Residential Direct Support Professional

Blick Center; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Blick Center in Akron, Ohio, is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide individualized support and care to people with developmental disabilities. This role involves assisting individuals in daily living skills, promoting independence, and ensuring overall well-being in various settings. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or GED, direct care experience, and a valid driver's license. This position requires strong communication skills and a commitment to dignity and respect.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience in direct care, human services, or related field preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license with less than 6 points.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on support to individuals with daily living skills.
• Support individuals in participating in community activities.
• Implement individualized service plans as directed.
• Maintain a supportive environment in compliance with agency standards.
• Complete required documentation accurately and on time.

Skills

Direct care experience

Communication skills

Transport assistance

Medication administration

Personal care

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides individualized support, care, and advocacy to people with developmental disabilities. This position is responsible for assisting individuals in achieving their personal goals, promoting independence, and ensuring health, safety, and overall well-being in home, community, and program settings.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on support to individuals with daily living skills, including personal care, meal preparation, medication administration, and transportation.
• Support individuals in participating in community activities, recreational outings, employment, and skill-building programs.
• Implement individualized service plans and behavioral support strategies as directed.
• Promote dignity, respect, and choice in all interactions.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and supportive environment in compliance with agency standards and regulatory requirements.
• Complete required documentation accurately and in a timely manner (e.g., progress notes, incident reports, medication logs).
• Assist with medical appointments, therapy sessions, and other personal needs as necessary.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and follow all safety procedures and protocols.
• Communicate effectively with individuals, families, team members, and supervisors.
• Attend all required trainings, meetings, and professional development sessions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience in direct care, human services, or related field preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license with less than 6 points.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in residential homes, community settings, or day program environments.
• May involve working evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts.
• Requires the ability to perform physical tasks and respond to emergencies.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to implement behavior support procedures.

Additional Information: The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions.

The Blick Center is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practice laws.