SAAGE - Direct Support Professional

United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Sacramento; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Sacramento is seeking an entry-level Non-Medical Direct Support Professional (DSP) to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in living self-directed lives.

The DSP will provide direct support, teaching, and facilitation in program facilities and community settings, following Person-Centered Plans (PCP) and maintaining a safe, inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college preferred.
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain certification within the timeframe established by UCP.
• DOJ fingerprint clearance and all pre-employment screening requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provides person-centered supervision and instruction to engage participants and promote independence, choice, dignity, inclusion, communication, social engagement, and PCP goals.
• Develops and facilitates curriculum for individualized learning, social, pre-vocational, and community-based activities using appropriate technology and resources.
• Provides personal care and ADL assistance (hygiene, toileting, dressing, eating, mobility, lifting, transferring, positioning) with safe equipment as needed.
• Implements PCPs, individualized goals, and non-aversive behavior support strategies as applicable.
• Maintains safety and compliance, including medication administration support per policy and guidelines.
• Completes accurate progress notes, incident reports, and documentation; communicates changes in health or well-being to the team.

Skills

Communication

Person-Centered Support

Organization & Documentation

Interpersonal Skills

Judgment & Problem Solving

Composure

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college preferred

Job description

Job DetailsLevel: EntryJob Location: SAAGE - Sacramento, CA 95825Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: Not SpecifiedSalary Range: $20.00 - $24.00 HourlyTravel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: DayJob Category: Nonprofit - Social ServicesPosition Summary

Position Summary

The Non-Medical Direct Support Professional (DSP) plays a vital role in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live meaningful, self-directed lives. Under the direction of the Program Manager, the DSP provides direct support, teaching, coaching, and facilitation to help participants engage in meaningful activities that align with their Person-Centered Plans (PCP). This includes fostering independence, promoting self-advocacy, supporting skill development, and encouraging community participation. The DSP works in a variety of settings including program facilities, the community, and occasionally through virtual or technology-assisted platforms. This position is central to ensuring that each individual receives high-quality, person-centered support that honors their rights, preferences, and goals while maintaining a safe and inclusive environment.

Essential Functions

Participant Support and Service Delivery

• Provides person-centered individual and group supervision and instruction that actively engages participants and promotes independence, choice, dignity, inclusion, communication, social engagement, and progress toward Person-Centered Plan (PCP) goals.
• Develops and facilitates curriculum for individualized learning, social, pre-vocational, and community-based activities using appropriate technology and other resources.
• Provides personal care and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), including hygiene, toileting, dressing, eating, mobility, lifting, transferring, and positioning. Safely uses adaptive and assistive equipment as required.
• Implements PCP’s, individualized goals, and non-aversive behavior support strategies, as applicable.
• Ensure the safety of all participants specifically with loading and unloading of vehicles and adhering to dietary orders.
• Assists with medication administration or support in accordance with authorized direction, agency policy, and applicable requirements.
• Contributes observations and feedback to the development and review of Person-Centered Plans (PCP); and participates in meetings as needed.

Documentation and Compliance

• Completes accurate, objective, and timely progress notes, incident reports, and other required documentation.
• Observes and promptly reports changes in participant health, behavior, safety, or well-being.
• Protects participant rights, privacy, dignity, and confidentiality and reports suspected abuse, neglect, injuries, and other required incidents in accordance with agency policy and applicable requirements.
• Complies with UCP policies and procedures, applicable Title 17 and Title 22 regulations, Regional Center requirements, and all other applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Responds appropriately to emergencies, accidents, and safety concerns.

Communication and Collaboration

• Maintains professional and effective relationships and communication with participants, families, coworkers, supervisors, interdisciplinary teams, Regional Centers, and community partners.
• Advocates for participant rights and person-centered practices as needed.

Other Essential Duties

• Maintains regular and predictable attendance to support participant services and required staffing ratios.
• Participates and actively engages in required meetings and trainings (in person or online).
• Assists with routine cleaning and upkeep of program facilities and work areas, including taking out trash, disinfecting surfaces, laundry, and washing dishes, to maintain a clean and safe environment.
• Provide direct care support to other programs when needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QualificationsRequired Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college preferred.
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• Current CPR and First Aid certification, or the ability to obtain certification within the timeframe established by UCP.

Conditions of Employment

• Successfully complete DOJ fingerprint clearance and all other required pre-employment screening requirements.

Required Skills, Competencies, and Abilities

• Communication: Communicates and collaborated clearly, professionally, and respectfully with participants, families, coworkers, supervisors, and community partners, both verbally and in writing.
• Person-Centered Support: Demonstrates the ability to support participant choice, independence, dignity, inclusion, and progress toward individualized goals.
• Organization and Documentation: Maintains accurate and timely documentation, follows established procedures, and manages assigned responsibilities effectively.
• Interpersonal Skills: Builds professional, respectful, and supportive relationships while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Judgment and Problem Solving: Exercises sound judgment and responds appropriately to participant needs, safety concerns, emergencies, and changing situations.
• Composure: Remains calm, professional, and responsive during challenging, emotional, or high-stress situations.