Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Reach for Independence; Columbus (NC); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible scheduling

Training and professional development

Career growth opportunities

Team-based environment

Job summary

Reach for Independence, Inc. is hiring Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to assist individuals with developmental disabilities in building skills, pursuing goals, and increasing community participation.

All shifts include training and ongoing professional development, with a strong emphasis on dignity, privacy, and person-centered supports. You will help individuals develop independence, support daily living, and engage in meaningful activities within community-based programs, with a flexible

Qualifications

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Hold CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Be willing to complete required training and Core Competencies.
• Be able to read, write, understand, and follow directions.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Be patient, dependable, and willing to adapt to different individuals’ needs.
• Have scheduling flexibility based on program and assignment requirements.
• Hold a valid driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record.
• Have reliable personal transportation and acceptable automobile liability insurance, as required for the position.

Responsibilities

• Teach and reinforce daily living, self-care, and independent living skills.
• Encourage communication, social interaction, decision-making, and relationship-building.
• Help individuals make choices, pursue personal goals, and participate in meaningful activities.
• Accompany individuals into the community and support appointments, activities, and community involvement.
• Assist with household tasks, budgeting, and other everyday responsibilities.
• Provide job coaching and support individuals working toward employment goals.
• Provide personal care, respite, and assistance with lifting or repositioning when needed.
• Monitor health and safety and respond appropriately to changing needs.
• Use teaching strategies and cues to help individuals progress toward goals in their service plans.
• Communicate progress and concerns to the Qualified Professional (QP).
• Complete accurate, timely documentation in Therap, including timesheets, incident reports, and medication administration records when applicable.
• Protect confidential information and respect each individual’s dignity, privacy, and property.
• Attend required meetings and training and follow agency policies and applicable requirements.

Skills

18+ years

High school diploma or GED

CPR/First Aid

Reading and writing

Confidentiality

Scheduling flexibility

Driver's license

Reliable transportation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Overview

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Location: Polk County, NC Pay: $17.00 per hour Employment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time Schedule: Flexible, based on program and individual support needs

Make a Difference in Someone's Everyday Life

Looking for work that has a meaningful purpose? Reach for Independence, Inc. is hiring compassionate and reliable Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to help individuals with developmental disabilities build skills, pursue personal goals, and participate more fully in their communities.

In this role, you'll help people develop greater independence, practice everyday skills, explore community activities, and work toward their individual goals. From providing encouragement and personal care to supporting someone at work or helping them manage daily responsibilities, your support can make a lasting difference.

No years of prior experience are required. We're looking for people who are patient, dependable, respectful, and ready to learn.

What We Offer

• $17.00 per hour
• Full-time and part-time opportunities
• Flexible scheduling based on program and individual needs
• Required training and professional development
• Experience in human services, healthcare, community support, and related fields
• Opportunities to help individuals build confidence, develop new skills, and achieve greater independence
• A team committed to dignity, personal choice, privacy, and individualized support

Your Day-to-Day Responsibilities

You'll provide support tailored to each individual's needs, preferences, and service plan. Depending on your assignment, responsibilities may include:

• Teach and reinforce daily living, self-care, and independent living skills.
• Encourage communication, social interaction, decision-making, and relationship-building.
• Help individuals make choices, pursue personal goals, and participate in meaningful activities.
• Accompany individuals into the community and support appointments, activities, and community involvement.
• Assist with household tasks, budgeting, and other everyday responsibilities.
• Provide job coaching and support individuals working toward employment goals.
• Provide personal care, respite, and assistance with lifting or repositioning when needed.
• Monitor health and safety and respond appropriately to changing needs.
• Use teaching strategies and cues to help individuals progress toward goals in their service plans.
• Communicate progress and concerns to the Qualified Professional (QP).
• Complete accurate, timely documentation in Therap, including timesheets, incident reports, and medication administration records when applicable.
• Protect confidential information and respect each individual’s dignity, privacy, and property.
• Attend required meetings and training and follow agency policies and applicable requirements.

Explore Different Areas of Support

Depending on your position and assignment, you may work in one or more of these programs:

Community Networking: Help individuals build relationships, develop natural supports, and participate in activities within their communities.

Day Supports: Assist individuals with socialization, daily living, communication, coping, decision-making, relationship, and motor skills.

Community Living & Supports: Help individuals strengthen independent living, self-care, community participation, and self-determination skills.

Respite: Provide temporary care and support for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Supported Employment – Job Coach: Help individuals pursue employment, develop workplace skills, maintain jobs, or establish a micro-enterprise.

Supported Living: Support individuals in their homes with daily activities, appointments, household responsibilities, budgeting, health monitoring, and social skills.

Residential Provider: Provide habilitation and personal care support to adults with developmental disabilities in a home-like setting.

Qualifications

You don't need extensive experience to get started, but you must meet the following requirements:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Hold current CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Be willing to complete required training and Core Competencies.
• Be able to read, write, understand, and follow directions.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Be patient, dependable, and willing to adapt to different individuals’ needs.
• Have scheduling flexibility based on program and assignment requirements.
• Hold a valid driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record.
• Have reliable personal transportation and acceptable automobile liability insurance, as required for the position.

Pre-employment screening is required, including applicable criminal record, Healthcare Registry, OIG, sex offender, and other required background checks.

Who Would Thrive in This Role?

This opportunity may be a good fit if you:

• Enjoy helping others learn and grow.
• Are patient, compassionate, and dependable.
• Can remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
• Are comfortable working independently and collaborating with a team.
• Respect individual choices, privacy, and personal differences.
• Are interested in gaining experience in human services, healthcare, behavioral support, education, or social services.
• Want to contribute to work that supports greater independence and community inclusion.

Join a Team That Respects Every Individual

Reach for Independence, Inc. is committed to respecting the culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, spiritual beliefs, socioeconomic status, language, and individual preferences of the people we serve and our employees.

We believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Pay Range

USD $17.00 - USD $17.00 /Hr.