Direct Support Professional

The Arc Jacksonville; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arc Jacksonville is seeking a Lead DSP to mentor Direct Support Professionals at the Achievement & E Center. This full-time position is centered around leadership responsibilities, fostering a supportive and engaging environment for both staff and participants.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, at least 2 years of relevant experience, and strong interpersonal skills. Responsibilities include staff mentorship, participant support, and community engagement activities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Direct Support Professional or in a related field.
• Must have valid Florida driver's license with good driving record.
• Ability to pass background and drug screenings.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate positive interactions with participants.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation.
• Welcome and mentor new Direct Support Professionals.
• Assist with planning community events.
• Promote safety and respond to crises.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college in human services

Job description

Location: Westside - Jacksonville, FL 32210

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: High School

Job Shift: Day

Job Category: Entry Level

Position Summary: The Lead DSP serves as a mentor and resource for Direct Support Professionals at the Achievement & E Center. In addition to supporting participants as needed, this role focuses on leadership responsibilities outside of daily DSP duties. The Lead DSP fosters a welcoming, organized, and engaging environment by guiding new staff, supporting program operations, ensuring quality documentation, and promoting the A&E Center within the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Participant Support & Safety
  • Demonstrate positive, respectful, and professional interactions with participants at all times.
  • Support participants in making informed choices by presenting options, discussing pros and cons, and respecting decisions unless they pose a health or safety risk.
  • Respond appropriately to medical or behavioral crises to ensure the safety of participants and staff; recognize and correct potential safety hazards.
  • Complete all required trainings, including those related to behavioral crisis response.
• Communication & Collaboration
  • Maintain strong, ongoing communication with the Center Manager, DSPs, Support Coordinators, families, providers, and community partners.
  • Promote a positive image of the A&E Center and the people it serves through professional, collaborative communication.
  • Assist with developing communication materials such as calendars and family/group home updates.
• Documentation & Administrative Support
  • Ensure accurate and timely completion of daily documentation, including health and safety notes, progress toward goals, and incident reports.
  • Assist with reviewing quarterly reports and participant files.
  • Support DSPs in completing annual reports and ensure timely submission.
  • Provide constructive feedback to the Center Manager regarding program operations and staff needs.
• Staff Support & Mentorship
  • Welcome and mentor new DSPs, providing orientation to program expectations and culture.
  • Serve as a point of contact and role model for DSPs, offering guidance, coaching, and support.
  • Encourage teamwork and foster a positive workplace culture.
  • Assist staff in developing or adapting creative strategies to best support participants.
• Program & Event Support
  • Assist with planning, organizing, and leading program-wide events such as holiday parties, family gatherings, and other special activities.
  • Participate in planning meetings and contribute creative ideas for programming.
  • Support Club Arc by attending and assisting at least quarterly.
• Community Engagement
  • Assist with tours for potential participants and families, presenting the A&E Center’s mission and services.
  • Represent and promote the A&E Center at community tabling events to build awareness and relationships.
• Other Duties
  • Perform additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Center Manager to support overall program success.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college or training in human services preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Direct Support Professional or in a related field.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead by example and support a team-oriented culture.
• Must have valid Florida driver's license with good driving record, be able to pass a DOT physical and be willing and able to drive agency vehicles.
• Must be able to pass background and drug screening.
• Please note that all employees of The Arc Jacksonville must complete a background screening housed and managed by the Agency for Health Care Administration called the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse is a first-in-the-nation enterprise system for background screening results of individuals required by law to undergo screening for employment in positions that provide services to vulnerable populations, as mandated by section 435.12, Florida Statutes.