DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Behavioral Health Residential

Make a Difference Every Day

Are you passionate about helping others live meaningful, independent lives? Do you believe in treating every person with dignity, compassion, and respect? If so, we invite you to join our team as a Direct Support Professional (DSP).

As one of Delaware's largest nonprofit human services organizations, we partner with communities, government agencies, and healthcare providers to support vulnerable individuals in achieving their goals and living their best lives. Our DSPs play a critical role in empowering individuals with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral health challenges to thrive in their homes and communities.

If you're looking for rewarding work where you can make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a valued member of the interdisciplinary care team who provides compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral health needs.

The DSP assists individuals in developing life skills, maintaining health and wellness, increasing independence, and participating fully in their communities. Through encouragement, guidance, and daily support, the DSP helps individuals reach their personal goals while ensuring their safety and well-being.

This role embraces the organization's mission and values by fostering a culture of compassion, hope, collaboration, and service.

Essential Responsibilities

Direct Care and Support

• Assist individuals with daily living activities, including:
  • Personal hygiene and grooming
  • Bathing and dressing
  • Meal planning and preparation
  • Household chores and housekeeping
  • Community participation and recreational activities
• Support individuals in developing and maintaining independent living skills.
• Encourage and empower individuals to achieve personal goals and maximize their quality of life.
• Promote inclusion, self-determination, and meaningful community involvement.

Relationship Building and Community Engagement

• Build positive, supportive, and professional relationships with individuals served.
• Encourage social connections and healthy relationships with family members, peers, and community members.
• Model hope, optimism, and positive reinforcement to support personal growth and recovery.
• Accompany and support individuals during appointments, recreational activities, shopping trips, and community outings.

Health and Safety

• Assist with daily medication administration and monitoring in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive living environment.
• Monitor the overall well-being of individuals and report concerns to supervisors and clinical staff.
• Assist in ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of all persons served.

Crisis Intervention and Behavioral Support

• Monitor for potential crisis situations and respond appropriately using approved interventions and best practices.
• Utilize crisis intervention skills and de-escalation techniques when needed.
• Follow established policies and procedures for emergency situations.
• Report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment immediately and in accordance with agency requirements.

Documentation and Compliance

• Complete accurate and timely documentation of services, activities, observations, and incidents.
• Maintain confidentiality of all client information in compliance with HIPAA and organizational standards.
• Follow all agency policies, procedures, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with supervisors, clinicians, nurses, family members, and other team members.
• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.
• Contribute to a positive and supportive team environment focused on quality care and excellent service.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid Delaware driver's license.
• Minimum of three (3) years of acceptable driving history.
• Ability to meet agency driving requirements and safely transport individuals when needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience supporting individuals with:
  • Intellectual and developmental disabilities
  • Behavioral health challenges
  • Mental health conditions
  • Human services or residential programs

Additional Skills and Qualifications

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Positive, proactive, and service-oriented attitude.
• Basic computer skills; experience with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems is a plus.
• Ability to build positive relationships with individuals served, colleagues, and community partners.

Core Competencies

• Compassionate Care
• Person-Centered Support
• Relationship Building
• Community Integration
• Crisis Intervention and De-escalation
• Communication Skills
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Accountability and Professionalism
• Documentation and Record Keeping
• Problem Solving and Adaptability

Working Conditions

This position is based in a residential behavioral health setting and may require:

• Working days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts as needed
• Community travel and transportation of individuals served
• Exposure to behavioral health crises and challenging situations
• Walking, standing, and active engagement throughout the shift
• Working in residential homes and community settings

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods
• Bend, stoop, kneel, and reach as needed
• Lift, transfer, and assist individuals when necessary
• Perform household and cleaning activities
• Safely operate a motor vehicle
• Respond quickly during emergencies and crisis situations
• Participate in approved physical interventions when required and trained

Why Join Our Team?

When you join us, you become part of an organization dedicated to creating opportunities, enhancing lives, and building stronger communities. Our employees are driven by a shared commitment to compassion, inclusion, respect, and recovery.

As a Direct Support Professional, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Make a meaningful impact every day
• Help individuals achieve greater independence
• Work alongside a supportive and dedicated team
• Develop valuable professional skills and experience
• Be part of a mission-driven organization committed to service and excellence

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Join our team and help empower individuals to live healthy, meaningful, and independent lives.