DSP Team Lead

Guardian Residential Services; Stafford (VA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Free food & snacks

Paid time off

Training & development

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Guardian Residential Services in Stafford, Virginia seeks an experienced Direct Support Professional (DSP) Team Lead. The role leads DSP staff on shifts, ensures adherence to service and behavioral plans, and supports residents with daily living activities while maintaining safety and quality care.

Ideal candidates have prior DSP/group-home experience, strong communication, and the ability to stay calm during challenging situations. Evening and weekend coverage may be required.

Qualifications

• Experience leading DSP staff and guiding a care team.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Background in behavioral support and group-home care.

Responsibilities

• Perform duties of a Direct Support Professional.
• Provide leadership and guidance to DSP staff on shifts.
• Ensure service and behavioral plans are followed and safety procedures observed.
• Monitor documentation accuracy and timely submission.
• Support individuals with daily living activities and community participation.
• Maintain calm, respectful, person-centered environment.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Communication

Documentation

Behavioral support

Calm under pressure

Team supervision

Reliability

Job description

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Free food & snacks
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Tuition assistance

DSP Team Lead – Stafford, VA

Pay: $19.00–$21.00 per hour

Guardian Residential Services (GRS) is actively seeking an experienced and dependable Direct Support Professional (DSP) Team Lead for our residential group home in Stafford, Virginia.

This position supports individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who may have complex behavioral support needs and challenging behaviors. The DSP Team Lead will provide direct, person-centered support while also helping guide DSP staff to ensure consistency, safety, proper documentation, and quality care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform all duties and responsibilities of a Direct Support Professional.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to DSP staff during assigned shifts.
• Ensure staff follow individuals’ service plans, behavioral support plans, and established safety procedures.
• Maintain a calm and professional approach when supporting individuals during challenging behavioral situations.
• Reinforce training and provide immediate guidance to DSP staff regarding standards of care.
• Ensure medications are administered and documented according to company requirements.
• Ensure all shift documentation is accurate, complete, and submitted on time.
• Monitor the quality and consistency of services provided to individuals.
• Communicate behavioral, medical, safety, staffing, and other concerns promptly to appropriate supervisors.
• Assist with documentation reviews and audits as assigned.
• Promote positive communication and teamwork among staff.
• Support individuals with personal care, daily living activities, community participation, meals, and other needs as assigned.
• Maintain a safe, respectful, structured, and person-centered environment.
• Follow Guardian Residential Services policies and procedures and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Previous direct-care experience supporting individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with significant behavioral support needs is highly preferred.
• Previous DSP, group home, residential, or behavioral support experience preferred.
• Ability to provide leadership and direction to other DSP staff.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and safety-focused during challenging situations.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Successful completion of required background checks.
• Reliable transportation and dependable attendance.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.

We are looking for a strong, reliable, and compassionate Team Lead who can take initiative, support the DSP team, and provide consistent person-centered services to the individuals in the home.

Guardian Residential Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics.