Waiver Direct Support Professional

ACCESSABILITIES INC; Merrillville (IN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Advancement opportunities

Structured team environment

Job summary

AccessAbilities is seeking experienced Direct Support Professionals to provide direct support in Northwest Indiana, including 1:1 overnight shifts, evenings, and weekend shifts. Competitive hourly pay and a mission-driven team environment are offered at our Merrillville location.

The role emphasizes maintaining high professional standards, servering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and ensuring safety, dignity, and compliance in all care activities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years of verifiable DSP experience preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of documentation and compliance requirements.
• CPR & First Aid certification preferred.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and current auto insurance.
• Ability to pass all background and regulatory screenings.
• HCSP training and medication administration experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement Person Centered Individual Support Plans (PCISPs) and behavior support strategies with consistency.
• Provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) while promoting independence.
• Administer and document medications in compliance with state requirements.
• Complete clear, timely, and audit-ready documentation.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and person-centered environment.
• Communicate effectively with leadership regarding changes in health, behavior, or risk.
• Support community integration and transportation, including recreational outings and activities.

Skills

Direct Support

Documentation & compliance

Communication

Safety & risk management

Education

None required

Tools

CPR & First Aid certification

Job description

Waiver Direct Support Professional

• Location 8398 Mississippi St., Merrillville, IN, 46410, United States
• Base Pay $16.00 - $18.50 / Hour
• Employee Type FT Non-Exempt
• Required Degree NONE
• Travel 30%
• Manage Others No

Description

Do you enjoy building genuine connections while making a meaningful difference? At AccessAbilities, you can do that while working alongside individuals who are easygoing and a joy to support.

AccessAbilities is seeking experienced Direct Support Professionals who operate at a high standard of care, accountability, and professionalism to work weekend shifts, evenings, and 1:1 overnight shifts in Northwest Indiana.

This role is designed for career Direct Support Professionals who understand that direct support is skilled work requiring judgment, documentation discipline, regulatory awareness, and consistent execution.

We are looking for professionals who take ownership of outcomes and contribute to a stable, high-performing residential environment. Our residential sites are structured, supportive environments where positive relationships and mutual respect are central to daily life. If you are proactive, driven, solutions-oriented, and growth-minded, this is an opportunity to work in an organization that values experience, maintains strong standards, and fosters a supportive team culture.

The Role

The Experienced DSP provides direct support services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities while ensuring compliance, safety, and dignity in all aspects of care.

You will:

• Implement Person Centered Individual Support Plans (PCISPs) and behavior support strategies with consistency -
• Provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) while promoting independence -
• Administer and document medications in compliance with state requirements -
• Complete clear, timely, and audit-ready documentation
• Maintain a safe, structured, and person-centered environment
• Communicate effectively with leadership regarding changes in health, behavior, or risk
• Support community integration and transportation, including recreational outings and activities

This is not a passive caregiving role. It requires attention to detail, sound judgment, and pride in professional standards balanced with the ability to build meaningful, positive relationships.

Who Thrives Here

Our strongest DSPs:

• Hold themselves accountable without constant supervision
• Anticipate needs rather than reacting to problems
• Maintain strong professional boundaries
• Understand waiver expectations and compliance standards
• Support team culture through reliability and consistency
• Take initiative to strengthen both client outcomes and operational stability
• Enjoy engaging with individuals in activities that promote connection and quality of life

We value DSPs who see this as a profession not a temporary position and who appreciate that providing excellent support can also be rewarding and enjoyable.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years of verifiable DSP experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is preferred
• Strong working knowledge of documentation and compliance requirements
• CPR & First Aid certification preferred
• Valid drivers license, reliable transportation, and current auto insurance
• Ability to pass all background and regulatory screenings
• HCSP training and medication administration experience strongly preferred

Summary

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay based on experience and qualifications
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Health, dental, vision, and additional insurance options (based on eligibility)
• 401(k) with employer match (based on eligibility)
• Opportunities for advancement into Lead and Site-level leadership roles
• Structured, mission-driven team environment

AccessAbilities is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace.

Compensation details: 16-18.5 Hourly Wage