Direct Support Professional (DSP) Residential–Behavioral Support (IDD Services)

Innovative Life Solutions Inc; Washington (District of Columbia, MD); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Saving Account (HSA)

Paid Time Off

401(k)

Training and development

Job summary

A community support organization in Washington, DC is seeking compassionate Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to support individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The role involves providing direct care, supervising clients, and implementing behavioral support plans in both residential and day program settings. Candidates must have a minimum of 2 years' experience and be at least 18 years of age. A high school diploma or GED is required. Join our mission-driven team committed to enhancing quality of life.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Minimum 2 years of experience supporting individuals with IDD and behavioral needs.
• Valid Driver’s License preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and supervision to individuals with IDD in residential and/or day program settings.
• Support individuals with behavioral challenges through BSPs and de-escalation techniques.
• Maintain a safe and structured environment.

Skills

Compassionate

Resilience

Patience

Trauma-informed approach

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

All Jobs > Direct Support Professional (DSP) Residential–Behavioral Support (IDD Services)

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Residential–Behavioral Support (IDD Services)

Washington, DC & Maryland • Innovative Life Solutions

Full-time, Part-time

Description

Schedule: Day, Evening, Overnight, and Weekend Shifts Available

We are seeking compassionate, resilient, and dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to support individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) who present high behavioral and complex support needs in both Residential Homes and Day Program settings.

This role is ideal for individuals who are patient, structured, and confident in managing challenging behaviors, while maintaining a person-centered, trauma-informed approach.

Key Responsibilities

Provide direct care and supervision to individuals with IDD in residential and/or day program settings

Support individuals with behavioral challenges, including implementing Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and de-escalation techniques

• Assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
• Promote community integration and engagement
• Maintain a safe and structured environment
• Document services and incidents per DDS/DDA standards
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members
• Follow all health, safety, and regulatory requirements

Behavioral Support Focus

• Emotional dysregulation
• Use de-escalation and proactive strategies

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum 2 years of experience supporting individuals with IDD and behavioral needs
• Pass National and State Criminal Background Checks
• Maintain eligibility under DOH/DDS/DDA regulations
• Acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)Ability to pass drug screening
• Valid Driver’s License (preferred)

DC Requirements (DDS)

• Complete criminal background checks through DC Department of Health (DOH)
• Meet DC Department on Disability Services (DDS) eligibility requirements
• Complete required training prior to independent work

Maryland Requirements (DDA)

• Complete Maryland State and FBI fingerprint-based background checks
• Meet Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) eligibility requirements
• Complete required training and certification requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in high behavioral settings
• Familiarity with DDS/DDA regulations
• CPI or crisis intervention training
• RBT certification or working toward certification

Required Certifications

• CPR & First Aid
• Medication Administration
• TB Test & Physical
• All state-required clearances and trainings
• Overtime opportunities
• Health Saving Account (HSA)
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k)
• Training and development

Why Join Us

Join a mission-driven team committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with IDD.