Direct Support Professional - CDS

The Arc of Washington County - MD; Hagerstown (MD); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short-term disability

403(b) retirement plan

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Casual dress code

Career advancement

DSP Certification Bonus

Job summary

The Arc of Washington County - MD is seeking a compassionate Direct Support Professional to join the CDS team in Hagerstown. You will support adults with developmental disabilities in group settings, helping with daily living, communication, social skills, and participation in community activities.

Responsibilities include implementing behavior support plans, maintaining documentation, and collaborating with nursing and CDS staff.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license with at least 2 years of driving experience.
• Ability to lift/transfer up to 50 lbs. as needed.
• Experience with individuals with developmental disabilities or behavioral needs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to individuals with developmental disabilities in a group setting.
• Assist with daily living skills, communication, emotional regulation, and social development.
• Support individuals during campus activities, community outings, recreational activities, and structured programming.
• Actively engage, encourage participation, and help create a fun, positive, and interactive environment throughout the day.
• Implement behavior support strategies and individualized support plans.
• Maintain accurate documentation, communication logs, and incident reporting.

Skills

Direct support

Communication

Documentation

Behavior support

Driving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

MANDT training

Job description

Title: Direct Support Professional - CDS

Location: Hagerstown, MD (Main Campus)

Pay Rate: $19.25/hr

Schedule: Monday- Friday: 8:00AM - 3:00PM (35 hours per week) full-time, non-exempt

Job Description

The Arc of Washington County is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and highly engaging Direct Support Professional (DSP) to join our Community Development Services (CDS) team. This role supports adults with developmental disabilities in a structured, group-based setting focused on community involvement, skill development, socialization, and meaningful daily activities. The CDS team is specifically looking for someone who is outgoing, energetic, active throughout the day, and genuinely enjoys interacting, participating, and building relationships with groups of individuals.

What You’ll Do

• Provide direct support to individuals with developmental disabilities in a group setting
• Assist with daily living skills, communication, emotional regulation, and social development
• Support individuals during campus activities, community outings, recreational activities, and structured programming
• Actively engage, encourage participation, and help create a fun, positive, and interactive environment throughout the day
• Implement behavior support strategies and individualized support plans
• Encourage participation, independence, and positive social interaction throughout the day
• Maintain accurate documentation, communication logs, and incident reporting
• Promote a safe, positive, and supportive environment for all individuals served
• Work collaboratively with nursing, behavioral, CDS, and leadership teams

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities or behavioral needs preferred
• Calm under pressure with strong problem-solving and communication skills
• Ability to document accurately and advocate professionally
• Valid driver’s license with at least 2 years of driving experience required
• Ability to safely transport individuals in agency vehicles
• Ability to lift/transfer up to 50 lbs. as needed
• MANDT or similar behavioral support training preferred

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (shared cost)
• Company-paid Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Time Off and 7 Paid Holidays
• Casual dress code and employee appreciation events
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities
• DSP Certification Bonus Program - Earn Up to $5,250
• Earn $1,500-$2,000 per DSP certification level during your first year, with the opportunity to earn up to $5,250 total- plus annual incentives for maintaining certification