Lead DSP - Community

Easterseals Redwood; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Health Insurance

401K with company match

Dental and Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

Education and Professional Development

Free daily lunch

Humana EAP

10 Paid holidays

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Easterseals Redwood in Ohio is seeking a Lead Direct Support Professional (Lead DSP) to guide DSP staff in the Adult Day Program. You will deliver hands-on support to adults with disabilities, mentor teammates, and help implement individualized care plans.

This role emphasizes leadership, staff development, and coordinated daily activities, with a focus on dignity, safety, and positive interaction, while collaborating with program leadership and nursing.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years' experience working with adults with disabilities, with at least one year in a lead, senior, or supervisory capacity preferred.
• High School Diploma or GED (Required).
• Demonstrated experience with documentation systems, behavior management programs, and individualized care planning.

Responsibilities

• Provides day-to-day guidance and support to DSP staff in the absence of the Program Manager, serving as a first point of contact for questions and concerns.
• Assists the Program Manager with onboarding and training of new DSPs, including orientation to procedures, documentation systems, and individual participant needs.
• Mentors DSPs on best practices in personal care, behavior management, and active learning approaches.
• Monitors DSP performance during shifts and provides constructive, real-time feedback to promote consistency and quality of care.
• Communicates staffing concerns, coverage needs, or staff performance issues to the Program Manager promptly.
• Assists with scheduling coordination and ensures adequate coverage for program activities, meals, bus duty, and personal care routines.

Skills

Leadership

Supervision

Onboarding

Mentoring

Communication

Active learning

Education

Experience with adults with disabilities

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

At Easterseals Redwood, we believe in the power of purpose and the power of work. We empower children and adults with disabilities, military veterans, and people facing disadvantages in our region to live full and meaningful lives. Our programs are designed to meet individuals where they are -- to enrich education, expand employment, enhance health, and elevate our communities.

By 2030, 10,000 people each year will say Easterseals Redwood makes their lives better. As one of the largest human service providers in the region, our team members won’t rest until every one of us is valued, respected, and accepted.

Our Values: Believe in people, Joy, Inclusion, Curiosity, Impact, and Courage

Why join Easterseals Redwood as a Lead DSP-Community Hub:

• PTO and Extended Illness Time
• Health Insurance options
• 401 K Retirement Plan with a company match
• Dental and Vision Insurance options
• Disability Insurance options
• Education and Professional Development Assistance
• Free daily lunch (Kentucky campus)
• Humana Employee Assistance Plan
• 10 Paid holidays

Position Summary:

The Lead Direct Support Professional (Lead DSP) serves as a frontline leader within the Adult Day Program, providing both direct care and operational guidance to DSP staff. In addition to delivering hands-on support to adults with disabilities, including personal care, skill development, and emergency response, the Lead DSP assists the Program Manager in coordinating daily activities, mentoring team members, and ensuring the consistent implementation of individualized care plans. The Lead DSP models best practices and acts as a key point of communication between staff, program leadership, and the nursing department.

LEAD DSP - COMMUNITY FULL TIME:

At Easterseals Redwood, we believe in the power of purpose and the power of work. We empower children and adults with disabilities, military veterans, and people facing disadvantages in our region to live full and meaningful lives. Our programs are designed to meet individuals where they are -- to enrich education, expand employment, enhance health, and elevate our communities. By 2030, 10,000 people each year will say Easterseals Redwood makes their lives better. As one of the largest human service providers in the region, our team members won’t rest until every one of us is valued, respected, and accepted.

Our Values: Believe in people, Joy, Inclusion, Curiosity, Impact, and Courage

Why join Easterseals Redwood as a Lead DSP-Community Hub:

• PTO and Extended Illness Time
• Health Insurance options
• 401 K Retirement Plan with a company match
• Dental and Vision Insurance options
• Disability Insurance options
• Education and Professional Development Assistance
• Free daily lunch (Kentucky campus)
• Humana Employee Assistance Plan
• 10 Paid holidays
• Growth Opportunities

Position Summary:

The Lead Direct Support Professional (Lead DSP) serves as a frontline leader within the Adult Day Program, providing both direct care and operational guidance to DSP staff. In addition to delivering hands-on support to adults with disabilities, including personal care, skill development, and emergency response, the Lead DSP assists the Program Manager in coordinating daily activities, mentoring team members, and ensuring the consistent implementation of individualized care plans. The Lead DSP models best practices and acts as a key point of communication between staff, program leadership, and the nursing department.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Leadership & Staff Support

• Provides day-to-day guidance and support to DSP staff in the absence of the Program Manager, serving as a first point of contact for questions and concerns.
• Assists the Program Manager with onboarding and training of new DSPs, including orientation to procedures, documentation systems, and individual participant needs.
• Mentors DSPs on best practices in personal care, behavior management, and active learning approaches.
• Monitors DSP performance during shifts and provides constructive, real-time feedback to promote consistency and quality of care.
• Communicates staffing concerns, coverage needs, or staff performance issues to the Program Manager promptly.
• Assists with scheduling coordination and ensures adequate coverage for program activities, meals, bus duty, and personal care routines.

2. Direct Care & Program Delivery

• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of each assigned adult's condition, individual file, assessments, objectives, and performance data.
• Provides active learning programs for individuals and small groups to support skill development and the achievement of individualized learning objectives.
• Uses an integrated teaching approach that embeds opportunities to develop social, communication, cognitive, and motor skills during practical life activities and routines.
• Provides direct supervision and positive interaction with adults during all personal care services, ensuring dignity and respect at all times.
• Assists adults with all types of personal care as needed, including wheelchair transfers, positioning, hygiene, toileting, and dressing, using safe lifting techniques and appropriate adaptive equipment.
• Encourages adults to actively participate in daily living tasks such as snack preparation, meal setup/cleanup, and material organization to foster independence and personal responsibility.
• Implements behavior management programs as directed and coaches DSP staff in proper implementation.
• Observes and monitors adult health status throughout the day; ensures prompt access to nursing or medical attention for individuals showing signs of illness or injury.
• Provides safe physical management of adults during emergency drills and crisis situations and supports DSP staff in doing the same.

3. Documentation & Communication

• Maintains and oversees accurate and timely documentation including personal care records, attendance, incident reports, seizure logs, behavior documentation, and food service reports.
• Reviews DSP documentation for completeness and accuracy; follows up on missing or incorrect records.
• Communicates pertinent information regarding participant care and wellbeing to the Program Manager, nursing staff, other DSPs, and program volunteers as appropriate.
• Participates in team meetings and contributes to the review and updating of individual care plans and program goals.
• Assists with shared duties including snack/meal preparation and cleanup, laundry, cleaning and organizing program materials, and bus duty.

Education/Qualifications:

• Minimum of two years' experience working with adults with disabilities, with at least one year in a lead, senior, or supervisory capacity preferred.
• High School Diploma or GED (Required).
• Demonstrated experience with documentation systems, behavior management programs, and individualized care planning.

If you’re someone that is passionate about making a difference and would like the opportunity to do just that every day, a career at Easterseals Redwood may be for you. We are currently hiring and encouraging anyone interested in becoming part of an organization with a mission-driven, relationship-focused, joy-filled culture.