Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Dabsinc; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 23,419 - 34,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Paid sick leave

Mileage and cell phone reimbursement

Job summary

Dabsinc in Berkeley, CA is seeking a Direct Support Professional to empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This role involves providing personalized support, ensuring the health and safety of individuals, and engaging in community activities.

Successful candidates will have the ability to follow care plans and maintain relationships with families. Opportunities for training and development are offered along with flexible scheduling.

Qualifications

• 0-3 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and implement established care plans.
• Ability to maintain professional relationships with families and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent, person-centered supervision within the individual’s home and community.
• Assist individuals with scheduling, daily routines, and personal responsibilities.
• Teach independent living skills including cooking and budgeting.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Cultural sensitivity

Punctuality

Education

CPR/First Aid certification

California driver’s license

Job description

Empowering Independence. Upholding Dignity.

At DABS, Inc., we provide comprehensive skills training and supported living services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Since 2005, we’ve been empowering individuals to lead more independent lives—through advocacy, innovation, and unwavering commitment.

We believe in showing up—especially when things get hard. Dignity is our guiding principle, and as demand for our services grows, so does our resolve to ensure every person we serve is respected, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.

Join us!

As a Direct Support Professional, you will be a valued member of a mission‑driven team that believes in doing good work, for the right reasons, with the right support. You will join our team in one of two vital tracks: Personal Attendant (PA) or Skills Instructor (SI), working in both home and community settings. Final job assignment will depend on program needs, experience, and availability.

As a Personal Attendant, you will provide individualized support to adults receiving Supported Living Services. You will focus on the active supervision of individuals to ensure their health and safety, while providing occasional hands‑on assistance with Activities of Daily Living.

Your Impact in Action

• Provide consistent, person-centered supervision within the individual’s home and community.
• Supervise and provide occasional hands‑on support for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including:
• Bathing, toileting, dressing, and personal hygiene
• Preparing meals and feeding
• Light housekeeping and laundry
• Supervise medication administration when needed.
• Accompany and/or transport the individual to medical and personal appointments.
• Observe and report changes in health, behavior, and/or environments to the supervisor.
• Complete daily logs and progress notes in compliance with DDS, Regional Center, and agency standards.
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and other activities as needed.

As a Skills Instructor, you will provide individualized support to adults receiving Independent Living Services (ILS), Tailored Day Services (TDS), and Day Program Services (CIIP/CITP). This role focuses on the development of functional skills and empowers individuals to engage meaningfully in their communities, explore vocational interests and reinforce safe and prosocial behaviors.

Your Impact in Action

• Teach independent living skills including cooking, meal planning, household management, budgeting, shopping, and personal organization.
• Assist individuals with scheduling, daily routines, and personal responsibilities.
• Support individuals in accessing and participating in community activities, including volunteering, education, vocational exploration, recreation and social events.
• Promote health, safety, and wellness through instruction in personal care, healthy habits, and community safety.
• Reinforce self-advocacy skills, decision‑making abilities, and personal goal setting.
• Use de‑escalation techniques to ensure the safety of the individual and the public during community‑based activities.
• Complete daily logs and progress notes in compliance with DDS, Regional Center, and agency standards.
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and other activities as needed.

• 0‑3 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Ability to maintain professional relationships with families, and stakeholders.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and implement established care plans.
• Ability to maintain high standards of professional ethics, including punctual attendance.
• Ability to provide care with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and respect for personal values.
• Ability to communicate clearly and document observations accurately.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a background check and maintaining the following requirements throughout your tenure:

• Tuberculosis (TB) clearance in accordance with California public health guidelines.
• Valid CPR/First Aid certification.
• Valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of current automobile insurance if the position requires transporting individuals.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and assist individuals with mobility as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 25–40 pounds if required.
• Ability to travel within the community

• Pay range: $17.00 – $25.00 per hour, paid weekly. This represents the anticipated hourly range for our Direct Support Positions. Actual compensation will depend on position, experience, qualifications, and program assignment.
• We strive to work around your schedule - full‑time and part‑time positions available.
• We cover the essentials, including healthcare benefits, paid sick leave and mileage and cell phone reimbursement.
• We promote from within and offer opportunities for training and development.

DABS, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail].