Direct Support Professional

RHA Health Services, LLC; Melbourne (FL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Payactiv: early access to earned wages

Employee perks and discount program

Paid Time Off (full-time)

Health/Insurance (full-time)

401(k) retirement savings program

Wellbeing programs for chronic disease

Job summary

RHA Health Services is hiring a Direct Support Professional to provide personalized support to individuals with disabilities in a community setting. The role emphasizes compassionate, person-centered care, promoting independence, and assisting with daily living and transportation needs.

The DSP works under supervision to implement services aligned with individual plans, helping clients engage in meaningful activities and make informed life choices while maintaining privacy and safety standards.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Meet all pre-employment screening
• Compassionate, patient, and dedicated to person-centered support.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to foster independence while providing necessary support.
• Knowledge of disability rights, self-advocacy, and community integration principles.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow regulatory guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for individuals’ human, legal, and civil rights.
• Promote health and safety by supporting wellness initiatives and accident prevention.
• Encourage self-advocacy and empower individuals in making their own choices.
• Facilitate community engagement by accompanying individuals to work, recreational activities, and social events.
• Teach and support independent living skills, including household management and personal care.
• Provide transportation for appointments, errands, and community activities.
• Foster social connections by supporting relationship-building within the community.
• Assist with medication administration in accordance with state laws and regulations.

Skills

Compassionate, patient, and dedicated

Strong communication and interpersonal

Ability to foster independence

Knowledge of disability rights

Ability to maintain accurate records

Must be at least 18 years old

Meet all pre-employment screening

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

We are hiring for: Direct Support Professional Type: Regular

If you are a positive and personable individual looking for a satisfying and fun opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people with intellectual, developmental disabilities, and people facing mental health, and substance use challenges, join our team at RHA Health Services! The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides personalized support to individuals with disabilities, helping them engage meaningfully in their communities and achieve their personal goals. This role involves assisting individuals in identifying and expressing their needs, implementing services aligned with their person-centered plans, and fostering independence and self-advocacy. A successful DSP seeks to understand each individual’s history, social and family networks, and aspirations, providing support with compassion and respect. This position operates under supervision and follows established guidelines to ensure high-quality care and advocacy.

Hourly Rate: $18.50 Sign on Bonus: $2,000 Schedule: 1st shift with every other weekend

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advocate for individuals’ human, legal, and civil rights.
• Promote health and safety by supporting wellness initiatives and accident prevention.
• Encourage self-advocacy and empower individuals in making their own choices.
• Facilitate community engagement by accompanying individuals to work, recreational activities, and social events.
• Teach and support independent living skills, including household management and personal care.
• Provide transportation for appointments, errands, and community activities.
• Foster social connections by supporting relationship‑building within the community.
• Support informed decision‑making regarding living arrangements, employment, and social activities.
• Assist with personal care tasks, such as hygiene, bathing, dressing, and household chores (laundry, cleaning, and decorating).
• Maintain accurate documentation of provided services and support.
• Understand and address challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, using effective advocacy strategies.
• Connect individuals with community resources for career development, education, and volunteer opportunities.
• Encourage effective communication, adapting to individual needs and preferences.
• Assist with medication administration in accordance with state laws and regulations.
• Ensure confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all aspects of care.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Meet all pre-employment screening
• Compassionate, patient, and dedicated to person-centered support.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to foster independence while providing necessary support.
• Knowledge of disability rights, self-advocacy, and community integration principles.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow regulatory guidelines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to regularly lift and carry up to 20 lbs. and occasionally pull at least 40 lbs. Must be able to squat, kneel, crawl, crouch, climb, and stoop as part of regular job duties. Must be able to use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls. Required to stand and walk for extended periods. Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in CPR from floor level, which requires working on hands and knees, bending, standing, and lifting. Vision requirements include close, distance, and peripheral vision. Must be able to talk and hear. Exception – Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs: For these programs only, employees must be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). The requirement to talk and hear does not apply.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING

Complete criminal background Name checked in the registries. (OIG exclusions database, Child Abuse Registry, and Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities) Drug testing Education verification and other credentialing based on position requirements. Proof of employment history or references (if required).

POSITIONS THAT REQUIRE DRIVING

Proof of driver's license, driver's insurance, and vehicle, IF required for providing transportation for individuals.

EEO STATEMENT

RHA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, prohibits discrimination based on the following protected categories: race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex/gender, marital status, civil status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, or disability.

RHA is an equal opportunity employer. In addition, we provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees who have protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact our solutions center.

If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of people we serve and support

BENEFITS

• Payactiv: early access to the money you’ve earned from hours you’ve already worked, before payday!
• Employee perks and discount program: to help you save money!
• Paid Time Off (full-time employees only)
• Health/Insurance (full-time employees only)
• 401(k) retirement savings program
• Wellbeing Programs: Physical, Emotional and Financial Chronic Disease management programs for hypertension and diabetes (for qualifying employees)
• Training: Free CPR, first aid, and job‑specific training opportunities
• *contract/contingent workers and interns do not qualify for any of the above benefits

ABOUT RHA

At RHA Health Services, the people we serve and support are at the very center of everything we do. Throughout Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, we provide high-quality care to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. In North Carolina and Pennsylvania, we also provide behavioral health services to support people with mental health and substance use needs and provide services for those who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Since 1989, we have partnered with and celebrated people achieving their personal goals, building meaningful connections, experiencing positive outcomes in health and wellness, and more. If you share our passion, there is a place for you at RHA Health Services. From inpatient care to community-based services, from in‑home support to facilities of all sizes, RHA offers a range of settings where you can apply your unique skillset. Many of our employees also experience opportunities for career growth and continued education. RHA is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and the Council on Quality and Leadership, and we are committed to providing the highest quality of care. At RHA, we believe we all deserve the chance to live our best possible lives. We want you to join our team of compassionate professionals.

RHA Health Services – Where Compassion Meets Career.