping individuals participate in meaningful activities within their homes and communities. Candidates should be comfortable working with individuals who may require extensive hands-on assistance, consistent supervision, mobility support, and individualized approaches to care.

Personal Care & Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

• Assist clients with bathing, grooming, dressing, oral hygiene, toileting, and incontinence care as needed.
• Provide assistance with transferring, repositioning, mobility, and maintaining proper body alignment.
• Support meal preparation, feeding assistance when necessary, and hydration according to the individual's care plan.
• Assist with light housekeeping, laundry, maintaining a clean environment, and other household tasks related to the client's care.
• Encourage clients to participate in daily routines while promoting independence to the greatest extent possible.
• Provide respectful, appropriate personal care while protecting each client's privacy and dignity.
• Assist clients with following established routines, understanding instructions, making choices, and completing tasks safely.
• Recognize changes in behavior, mood, alertness, mobility, communication, or overall functioning and promptly report concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
• Use calm communication, positive reinforcement, redirection, and approved behavior support strategies to encourage cooperation and reduce distress.
• Maintain a supportive environment for individuals who may become frustrated, overwhelmed, restless, or resistant to assistance.
• Follow each client's individualized care plan and approved support strategies.

Qualifications & Preferred Experience

• Previous experience in direct support, home health care, personal care, caregiving, group homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, or other human services settings is preferred.
• Experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, cognitive impairments, physical limitations, or behavioral challenges is strongly preferred.
• Experience providing hands-on assistance with ADLs, mobility, transfers, repositioning, and personal care is beneficial.
• Ability to recognize changes in a client's behavior, communication, mobility, or daily functioning.
• Knowledge of positive behavior support, de-escalation, redirection, and person-centered care principles.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification is preferred or required based on the assigned case.
• Strong communication, observation, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow care plans, maintain confidentiality, and communicate concerns promptly.
• Reliable transportation, punctuality, consistency, and a professional attitude are essential.
• Ability to complete required training, onboarding, and background screening.
• Must be willing to work independently while recognizing when additional assistance or supervisory guidance is needed.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person