Direct Support Professional

Position Overview

Direct Support Professional – $17/hr | Make a Difference Every Day

Location: Polk County, NC Pay: $17.00/hour Position Type: Full-Time & Part-Time Opportunities Available Schedule: Flexible scheduling based on program and consumer needs

❤️ Do Meaningful Work. Build Real Connections. Make an Impact.

Reach for Independence, Inc. is looking for compassionate, dependable, and motivated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our team.

As a DSP, you won't just be going to work—you'll be helping individuals with developmental disabilities build independence, learn new skills, participate in their communities, and reach their personal goals.

Whether you're helping someone learn daily living skills, supporting them at work, accompanying them into the community, or simply providing encouragement and companionship, the work you do matters.

If you're a patient, caring person who enjoys helping others succeed, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

Why Join Reach for Independence?

• $17.00/hour
• Meaningful work where you can see the impact you make
• Opportunities to build valuable experience in human services, healthcare, education, and community support
• Training and professional development provided
• Opportunities to work in a variety of settings and programs
• Support individuals in achieving greater independence and reaching personal goals
• Work alongside a team committed to respecting the dignity, choices, privacy, and individuality of every person we serve

What You'll Do

As a Direct Support Professional, you'll provide individualized support based on each person's goals, needs, and preferences.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Help individuals develop and maintain daily living, self-care, and independent living skills
• Support individuals in making choices and participating in activities that are meaningful to them
• Encourage individuals to develop social, interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills
• Accompany individuals into the community and support participation in community activities
• Provide temporary care and support through respite services
• Support individuals with employment goals, including job coaching and workplace skills
• Assist with household tasks, appointments, budgeting, and other activities that promote independence
• Monitor health and safety and respond appropriately to changing needs
• Provide personal care and assistance when needed
• Lift and/or reposition individuals as necessary
• Use teaching strategies and cues to help individuals work toward goals outlined in their service plans
• Communicate individual progress or concerns to the Qualified Professional (QP)
• Maintain accurate and timely daily documentation using Therap
• Complete required documentation, including timesheets, incident reports, and medication administration records when applicable
• Maintain confidentiality and respect the privacy, dignity, and property of individuals and their families
• Attend required meetings and training
• Follow all agency policies, procedures, and applicable requirements
• Perform other duties as assigned

Different Ways You Can Make an Impact

Depending on your position and assignment, you may provide support through one or more of our programs:

Community Networking

Help individuals participate in meaningful activities and develop relationships and natural supports within their communities.

Day Supports

Support individuals in structured day programs while helping them develop socialization, daily living, independent living, coping, decision-making, relationship, and motor skills.

Community Living & Supports

Help individuals learn and maintain skills related to independent living, self-care, community participation, and self-determination.

Respite

Provide temporary care and support for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Supported Employment – Job Coach

Help individuals choose, obtain, and maintain employment or develop and operate a micro-enterprise.

Supported Living

Support individuals in their own homes with daily living activities, household responsibilities, appointments, budgeting, health monitoring, and social skill development.

Residential Provider

Provide habilitation and personal care support to adults with developmental disabilities living in a home-like setting.

✅ What We're Looking For

You don't need years of experience to make a difference. We are looking for people who are dependable, compassionate, patient, and willing to learn.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• High School Diploma or GED
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification
• Willingness to complete required training and Core Competencies
• Ability to read, write, understand, and follow directions
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Willingness to work with different individuals and adapt to their needs
• Flexibility with scheduling and assignments
• Valid driver's license
• Satisfactory driving record
• Reliable personal transportation and acceptable automobile liability insurance as required for the position

Pre-employment screening is required, including satisfactory results from applicable criminal record, Healthcare Registry, OIG, sex offender, and other required checks.

This Role May Be a Great Fit If You:

• Enjoy helping and encouraging others
• Are patient, dependable, and compassionate
• Want a career where your work has a real impact
• Enjoy building relationships and connecting with people
• Can remain calm and professional in challenging situations
• Are comfortable working independently while also being part of a team
• Are willing to learn new skills and complete required training
• Want to gain experience in human services, healthcare, behavioral support, education, or social services

We Value Every Individual

Reach for Independence, Inc. is committed to creating an environment that respects the culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, spiritual beliefs, socioeconomic status, language, and individual preferences of the people we serve and our employees.

We believe every person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're looking for a job where you can help someone become more independent, reach personal goals, discover new opportunities, and be more connected to their community, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today to become a Direct Support Professional with Reach for Independence, Inc.

$17/hour. Meaningful work. Real impact.

Pay Range