Direct Support Professional (DSP) - East County

San Diego State University; La Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Mileage reimbursement

Paid training and professional develop

Opportunities for advancement

Health and dental benefits

Job summary

Almost Family is hiring a Direct Support Professional to provide one-on-one support to adults with disabilities in their homes and community in a full-time, non-exempt role. The position centers on a male client with 24/7 2:1 staffing, including morning, evening, overnight, and weekend shifts in North Park, San Diego.

You will help develop independence, support living skills, and enable meaningful community participation while maintaining documentation, safety plans, and client rights.

Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older.
• High school diploma or GED or equivalent.
• Ability to pass DOJ/FBI Live Scan background clearance.
• Valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance if driving is required.
• Ability to use a smartphone or tablet for documentation.
• Reliable, punctual and professional with strong communication to team and family.
• 1+ years of experience as direct support staff.
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Provide person-centered support aligned with each individual IPP.
• Assist with supported living skills (cooking, cleaning, budgeting, shopping, scheduling, organization).
• Support community participation including social activities, appointments, recreation, volunteering.
• Assist with personal care as authorized (hygiene, grooming, mobility).
• Follow behavior support and safety plans.
• Accurately complete daily documentation, goal tracking notes, incident reports, and medication administration records.
• Communicate professionally with supervisors, team, and family members.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold client rights at all times.

Skills

Reliable & punctual

Strong communication

Professionalism

Education

High school diploma or GED

CPR/First Aid certification

Tools

Smartphone or tablet for documentation

Job description

Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Supported Living Services (SLS)

Company: Almost Family

Location: North Park

Job Type: Full Time Positions Available.

Compensation: $21.00 – $24.00 per hour (DOE)

Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

About Almost Family

Almost Family has been providing compassionate, person-centered care since 1984. We support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in living independently in their own homes and communities.

Our program in San Diego focuses on dignity, independence, safety, and meaningful community engagement. We believe care should feel personal because at Almost Family, the people we support are truly part of our extended family.

Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides one-on-one support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their homes and in the community. DSPs help support individuals living in their own home, help build independent living skills, achieve personal goals, and participate fully in their communities.

This role is ideal for compassionate, reliable individuals who want meaningful work that makes a difference every day.

This is a full time, client specific role for a Male Client living in his own home. The client requires 24/7 2:1 staffing with shifts for morning (7a-3p), evening (3p-11p), overnights (11p-7a), and weekends. For this client, we are looking for dedicated, reliable staff who will help this individual maintain and grow his independence.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide person-centered support aligned with each individual’s Individual Program Plan (IPP)
• Assist with supported living skills (cooking, cleaning, budgeting, grocery shopping, scheduling, organization)
• Support community participation including social activities, appointments, recreation, and volunteering
• Assist with personal care as authorized (hygiene, grooming, mobility support)
• Follow behavior support and safety plans
• Accurately complete daily documentation, goal tracking notes, incident reports, and medication administration records
• Communicate professionally with supervisors, team, and family members
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold client rights at all times

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to pass DOJ/FBI Live Scan background clearance
• Valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance (if driving is required)
• Ability to use a smartphone or tablet for documentation
• Reliable, punctual, and professional
• Strong communication with team members and family members
• 1+ years of experience as a direct support staff
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)

Preferred

• Experience with Seizures or Epilepsy
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities
• Bilingual a plus

Compensation & Benefits

• $21.00 – $24.00 per hour (based on experience)
• Paid sick leave per state and local regulations
• Mileage reimbursement (if applicable)
• Paid training and professional development
• Opportunities for advancement
• Health and Dental Benefits

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work takes place in client homes and community settings
• May include evenings, weekends, or holiday shifts depending on client needs
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 25–50 lbs (assignment dependent)
• Reasonable accommodations provided in accordance with the ADA

Equal Employment Opportunity

Almost Family CA, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.

Employment is at-will.