Direct Support Professional - Independent Living

Northeast Arc; Danvers (MA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off and holidays

Flexible Spending Accounts

Retirement plan (403(b)

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Northeast Arc is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in Independent Living to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in living independently in their homes and communities. You will provide guidance, encouragement, and practical help to develop new skills, sustain community ties, and pursue personal goals while documenting progress and adhering to agency policies.

This role emphasizes respectful relationships, safety, and empowerment, with a focus on

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• At least 1 year of Human Service experience preferred.
• Ability to build respectful, empowering relationships with individuals with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide living supports and supervision for individuals living independently in the community.
• Teach and support independent living skills, including safety, nutrition, and household tasks.
• Encourage self-advocacy and active community participation.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation per program requirements.
• Follow Northeast Arc policies to ensure a safe environment.

Skills

Effective communication

Empathy & compassion

Team collaboration

Observational skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

First Aid Certification

CPR Certification

MAPs Training

Medication administration training

Job description

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on multiple factors, including but not limited to, the individual's experience, education, and internal equity.

Job Summary

At Northeast Arc, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live life on their own terms. Our Independent Living program supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in building the skills and confidence needed to thrive in their own homes and communities. As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in Independent Living, you will play a meaningful, hands‑on role in making that vision real.

Working in the community in a home setting with someone who lives independently, you will provide guidance, encouragement, and practical support that empowers people to live as independently as possible. Northeast Arc staff come in on various days of the week to assist individuals in learning new skills and helping them maintain their status in the community. This role is as meaningful as it is impactful, and it is a direct reflection of Northeast Arc's mission to change lives and discover abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide quality living supports and supervision for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living independently in the community
• Teach, support, and facilitate choices for individuals within their homes and communities, serving as a positive role model and assisting in the development of social skills
• Support individuals in building key independent living skills, including safety practices, medication administration and health, nutrition, housekeeping, and financial management
• Encourage individual choice, self-advocacy, and active participation in the community
• Assist individuals in pursuing and achieving their personal goals and dreams
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with program and regulatory requirements
• Follow all Northeast Arc policies and procedures, including Universal Precautions, to ensure a safe and healthy environment for those supported

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required
• At least 1 year of Human Service experience strongly preferred
• Ability to develop and maintain a respectful, caring, tolerant, ethical, and empowering relationship with individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral formats
• A genuine desire to assist people in achieving their dreams and goals
• Valid driver's license required
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, stand for periods of time, bend, push wheelchairs, provide physical intervention as necessary, and be able to lift and/or transfer individuals
• Required certifications: First Aid, CPR, MAPs, Vehicle Safety, Human Rights, and Fire Safety
• Must successfully complete and pass all required background checks as a condition of employment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (for employees working an average 30 hours per week)
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick time, and 12 paid holidays
• Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care)
• Group Life Insurance
• Additional voluntary insurance options and discount programs
• 403(b) retirement plan with limited company match
• Employee Assistance Program and Mental Health Hub
• Ongoing professional development (trainings, conferences, CEUs, and more)
• eAcademy online learning platform
• Mileage reimbursement (where applicable)
• Additional perks including employee discounts and more

About Us

Northeast Arc is a non-profit organization with the goal of ensuring that children and adults with disabilities are able to live, work, engage in civic life and play in the community. Employment at Northeast Arc is more than just a job. We are a mission‑driven agency committed to changing lives and discovering abilities. Whether it's the individuals we serve or our employees who support them, we know that each person has a unique set of skills and contributions to make.We are an Equal Opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, medical condition, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Keywords: Direct Support Professional, Independent Living, Intellectual Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities, Residential Support