Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Springdale ID#617723

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

Job summary

Supports is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to provide meaningful support to individuals with disabilities. The role requires a high school diploma or GED and involves working flexible hours, mainly weekdays. As a DSP, you will empower individuals to live independently, supporting them in making choices about their daily lives and community engagement. Reliable transportation and a positive attitude are crucial for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older with a high school diploma or GED.
• Required to pass background checks.
• Reliable transportation and valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on support to individuals in their home and community.
• Promote independence and quality of life for consumers.
• Support skills for independent tasks like transportation and meal preparation.

Skills

Person-centered strengths

Reliability

Communication

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Springdale ID#617723

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 & strengths

• Person-centered strengths-based profile: friendly, motivated, and curious; enjoys community activities and learning new skills. Values relationships and being productive.
• Engages well with others, responds positively to clear choices and routines, and learns best when activities are meaningful and tied to personal goals.

Support needs

• Opportunities to make choices about daily activities, community involvement, and goals.
• Skill-building supports for independent tasks (transportation, money management, meal preparation) rather than routine task completion by staff.
• Flexible, time-limited supports (1-5 hour FlexSupport-style sessions) that match his interests and goals.
• Clear, documented preferences, risk-aware planning, and supports that promote dignity of risk rather than automatic restrictions.

How to Support Him

• Use person-first, strengths-based language; ask him what matters to him and involve him in decisions.
• Offer choice: present 2-3 meaningful options when planning meals, outings, or activities rather than doing tasks for him.
• Avoid over-support: base supervision on observed need and documented risk assessments that focus on strengths and mitigation, not default line-of-sight or 24/7 presence.

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.