Direct Services - Direct Support - Direct Care Professional I

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority in Richmond, VA is seeking dedicated staff to provide hands-on support for individuals with behavioral health needs in residential and community settings. You will assist with daily living tasks, monitor wellbeing, and help with program participation under close supervision using established care protocols.

Starting salary range is $20.13-$23.37 per hour with day, evening or overnight shifts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Up to one year of specialized or technical training beyond high school preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in direct care, behavioral health, or residential support.
• Foundational knowledge of behavioral health and safety protocols.
• Proficiency in basic documentation and use of standard office equipment.
• Possession of a valid Virginia driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.
• OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that demonstrates the capacity to perform the essential functions of the position, as permitted by applicable regulatory standards.
• Preferred CPR/BLS certification.
• Safety-Care or TOVA training.
• 32-hour Medication Aide certification.
• Experience supporting individuals with co-occurring psychiatric conditions.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients with daily living tasks such as hygiene, dressing, eating, and mobility
• Monitor client behavior and safety, including overnight checks and crisis observation
• Support group activities, therapeutic exercises, and skill-building sessions
• Transport clients to appointments, community activities, or treatment sessions
• Maintain accurate documentation of services, behaviors, and incidents
• Communicate effectively with clients, team members, and supervisors
• Follow individual support plans (ISPs) and standard operating procedures
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Daily living support

Behavioral health safety

Communication

Life skills instruction

Documentation

Critical thinking

Education

High school diploma or GED

CPR/BLS certification preferred

32-hour Medication Aide certification

Job description

Provide basic hands-on support to individuals with behavioral health, intellectual, or developmental disabilities in residential or community settings. Responsibilities include assisting with daily living activities, monitoring client well-being, and supporting program participation. Operate under close supervision and follow established care protocols.

North Campus is 24 hour facility, hiring for day, evening, and/or overnight shifts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential duties and primary responsibilities below are intended to describe the general requirements of this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.Other duties may be assigned.

Assist clients with daily living tasks such as hygiene, dressing, eating, and mobility

Monitor client behavior and safety, including overnight checks and crisis observation

Support group activities, therapeutic exercises, and skill-building sessions

Transport clients to appointments, community activities, or treatment sessions

Maintain accurate documentation of services, behaviors, and incidents

Conduct room checks, laundry duties, and basic housekeeping tasks

Communicate effectively with clients, team members, and supervisors

Follow individual support plans (ISPs) and standard operating procedures

Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements

Minimum Qualifications— Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.)

• Up to one year of specialized or technical training beyond high school preferred

• 1–3 years of experience in direct care, behavioral health, or residential support

• Foundational knowledge of behavioral health and safety protocols

• Proficiency in basic documentation and use of standard office equipment

• OR?an equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that demonstrates the capacity to perform the essential functions of the position, as permitted by applicable regulatory standards.

• Possession of a valid Virginia driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record in accordance with agency policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPR/BLS certification

• Safety-Care or TOVA training

• 32-hour Medication Aide certification

• Experience supporting individuals with co-occurring psychiatric conditions

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of daily living support practices and behavioral health safety standards
• Skill in communicating clearly and respectfully with clients and staff
• Skill in teaching and reinforcing basic life skills
• Ability to follow care protocols and respond to client needs appropriately
• Ability to identify potential problems and elevate concerns
• Ability to learn and retain processes through instruction and apply them independently

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position does not supervise or function in a lead worker capacity.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This role, generally performs work under the following conditions:

• Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects, including the human body. This role requires regular movement throughout the workday, including walking, stair climbing, and driving to community-based locations. Employees must be physically capable of navigating varied environments such as residential facilities, urban areas, and client homes.
• Close concentration and visual attention required.
• Normal working conditions. Work is typically performed in a standard behavioral health environment with minimal exposure to environmental hazards.
• Staff may frequently encounter high-risk scenarios involving aggressive, self-injurious, or otherwise unsafe behaviors. The role requires intensive behavior management strategies, including physical interventions and crisis response. Behavioral interventi

ADA

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our team at [e-mail] for more information.

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all employees as required.

EEO

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time

Open Date 10/7/2026

Close Date

About the Organization Join the Fearless!
Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) is licensed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and is the statutorily established public entity responsible for providing mental health, intellectual disabilities, substance abuse and prevention services to the citizens of the City of Richmond.
Our Mission:
RBHA promotes health, wellness, and recovery for the people and communities we serve.
Our Vision:
An inclusive, healthy community where individuals are inspired to reach their highest potential.
Our Values:
Equity / Innovation / Quality / Inclusion / Accessibility / Transparency / Compassion / Integrity
Creating Healthy Communities - One Person, One Family, One Community at a time.
RBHA is committed to providing behavioral health services to all Richmond residents regardless of race, color, gender, age, religion, disability, or national origin.
Services are provided directly by RBHA staff and through contracts with private providers in the community. Funding is received through fees from consumers, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the City of Richmond, and local and state grants.

Starting Salary Range $20.13-$23.37

EOE Statement Richmond Behavioral Health Authority provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This position is currently accepting applications.