Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Adult Day Program

Magdala House; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 20,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

Long-term Disability Insurance

Job summary

Magdala House in St. Louis, Missouri is seeking a Direct Support Professional to provide compassionate care to adults with disabilities. This role involves assisting with daily activities, promoting independence, and ensuring participants' well-being in a supportive environment.

Ideal candidates will possess a valid driver’s license and have experience in care settings. The position offers essential benefits including health, dental, vision, and life insurance for full-time positions.

Qualifications

• Experience working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Ability to lift/carry up to 20 pounds.
• Must have full coverage auto insurance if using a personal vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and supervision to participants.
• Assist with activities of daily living.
• Plan and facilitate community engagement activities.

Skills

Valid driver’s license

Patience

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma / GED / Equivalent

Job description

Description

The Direct Support Professional -DSP, provides compassionate, person-centered care and support to adults with intellectual, developmental, and/or physical disabilities in an adult day program. The DSP promotes independence, community inclusion, personal growth, and overall well‑being by assisting participants with daily activities, life skills, recreational programming, and individualized goals in a safe and supportive environment.

Essential Functions

Client Support

• Provide direct care and supervision to participants in accordance with their Individual Support Plan.
• Assist with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, toileting, grooming, eating, and mobility as needed.
• Plan and facilitate recreational, educational, vocational, and social activities that encourage independence and community engagement.
• Support participants during community outings and transportation while ensuring safety at all times.
• Encourage development of communication, social, and independent living skills.
• Monitor participants' health, behavior, and emotional well‑being, reporting concerns to supervisors promptly.
• Assist with meal preparation and ensure participants follow dietary guidelines.

Facility & Safety

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized program environment.

Communication & Documentation

• Maintain accurate documentation, including daily progress notes, incident reports, and attendance records.

Additional Responsibilities

• Build positive relationships with participants, families, coworkers, and community partners.
• Follow all agency policies, state regulations, HIPAA requirements, and safety procedures, including emergency protocols.
• Participate in required training, staff meetings, and professional development.

Skills & Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license required. If using a personal vehicle to transport clients, must have proof of current auto insurance.
• Patience, compassion, and integrity to ensure clients feel safe and respected.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, especially in crisis or emergency situations.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols precisely.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Physical stamina to assist with lifting or turning clients and ability to lift/carry up to 20 pounds.
• Manual dexterity to operate computer systems and complete documentation.

Additional Attributes

• Commitment to a solution‑focused, person‑centered approach.
• Ability to remain calm and clear‑headed in stressful situations.
• Comfortable collaborating with multiple departments and professionals.

Benefits (Full‑Time Positions)

• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Long‑term Disability Insurance

Requirements

• CNAs - $22.00 per hour
• Experienced, Non Degree - High School Diploma / GED /Equivalent - $20.00 per hour
• Full coverage auto insurance
• Class E Driver's License - Company will reimburse cost where necessary.
• Experience working with Blind and Non‑Verbal, a plus.