Lead Direct Support Professional

The Adolphus Group; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off: 64 hours annually

Health benefits starting Day 1

Paid training and leadership development

Job summary

A residential services provider is seeking a Lead Direct Support Professional to oversee day-to-day operations of a residential home in Philadelphia. The candidate will lead and supervise staff, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide direct, person-centered care. Applicants should possess leadership skills, direct care experience, and the ability to manage operational responsibilities. This full-time position offers paid time off, health benefits, and growth opportunities within the organization.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years direct care experience in IDD, behavioral health, or related field.
• Prior experience leading or supervising DSPs strongly preferred.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to obtain CPR, First Aid, MAP certifications.

Responsibilities

• Run daily operations of the assigned residential home.
• Provide direct supervision and guidance to DSPs.
• Ensure appropriate staffing coverage and manage schedule issues.
• Monitor and report changes in health or behavior.

Skills

Leadership

Documentation

Organizational skills

Flexible schedule

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Lead Direct Support Professional (LDSP)
The Adolphus Group • Residential Services • Pennsylvania

Reporting Line

Reports to: Senior Director of People and Residential Services (interim reporting)

Leadership Structure

Direct reports: DSPs assigned to the home report directly to the Lead DSP

Position Summary

Lead Direct Support Professionals (LDSPs) at The Adolphus Group are frontline leaders responsible for the day‑to‑day operation of their assigned residential home. In addition to providing direct, person‑centered care, LDSPs oversee DSP staff, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain the health, safety, and dignity of individuals supported. LDSPs are accountable for staffing oversight, documentation accuracy, service implementation, and adherence to Pennsylvania 6400 and 6100 regulations. The role requires consistency, sound judgment, emotional regulation, and the ability to lead staff while remaining hands‑on.

Accountability Note

The Lead DSP runs home operations and supervises DSPs, while remaining a direct‑care role aligned to clinical, compliance, and DHS expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Run daily operations of the assigned residential home
• Provide direct supervision and guidance to DSPs assigned to the location
• Ensure appropriate staffing coverage and manage call‑outs, schedule issues, and shift continuity
• Address performance concerns in real time and escalate issues as required
• Serve as the primary on-site point of accountability for the home
• Provide hands‑on assistance with ADLs (bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, mobility)
• Support individuals in achieving ISP goals, independence, and meaningful community engagement
• Administer medications in accordance with PA Medication Administration Program (MAP) requirements
• Monitor and report changes in health, behavior, or emotional well‑being
• Implement and oversee ISPs, BSPs, and risk mitigation strategies
• Ensure DSPs follow ISP‑driven routines and documentation expectations
• Complete, review, and correct shift notes, MARs, incident reports, and data collection
• Maintain documentation that is accurate, timely, and audit‑ready
• Conduct and document fire drills, safety checks, emergency preparedness activities, and inventory reviews
• Respond to incidents, medical concerns, and behavioral crises with professionalism and trauma‑informed care
• Follow all incident management, reporting, and escalation protocols
• Ensure individual rights, dignity, choice, and privacy are preserved at all times

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years direct care experience in IDD, behavioral health, or related field
• Prior experience leading or supervising DSPs strongly preferred
• High school diploma or GED required
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications (CPR, First Aid, MAP)
• Strong leadership, documentation, and organizational skills
• Ability to work a flexible schedule (including weekends and occasional overnights)
• Physically able to meet the demands of a residential care environment

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: 64 hours annually (40 vacation, 24 sick)
• Holiday Pay: 8 paid holidays
  • New Year’s Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting Day 1
• Growth: Paid training, internal promotion pathways, and leadership development

Pay Frequency

You will be paid on a weekly basis. Payroll runs on “A Week” Fridays and covers two weeks of work. A full pay calendar will be provided during onboarding.

Before You Start

• Eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Completion of all onboarding paperwork in iSolved
• Agreement to company policies and code of conduct

Successful completion of all required DHS background checks is required.

We’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have questions, please reach out.