Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Springdale ID#617506

Supports; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 17,220 - 19,286; Part time

Job summary

Supports is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) for the Fort Smith area. The DSP will provide hands-on support to adults with disabilities, promoting their independence and quality of life. Responsibilities include assisting consumers in their home and community, involving them in planning and decision-making. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, be 18 years or older, and have reliable transportation. Training is provided, and flexibility to work weekends is required.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Flexible to work weekend schedules.
• Reliable transportation and valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on support to an adult consumer in their home and community.
• Promote independence, dignity, and quality of life through person-centered care.
• Support in planning and goal-setting.

Skills

Compassion

Reliability

Social skills

Decision-making support

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Springdale ID#617506

Job Title: Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Pay Range: $12.50 - $14.00/hour | Location: LOCATION

Available Shifts: Monday - Friday 4:00pm - 8:00pm

(Shift assignments may vary based on individual needs and scheduling.)

Who We Are:

Arkansas Support Network (ASN) is a licensed disability services provider serving individuals across Arkansas, with offices in Springdale, Fort Smith, Camden, and Jonesboro.

We partner with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, schools, foundations, businesses, and families to provide effective, least-restrictive supports that help individuals with disabilities live meaningful lives in environments they and their families choose.

About the Role:

We are seeking compassionate and reliable DSPs to provide hands‑on support to an adult consumer in their home and community. This role focuses on promoting independence, dignity, and quality of life through person-centered care.

DSPs empower individuals to live in a home of their choice, access community resources, attend school or work, and participate in activities that are meaningful to them.

About the Individual you will Support:

Personality and strengths

• Warm, social, and motivated to build relationships; enjoys being helpful and participating in community activities.
• Responds well to clear routines and positive reinforcement.
• Learns quickly when tasks are meaningful and tied to his goals; comfortable using everyday technology (phone/apps).

Support needs

• Prefers options and choices rather than being told what to do; needs supports that promote decision-making and self-direction.
• Requires occasional promptings and skill coaching for independent travel, money management, and planning multi-step tasks.
• Benefits from supports that balance safety with dignity of risk - avoid blanket restrictions or unnecessary 24/7 supervision that limit independence.

How to support

• Ask what he wants and offer limited options; involve him in planning and goal-setting.
• Use short, clear instructions and visual or tech prompts (calendar/reminder apps) to support routines and appointments.
• Teach and practise skills through education, experience and exposure - set small, measurable steps (e.g., supervised trips that progress to independent travel).
• Use enabling technology and remote supports where appropriate to reduce intrusive staffing while maintaining safety (e.g., check-in devices, scheduled remote check-ins).
• Encourage community connections and meaningful roles (volunteering, classes, job tasks) that match his interests and strengths.
• Apply least-restrictive, strengths-based supports; review any restrictive practices with due process and pursue less intrusive alternatives first.
• Maintain confidentiality and respectful documentation of supports, goals, progress, and any incidents.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED (or 1 year relevant experience)
• 18 years or older
• Required to pass background checks and required clearances
• Flexibility to work weekend schedules
• Reliable transportation and valid drivers license.

Working Conditions:

• Work occurs in people's homes, community settings, and agency sites; may include standing, walking, and driving.
• May involve exposure to challenging behaviors and physical tasks; agency provides training and supports.
• May involve lifting or using equipment to facilitate mobility.
• May involve assisting with personal care.