DIRECT SERVICE PROFESSIONAL

Lutheran Services Carolinas; Gastonia (NC); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Retirement

PTO

Free medical insurance

Career advancement

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Lutheran Services Carolinas is seeking a Direct Service Professional to support residents at the Mt. Ridge Group Home in Gastonia, NC. The role requires supervising residents, assisting with daily tasks, and promoting a safe, structured environment.

The DSP supports schedules for meals, activities, and transportation, with shift coverage from 7AM–7PM. Benefits include medical options, retirement, and opportunities for career advancement in a mission-driven nonprofit.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or GED with 1 year in human services.
• BA/BS with no experience.
• Valid driver’s license; 21+ years old.

Responsibilities

• Supervises residents according to accountability levels.
• Works with treatment team to develop and implement residential plans.
• Teaches residents rules and daily routines.
• Prepares meals and snacks for residents and monitors dietary restrictions.
• Distributes medications and documents in THERAP.
• Drives residents to school, work, appointments, and activities.
• Maintains required documentation and participates in trainings.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Overnight flexibility

Crisis management

Clear communication

Education

HS Diploma or GED

BA/BS with no experience

Tools

THERAP

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Mt. Ridge Group Home - Gastonia, NC 28056

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $16.00 - $16.00 Hourly

Travel Percentage: None

Job Shift: First Shift

Lutheran Services Carolinas (LSC) is a mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to serving individuals and communities across North and South Carolina. Founded in 1960, LSC provides a wide range of services for children, families, and seniors through compassionate care, innovative programs, and community partnerships. Guided by a commitment to dignity, respect, and service, LSC strives to empower those we serve and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

One of LSC's Child and Family communities is seeking a full-time Direct Service Professional. The Direct Service Professional (DSP) is responsible for overseeing residents’ behavior and assisting residents in the completion of necessary tasks. The DSP role involves prompting residents to complete tasks and attend scheduled appointments, monitoring behavior, preparing meals, and carrying out light housework. The DSP must also provide emotional support and encouragement to individuals in our programs, ensuring that all individuals take proper medication (when applicable), and reporting all necessary aspects of daily living and behavior.

SHIFTS AVAILABLE

• 7AM - 7PM (7 days on 7 days off)

What We Offer

• Full-time
• $16/hour
• Additional $2/hour if teammate opts out of benefits
• Benefit eligibility starts after 30 days
• Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO, etc.
• Free medical insurance option ($0 premium)
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Tuition Assistance/ Scholarship Opportunities

Essential Functions

• Supervises all residents according to appropriate accountability levels.
• Works as a member of a treatment team in developing, implementing, and evaluating residential plans for all residents and participates in all required training.
• Teaches residents rules.
• Assists in preparing scheduled and planned meals and snacks for residents.
• Observes dietary restrictions and guidelines of specific residents.
• Provides Residential Habilitation Services when indicated in individual service plans and meets any related requirements established by State standards.
• Writes up reports of resident behavior and activity and documents in THERAP.
• Distributes proper medications and supplements to residents.
• Ensures that all residents attend group and individual therapy appointments as/when dictated in their Residential Support Plan.
• Drives residents to school, work, appointments and activities as necessary.
• Observes changes in resident behavior and reports them to Program Coordinator accordingly.
• Engages residents in conversation/communication and encourages socialization.
• Provides emotional support for residents.
• Consults with physicians, nurses, dietitians, and therapists to ensure streamlined and top quality care for residents.
• Represents Lutheran Services Carolinas professionally in the local community (i.e., DDSN, DSS, Mental Health, church, schools, and neighborhood) and acts as a responsible, positive, and healthy role model to influence growth and development of residents.
• Maintains facility/vehicle/equipment cleanliness and proper working order.
• Participates in house meetings and trainings as required.
• Ensures all relevant documentation is completed.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications Education

Education: H.S. Diploma or GED with one year experience in human services field; BA/BS with no experience.

Experience

See Education requirement. Job-specific training required prior to start date.

Specific Skills / Abilities

• Demonstrates patience and empathy.
• Exhibits strong organizational skills.
• Maintains friendly and outgoing demeanor.
• Possesses excellent interpersonal and conversational skills.
• Is willing and able to stay at group home overnight as necessary.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the rules and guidelines of the group home.
• Possesses excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Works well with a variety of individuals.
• Communicates clearly and effectively.
• Maintains an encouraging and compassionate attitude.
• Works calmly and efficiently in a crisis.
• Exhibits excellent listening skills.

Specialized Knowledge, Licenses, etc.

Valid driver’s license; minimum age of 21.

Preferences (Optional)

• Work experience in counseling, social work, or group home preferred.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• Time will be spent in the residential home supervising residents.
• Shifts may vary from night to day; some overnight stays on a rotating basis may be required.
• Local travel may also be required.
• Environment can be stressful and emotional depending on mood and behavior of residents.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach overhead.
• Ability to lift and carry minimum of 25 pounds.