Direct Support Professional – Part‑Time
We are hiring for a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to support individuals with intellectual, developmental disabilities, and those facing mental health and substance use challenges. This role is part‑time and focuses on providing compassionate, individualized support to improve quality of life.
Responsibilities
- Assist service recipients in identifying and communicating their requests and needs for services and support.
- Promote and support a healthy lifestyle by educating on wellness practices and implementing strategies to prevent illness and accidents.
- Foster self‑advocacy and encourage individual choice and decision‑making aligned with personal goals.
- Accompany and support individuals in community activities such as work, movies, concerts, shopping, and other social outings to promote social engagement.
- Teach and support the development of independent living skills, enhancing self‑sufficiency in daily activities.
- Provide safe and reliable transportation to appointments and community engagements.
- Foster positive relationships and inclusivity within the community, encouraging integration and a sense of belonging.
- Support and guide decision‑making related to living arrangements, employment, and social relationships, respecting individual preferences.
- Assist with personal care tasks, including bathing and hygiene, as well as household chores like laundry, cleaning, and decorating, to maintain a comfortable living environment.
- Document all services provided to ensure accurate records and effective communication among support teams.
- Understand the unique challenges faced by individuals with mental health and behavioral health challenges and utilize advocacy strategies to address barriers.
- Connect individuals to resources that support career exploration, educational opportunities, volunteerism, and personal growth.
- Promote effective communication, ensuring all interactions are respectful, clear, and supportive of the individual’s needs.
- Administer medications when allowed by state regulations, following all safety and procedural guidelines.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding personal information, adhering to all legal and ethical standards.
- Perform additional duties as assigned and enhance service quality.
Supervisory responsibilities: This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Must meet all pre‑employment screening requirements.
- Valid driver’s license.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
- Regularly lift and carry up to 20 lbs.; occasionally pull at least 40 lbs.
- Squat, kneel, crawl, crouch, climb, and stoop as part of regular job duties.
- Use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls.
- Stand and walk for extended periods.
- Demonstrate proficiency in CPR from floor level, which requires working on hands and knees, bending, standing, and lifting.
- Vision: close, distance, and peripheral vision. Hearing: must be able to talk and hear. (Exception for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs: employees must be fluent in ASL; hearing requirement does not apply.)
Pre‑employment screening includes a criminal background check, name checks in registries (OIG exclusions database, Child Abuse Registry, and Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities), drug testing, education verification, and other credentialing based on position requirements. Positions requiring driving require proof of driver’s license, driver’s insurance, and vehicle if needed for transportation.
Benefits
- Payactiv: early access to earned wages before payday.
- Employee perks and discount program to help save money.
- Paid Time Off (full‑time employees only).
- Health/Insurance (full‑time employees only).
- 401(k) retirement savings program.
- Wellbeing Programs: Physical, Emotional, and Financial Chronic Disease management programs for hypertension and diabetes (for qualifying employees).
- Training: Free CPR, first aid, and job‑specific training opportunities.
- Contract/contingent workers and interns do not qualify for any of the above benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity
RHA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer; we prohibit discrimination based on the following protected categories: race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex/gender, marital status, civil status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, affectionate or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, or disability. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact our solutions center.