Direct Support Professional | DSP | Behavioral Support

GWC Connects; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 22,730 - 26,863; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

PTO and Holiday Pay

Retirement plan

Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligible employer

Job summary

GWC Connects is seeking compassionate Direct Support Professionals (DSP) in Columbus, OH to support adults with significant disabilities. This role involves providing essential hands-on assistance with daily living needs and implementing behavior support plans.

Candidates are required to have a High School Diploma or GED, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations. Competitive pay ranges from $16.50 to $19.50 per hour, with varying responsibilities based on DSP level.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to remain calm and think clearly in stressful situations.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on support with daily living needs.
• Assist with cooking, cleaning, and maintaining routines.
• Follow individualized behavior support plans.
• Complete documentation like incident reports.

Skills

Strong communication and teamwork skills

Ability to remain calm in stressful situations

Ability to lift 10 lbs

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CPR Certification

First Aid Certification

Medication Administration Certification

Job description

Direct Support Professional | DSP | Behavioral Support

605 S Front St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA

Job Description

Posted Monday, March 2, 2026 at 5:00 AM

Direct Support Professional (DSP) – High Needs / Behavioral Support

Pay: $16.50 – $19.50 per hour

Hiring for: DSP 1, DSP 2, and DSP Floater roles

Locations: Columbus, OH

Overview

Goodwill Columbus is looking for compassionate and patient Direct Support Professionals to support adults with significant disabilities in our behavioral support homes. If you’re someone who enjoys helping others, building meaningful relationships, and creating a sense of comfort and stability for those who need it most, we’d love to meet you.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide hands‑on support with feeding, hygiene, toileting, dressing, and other daily living needs.
• Assist with cooking, cleaning, and helping individuals maintain daily routines.
• Follow individualized behavior support plans.
• Use approved verbal and/or physical intervention techniques to maintain safety.
• Redirect and de‑escalate challenging or unsafe behaviors.
• Complete documentation such as incident reports, progress notes, and attendance records.
• Transport individuals in your personal vehicle (DSP2, Floater, and PRN only).
• Support retraining or checking work tasks when needed.
• Maintain safety and follow all agency and state guidelines.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to remain calm and think clearly in stressful situations.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to lift 10 lbs and assist during physical interventions.
• Valid Ohio Driver’s License and auto insurance (DSP2, Floater, and PRN only).
• CPR, First Aid, CITIES, and Medication Administration certifications (or willingness to obtain).

DSP Levels and Pay

DSP 1 – $16.50/hr

DSP 2 – $17.50/hr

• Must have personal vehicle.
• Valid Ohio license (4 points or fewer).
• Vehicle insurance required.

DSP Floater – $19.50/hr

• Must have personal vehicle, valid license (4 points or fewer), and insurance.
• Requires 2+ years of DSP experience.
• Must be available between 7:00am and 11:00pm.
• Supports multiple homes across Franklin County.
• Paid training.
• PTO and Holiday Pay.
• Retirement plan.
• Employee discounts.
• Career growth opportunities.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.