Direct Support Professional I

.; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Unitus Family Services in Hampton, VA seeks a Direct Support Professional (DSP) I to provide compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across residential, day programs, and community settings.

This developing-level role works with closer supervision while completing required training and demonstrating safe, reliable, and engaging support.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 18 years of age and able to pass required background, registry, and pre-employment checks.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation when driving or community access is an assigned duty.
• Ability to complete required CPR/First Aid, medication, behavior-support, and agency training within established timelines.

Responsibilities

• Support each person’s dignity, choice, independence, rights, safety, and meaningful participation in daily life.
• Assist with activities of daily living, personal care, meals, mobility, household routines, and community access as assigned.
• Follow Individual Support Plans (ISPs), behavior support plans, health and safety protocols, and supervisor direction.
• Engage clients actively through conversation, skill-building, recreation, and enjoyable activities that reflect individual interests and goals.
• Complete service notes, data collection, medication-related records when authorized, and other documentation accurately and on time.
• Observe and promptly report changes in health, behavior, safety, or service needs; follow incident-reporting procedures.
• Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, respectful communication, and dependable attendance.
• Complete required orientation and training within the first 15 days and maintain all assigned credentials.

Skills

Compassion

Reliability

Communication

Creativity

Judgment

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Unitus Family Services • Direct Support Professional (DSP) I • Job Description

Programs:

Residential, Day Programs, Community Coaching, and In-Home Support Services

Reports to:

House Manager (Residential), Day Program (Team Lead/Manager), or designated Program Director

Role Type:

Direct-care position, non-supervisory

Schedule:

Varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and community-based hours as assigned

Position Summary

The DSP 1 provides compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This developing-level role works with closer supervision while completing required training and demonstrating safe, reliable, and engaging support.

Essential Responsibilities

• Support each person’s dignity, choice, independence, rights, safety, and meaningful participation in daily life.
• Assist with activities of daily living, personal care, meals, mobility, household routines, and community access as assigned.
• Follow Individual Support Plans (ISPs), behavior support plans, health and safety protocols, and supervisor direction.
• Engage clients actively through conversation, skill-building, recreation, and enjoyable activities that reflect individual interests and goals.
• Complete service notes, data collection, medication-related records when authorized, and other documentation accurately and on time.
• Observe and promptly report changes in health, behavior, safety, or service needs; follow incident-reporting procedures.
• Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, respectful communication, and dependable attendance.
• Complete required orientation and training within the first 15 days and maintain all assigned credentials.

Program-Specific Expectations

• Residential: May not work alone until medication-related clearance and all required residential training are complete; does not serve as shift lead or take the first independent weekend assignment.
• Day Program: May begin sooner under direct supervision when no medication administration is required; follows the Team Lead’s daily assignments and activity schedule.
• Community Coaching: Maintains a valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, reliable personal vehicle, and current insurance; plans and participates in safe, fun, community-based activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 18 years of age and able to pass required background, registry, and pre-employment checks.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation when driving or community access is an assigned duty.
• Ability to complete required CPR/First Aid, medication, behavior-support, and agency training within established timelines.

Core Competencies

• Compassion and patience
• Reliability and willingness to learn
• Clear communication and documentation
• Creativity, positive energy, and active engagement
• Sound judgment and respect for client choice

Work Requirements

• Ability to provide hands-on support, respond to emergencies, travel in the community, and perform the position’s essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Regular exposure to varied homes, program sites, vehicles, and community settings.

Equal Opportunity & Acknowledgment

Unitus Family Services provides equal employment opportunities and considers qualified applicants without unlawful discrimination. Reasonable accommodations may be available for qualified individuals. This description summarizes the position’s general duties; responsibilities may change based on program and client needs and do not constitute an employment contract.