Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Pay: 16.50–18.50 per hour, based on experience, plus mileage reimbursementMake a Difference Every Day!

Focus Behavioral Health is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and motivated Direct Support Professional (DSP) to join our team!

What Does a Direct Support Professional Do?

At Focus Behavioral Health, our DSPs provide individualized support to adults with Autism and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The goal is to help individuals build independence, develop everyday life skills, participate in their communities, and work toward their personal goals.

As a DSP, you will work directly with individuals in their homes and communities, providing hands-on assistance, encouragement, supervision, and guidance based on their individual needs and support plans.

Primary Responsibilities

Your responsibilities may include:

• Daily Living Skills: Assisting with everyday routines, including personal hygiene, dressing, meal preparation, cooking, laundry, and household tasks as needed.

• Community Integration: Supporting individuals with community outings, shopping, recreational activities, appointments, and other experiences.

• Independence & Skill Development: Teaching and encouraging practical life skills that promote greater independence and confidence.

• Socialization & Communication: Encouraging positive social interactions, communication, relationships, and participation in preferred activities.

• Individualized Support: Following each individual's Individual Support Plan (ISP), goals, preferences, and established routines.

• Health & Safety: Maintaining a safe environment, recognizing potential concerns, and following all applicable health and safety procedures.

• Documentation: Completing accurate service notes and required documentation in a timely manner.

• Professional Relationships: Building positive, respectful relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

• Advocacy & Choice: Encouraging individuals to express their preferences, make decisions, and exercise their rights.

Reliability and consistency are especially important for this position. Building a trusting relationship and maintaining a dependable schedule will be essential to providing quality support.

What We're Looking For

You may be a great fit if you are:

• At least 18 years old.

• Compassionate, patient, and respectful toward others.

• Dependable, punctual, and responsible.

• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.

• An effective communicator with good problem-solving skills.

• Willing to learn and follow individualized support plans.

• Interested in working with adults with Autism and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

A high school diploma or GED is preferred but not required.

Previous experience as a DSP, caregiver, home health aide, personal care assistant, or in healthcare, education, psychology, or human services is a plus. However, we are happy to train the right candidate!

Basic Employment Requirements

Candidates must have:

• A valid driver's license.

• Reliable transportation.

• The ability to successfully complete required criminal background clearances.

• The ability to provide physical assistance when necessary.

Physical Requirements

Depending on the needs of the individual receiving services, employees may assist with standing, walking, transferring, and other mobility-related activities. The position may require the ability to lift 75 pounds or more when necessary.

Pay, Perks & Employee Benefits

We value our employees and offer opportunities to grow within the organization.

• 16.50–18.50 per hour, based on experience.

• Up to $500 in sign-on bonuses.

• Employee referral bonus opportunities.

• Paid training – no previous DSP experience required.

• Opportunities for additional hours based on availability and organizational needs.

• Mileage reimbursement.