Direct Support Professional

Melwood; Virginia (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Melwood in Arlington, VA is seeking a Direct Support Professional to provide direct support to individuals with disabilities and promote independence within a day program setting.

You will implement life skills and vocational training activities, facilitate community integration, and collaborate with the Day Support Program team to create meaningful opportunities while ensuring safety, compliance, and high‑quality documentation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; vocational or technical training preferred.
• Minimum 1 year experience with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or in a related human services environment.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
• Demonstrated ability to identify individual needs, resolve routine concerns, and maintain professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support, supervision, and assistance to individuals with disabilities in a day support setting.
• Implement educational training, activities, and lessons that focus on life skills, recreation, career exploration, and vocational preparedness.
• Attend and facilitate community integration activities that promote learning, independence, and social engagement.
• Collaborate with the Day Support Program team to cultivate community partnerships and develop meaningful community-based opportunities.
• Maintain compliance with all county, state, and federal regulations governing human services providers, including participant supervision ratios, documentation requirements, and safety standards.
• Promote a safe, ethical, inclusive, and professional environment for participants and staff.
• Assist with special projects, including documentation reviews and audits.
• Complete timely and accurate daily documentation, progress notes, and program records.
• Transport participants to and from community integration activities and program-related events as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Customer service

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Vocational/technical training

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

Direct Support Professional

Job Details

Description

Position Summary

The Day Support Specialist provides direct support and supervision to individuals with disabilities, promoting independence, community engagement, life skills development, and vocational preparedness. This position facilitates educational and recreational activities while ensuring compliance with program standards, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies.

Essential Functions

• Provide direct support, supervision, and assistance to individuals with disabilities in a day support setting.
• Implement educational training, activities, and lessons that focus on life skills, recreation, career exploration, and vocational preparedness.
• Attend and facilitate community integration activities that promote learning, independence, and social engagement.
• Collaborate with the Day Support Program team to cultivate community partnerships and develop meaningful community-based opportunities.
• Maintain compliance with all county, state, and federal regulations governing human services providers, including participant supervision ratios, documentation requirements, and safety standards.
• Promote a safe, ethical, inclusive, and professional environment for participants and staff.
• Assist with special projects, including documentation reviews and audits.
• Complete timely and accurate daily documentation, progress notes, and program records.
• Transport participants to and from community integration activities and program-related events as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; Vocational or technical training in a related field preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or in a related human services environment.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to utilize department databases, web-based applications, and other technology systems.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
• Demonstrated ability to identify individual needs, resolve routine concerns, and escape issues when appropriate.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with participants, families, community partners, and team members.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Most situations are resolved through established policies, procedures, and program guidelines.
• Exercises sound judgment in addressing participant needs and routine operational matters.
• Work is performed under general supervision, with outcomes reviewed by a supervisor or manager.
• Prioritizes and organizes assigned work independently while adhering to program requirements.

Working Relationships

• Interacts regularly with participants, families, community members, vendors, and internal staff.
• Exchanges routine and detailed information while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
• Collaborates with team members to support program goals and participant success.
• Assists in resolving routine concerns and contributes to a positive and productive work environment.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass a DOT physical examination.
• Ability to safely transport program participants.
• Ability to successfully pass required background checks and screenings.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

*Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm 40hrs Per Week/$18.50 Per Hour*
*Location: Arlington, VA*

Company Description

We are committed to respecting, celebrating, honoring, and embracing the unique attributes and characteristics of each individual. This commitment fuels excellence in who we are and what we do as an organization.

We are deeply passionate about our mission and values and recognize that achieving excellence starts from within. By reflecting the same principles of belonging and integrity internally, we set the foundation for meaningful partnerships, impactful strategies, and thoughtful investments.

We are committed to respecting, celebrating, honoring,