Direct Support Professional - CDS

Arcwc MD; Hagerstown (MD); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan with Company 0%

Paid Time Off

7 Paid Holidays

Casual dress code

Professional development opportunities

DSP Certification Bonus Program

Certification incentive program

Job summary

The Arc of Washington County is seeking a compassionate Direct Support Professional (DSP) to join our Community Development Services team in Hagerstown, MD. The DSP will support adults with developmental disabilities in a structured, group-based setting that emphasizes community involvement and meaningful daily activities.

You’ll help with daily living skills, social development, and community outings, while implementing individualized support plans and maintaining documentation.

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.

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.
• 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.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Documentation

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