Direct Support Professional DSP

FREE TO BE PROGRAMS; Lancaster (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Competitive salary

Training & development

Job summary

FREE TO BE PROGRAMS is seeking a Direct Support Professional in Lancaster, California. This role focuses on empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through structured support and life skills coaching. Responsibilities include implementing individualized support plans and ensuring residents can build independence.

The ideal candidate will have certifications in DSP and First Aid, along with experience in behavioral training. Join us in fostering meaningful lives and community integration.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience implementing structured behavior support plans.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Committed to fostering independence and meaningful living.

Responsibilities

• Implement individualized service and behavior support plans with fidelity.
• Support residents in building independence, autonomy, and emotional regulation.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and sanitary residential environment.

Skills

Behavioral training

Crisis response

Emotional regulation

Education

Current DSP I and DSP II certifications

Current First Aid & CPR certification

Tools

CPI certification

Live Scan background clearance

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Competitive salary
• Training & development

Free To Be Programs operates two Level 6 four bed residential group homes serving adults and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities who require structured, behaviorally supported environments.

Our homes are intentionally small and clinically supported to ensure consistent implementation of behavior plans, individualized attention, and meaningful life skills development. At Free To Be Programs, our mission is to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live meaningful, self-directed lives as valued members of their community. We prioritize dignity, independence, and measurable growth.

Direct Support Professionals are expected to actively participate in behavioral training and ongoing professional development.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement individualized service and behavior support plans with fidelity
• Provide structured life skills coaching (hygiene, meal preparation, budgeting, routines, communication, social skills)

This role requires active coaching, behavioral consistency, and professional accountability.

Required Qualifications

• Current DSP I and DSP II certifications (Preferred)
• Current First Aid & CPR certification
• CPI certification and formal de-escalation training (Preferred)
• Demonstrated experience implementing structured behavior support plans
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to successfully complete Live Scan background clearance

Ideal Candidate

• Confident in behaviorally intensive environments
• Skilled in crisis response and emotional regulation
• Committed to fostering independence and meaningful living
• Professional in documentation and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Open to feedback, CEUs, and ongoing behavioral coaching

Job Duties

• Support residents in building independence, autonomy, and emotional regulation
• Utilize CPI and formal de-escalation techniques during behavioral escalations
• Assist with self-administration of medication in accordance with MAP guidelines
• Collect and document behavioral data accurately and professionally
• Facilitate safe, purposeful community integration
• Maintain a safe, organized, and sanitary residential environment in compliance with licensing and Regional Center standards