DSP (Direct Support Professional)

Kahak Health; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 16,531,000 - 24,797,000; Part time

Job summary

Kahak Health Care Services is seeking a dependable Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide in-home and community-based support for a school-age individual in Roanoke, VA. The role requires calm, patient staff comfortable assisting with autism-related needs and behavioral challenges.

Shifts total 18 hours per week, including evenings and weekends. Ideal candidates are reliable, punctual, and capable of maintaining safety, documenting activities, and engaging the client in community outings.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year experience in the medical or related field.
• Must be 18+ years old.
• Current CPR & First Aid certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide close supervision for safety.
• Help prevent wandering or elopement.
• Keep the individual active and engaged during the shift.
• Support activities at home and in the community.
• Help with communication and appropriate choices.
• Assist with transitions between activities.
• Use calm redirection when the individual becomes frustrated.
• Support daily living skills as needed.
• Participate in community outings.
• Complete required daily documentation.

Skills

Reliability

Punctuality

Patience

Child care

Autism support

Calm under pressure

Active during shifts

Documentation

Community activities

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Direct Support Professional (DSP) — In-Home Support

Kahak Health Care Services is seeking a dependable and patient Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide in-home and community-based support to a school-age individual.

This position is a good fit for someone who is calm, attentive, active, and comfortable supporting a child with autism-related needs and behavioral challenges.

Schedule

18 hours per week

• Sunday: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Thursday: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Friday: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM

What You Will Do

The DSP will:

• Provide close supervision for safety.
• Help prevent wandering or elopement.
• Keep the individual active and engaged during the shift.
• Support activities at home and in the community.
• Help with communication and appropriate choices.
• Assist with transitions between activities.
• Use calm redirection when the individual becomes frustrated.
• Support daily living skills as needed.
• Participate in community outings.
• Complete required daily documentation.

What You Should Know About This Case

The individual enjoys:

• Outdoor activities
• Parks
• Water play
• Art and creative activities
• Building and making things
• Sensory and comfort items

The individual does best when staff:

• Stay calm and patient.
• Give no more than 1–2 choices at a time.
• Avoid demanding language.
• Avoid using “No” when possible.
• Offer another choice or redirect instead.
• Give extra time to process changes.
• Keep activities available throughout the shift.

The individual may become upset when:

• Told “No”
• Given too many choices
• Asked to transition quickly
• Feeling rushed
• Given repeated demands
• Hungry
• Overstimulated

There is also a significant wandering/elopement concern, so the DSP must remain alert and provide active supervision throughout the shift.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who is:

• Reliable and punctual
• Patient
• Calm under pressure
• Comfortable working with children
• Comfortable supporting individuals with autism
• Comfortable with behavioral challenges
• Able to remain active throughout the shift
• Able to provide close supervision
• Comfortable participating in community activities
• Able to follow support and safety plans
• Able to complete clear and accurate documentation

This is an active support position, not a passive sitting or companion role. The DSP should expect to participate in activities, provide redirection, support communication, and maintain close attention to safety throughout the shift.

Requirements

A minimum of one year experience in the medical or a related field (social work, psychology, nursing assistance, etc.) and a high school diploma or equivalency. Must be 18 years of age. Additionally, the following are required:

• A reliablecar
• A current driver's license
• A current work authorization (US Passport, US Work Authorization card, Permanent Resident Card) or a Birth Certificate
• Social Security Card
• Current auto insurance
• Current CPR & First Aid
• Current physical exam
• Current tuberculosis test with negative result
• Resume

If hired, background checks (FBI) and a Central Registry (CRS) check will be required.

Call/Text: 757-840-6072 or Email: [e-mail]