Direct Support Professional | Day Program

National Center On Institutions And; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision insurance

Health Savings Account with employer 2

403(b) retirement plan with employer =

Job summary

National Center on Institutions and Alternatives Inc in Baltimore, MD is seeking a Day Direct Support Professional to provide hands-on, person-centered support to adults with intellectual disabilities. You will float between groups or provide 1:1 support, helping participants grow social, recreational, and work-related skills.

The role emphasizes dignity in daily living, safety, and community engagement, with a 8am-4pm schedule, Monday through Friday, and a non-exempt status.

Qualifications

• Compassionate, patient, and committed to helping others succeed.
• Comfortable supporting individuals with personal care needs.
• Able to stay calm and supportive during challenging moments.
• A strong communicator who follows plans and protocols with precision.
• Flexible, dependable, and energized by meaningful work.
• Valid MD Driver's License with acceptable driving record per agency and insurance criteria.

Responsibilities

• Empower Growth: Provide individualized instruction, support, and encouragement to help participants develop social, recreational, and work-related skills.
• Champion Person-Centered Support: Implement Person-Centered Plans and Behavior Intervention Plans with care and consistency.
• Bring Structure to the Day: Help individuals follow their daily schedules, participate in activities, and engage in community experiences.
• Support Daily Living: Assist with feeding, toileting, and personal hygiene when needed, always with dignity and respect.
• Keep Things Running Smoothly: Prepare materials, maintain safe activity areas, and ensure supplies are ready throughout the day.
• Document with Purpose: Complete progress notes, data collection, and incident reports accurately and on time.
• Respond with Confidence: Use approved behavior management techniques and respond quickly during crisis situations.
• Stay Connected: Communicate regularly with supervisors to ensure seamless support and follow-up.
• Grow With Us: Maintain required certifications (MANDT, CPR/First Aid) and participate in ongoing training.

Skills

Compassion

Patience

Calm under pressure

Strong communication

Flexible

Valid MD Driver's License

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: National Center on Institutions and Alternatives Inc - Baltimore, MD 21244Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $19.00 - $19.00 HourlyJob Shift: DayDay Direct Support ProfessionalDepartment: Career Development CenterReports To: Operations SupervisorStatus: Non‑ExemptSchedule: Mon - Fri 8am - 4pm

Make Every Day Meaningful

At NCIA’s Career Development Center, we believe every person deserves the chance to grow, connect, and live a life filled with purpose. As a Day Direct Support Professional, you’ll be at the heart of that mission — supporting adults with intellectual disabilities as they build independence, explore their interests, and work toward their personal goals.

This isn’t a desk job. It’s hands-on, people-centered, and deeply rewarding. You’ll float between groups or provide 1:1 support depending on the needs of the day, making you a vital part of creating a safe, engaging, and empowering environment.

What You’ll Do

• Empower Growth: Provide individualized instruction, support, and encouragement to help participants develop social, recreational, and work-related skills
• Champion Person-Centered Support: Implement Person-Centered Plans and Behavior Intervention Plans with care and consistency
• Bring Structure to the Day: Help individuals follow their daily schedules, participate in activities, and engage in community experiences
• Support Daily Living: Assist with feeding, toileting, and personal hygiene when needed, always with dignity and respect
• Keep Things Running Smoothly: Prepare materials, maintain safe activity areas, and ensure supplies are ready throughout the day
• Document with Purpose: Complete progress notes, data collection, and incident reports accurately and on time
• Respond with Confidence: Use approved behavior management techniques and respond quickly during crisis situations
• Stay Connected: Communicate regularly with supervisors to ensure seamless support and follow-up
• Grow With Us: Maintain required certifications (MANDT, CPR/First Aid) and participate in ongoing training

Transportation Responsibilities

• Safely transport participants in NCIA vehicles to and from home, the center, and activity sites
• Complete transportation logs and vehicle inspections with accuracy
• Follow all Maryland driving laws and NCIA transportation policies
• Assist individuals entering and exiting vehicles safely
• Maintain respectful neighborhood etiquette during transport

Qualifications

Who You Are

• Compassionate, patient, and committed to helping others succeed
• Comfortable supporting individuals with personal care needs
• Able to stay calm and supportive during challenging moments
• A strong communicator who follows plans and protocols with precision
• Flexible, dependable, and energized by meaningful work
• Valid MD Driver's License with acceptable driving record per agency and insurance criteria

Why NCIA?

Because here, you matter. Your work shapes someone’s day — and often, their future. You’ll join a mission-driven team that celebrates progress, encourages creativity, and believes in the power of community and connection. NCIA is a nonprofit that empowers people through unconditional support, equity, and compassion. We believe in building stronger communities by helping individuals thrive. Make a meaningful impact in the lives of others while working in a supportive, mission-driven environment.

NCIA offers a strong and competitive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental & vision insurance
• Health Savings Account with employer contributions
• 403(b) retirement plan, with employer match

NCIA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit. NCIA celebrates people from all walks of life and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, marital or veteran status, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, or characteristics (or those of a family member), sexual orientation, pregnancy, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.