DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL-HOURLY

Job Description

Job Description

Job Posting Title

LEAD DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (LDSP)

Job Description

The Lead Direct Support Professional (LDSP) provides direct support services and frontline leadership within residential programs serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and behavioral health needs. Working under the direction of the Residential Manager, the LDSP assists with daily program operations, mentors Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), supports implementation of Individual Service Plans (ISPs), and promotes a safe, trauma-informed, and person-centered environment.

In addition to providing direct care, the LDSP serves as a role model and resource to staff by reinforcing best practices, supporting compliance efforts, promoting independence and skill development for individuals served, and helping ensure quality services and operational excellence across residential programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB AND ESSENTIAL ELEMENTSDirect Support & Participant Care

• Provides direct support services to individuals in residential and community-based settings.
• Assists with activities of daily living (ADLs), including:
  • Personal hygiene and grooming
  • Meal preparation
  • Housekeeping and home maintenance
  • Shopping and budgeting assistance
  • Community participation
  • Transportation services
• Supports individuals in achieving personal goals and maximizing independence.
• Promotes dignity, choice, self-determination, and quality of life.
• Assists individuals in developing social skills, relationships, and community connections.
• Creates and maintains a safe, supportive, and person-centered environment.
• Provides guidance and supervision consistent with Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and Behavior Support Plans (BSPs).
• Implements trauma-informed care practices and positive support strategies.
• Monitors health, wellness, and safety of individuals served.
• Responds appropriately to behavioral, medical, and emergency situations.
• Follows all incident management and reporting procedures.
• Reports suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment in accordance with agency policies and regulatory requirements.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Serves as a mentor and role model for Direct Support Professionals.
• Assists with onboarding, orientation, and training of DSPs.
• Observes and monitors staff performance related to implementation of Individual Service Plans.
• Provides coaching, feedback, and support to DSPs.
• Reinforces person-centered practices and trauma-informed approaches.
• Assists leadership with maintaining service quality, regulatory compliance, and operational consistency.
• Promotes teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and positive workplace culture.
• Supports staff in addressing participant needs, behavioral concerns, and service delivery challenges.

Program Operations & Compliance

• Collaborates with Residential Managers and program leadership regarding daily operations.
• Assists in organizing and maintaining program systems, schedules, records, and home operations.
• Ensures services are delivered in accordance with:
  • Individual Service Plans
  • State regulations
  • Federal regulations
  • Licensing requirements
  • Organizational policies and procedures
• Assists with quality assurance and compliance monitoring efforts.
• Supports preparation for audits, licensing reviews, inspections, and regulatory visits.
• Maintains accurate program documentation and records.
• Helps identify opportunities for quality improvement and operational efficiency.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintains accurate and timely documentation of services provided.
• Completes required reports, service records, and participant documentation.
• Ensures documentation is consistent with organizational, regulatory, and service requirements.
• Documents incidents according to established procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality of participant and organizational information.
• Documents time worked accurately.

Community Support & Advocacy

• Assists individuals with accessing healthcare, social, recreational, educational, and vocational opportunities.
• Supports participation in community activities and events.
• Encourages self-advocacy and personal empowerment.
• Collaborates with families, guardians, healthcare providers, and community resources to support participant goals.
• Promotes community inclusion and meaningful engagement.

Other Responsibilities

• Attends all required meetings, trainings, certifications, and professional development activities.
• Maintains positive relationships with participants, coworkers, families, and community stakeholders.
• Demonstrates professionalism, ethical conduct, and sound judgment.
• Assists with special projects and operational initiatives as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Residential Leadership.

ADHERE TO AND FOLLOW

• The By-Laws of the Corporation and as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation.

Job QualificationsEducation and ExperienceRequired

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience working with individuals with:
  • Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
  • Mental Health conditions
  • Behavioral Health needs
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and documenting in English.

Preferred

• Associate Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Behavioral Health, Education, or a related field.
• Prior leadership, mentoring, coaching, or supervisory experience in residential or community-based programs.

Licenses & CertificationsRequired

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all required certifications and training requirements.
• Successful completion of employment screenings, including FBI clearance where applicable.

Required Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and support practices.
• Ability to mentor, train, and support staff effectively.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Effective problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Basic computer and internet proficiency.
• Ability to utilize:
  • Email applications
  • Electronic documentation systems
  • HRIS systems
  • Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical standards.

Job CompetenciesEffective Communication

Communicates clearly, respectfully, and professionally with individuals served, families, staff, and community partners.

Leadership & Accountability

Provides leadership, guidance, and positive role modeling while maintaining accountability for service quality and program success.

Ethical Practice

Maintains confidentiality, integrity, professionalism, and adherence to participant rights and organizational values.

Collaboration

Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, families, providers, and community stakeholders.

Cultural Humility

Demonstrates respect for diverse backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives.

Problem Solving & Conflict Resolution

Uses sound judgment and solution-focused approaches to address challenges and support positive outcomes.

Person-Centered Support

Promotes dignity, independence, choice, and individualized services that improve quality of life.

Trauma-Informed Care

Creates safe and supportive environments that recognize and respond to the impact of trauma.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

Maintains compliance with organizational, licensing, and regulatory requirements while supporting quality service delivery.

Network FunctionsVehicle Requirements

• Current driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Reliable transportation as required.
• Current vehicle registration and insurance where required.

Equipment/MachinesEquipment Operations

• Telephone
• Cellular phone
• Computer
• Copier
• Fax machine
• Calculator
• Agency vehicles
• Residential program equipment

Computer Software Applications

• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Electronic Health Records (EHR) and documentation systems
• HRIS systems
• Agency-specific software applications

Physical DemandsPhysical Requirements

• Standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, stooping, twisting, and climbing stairs regularly.
• Assisting individuals with mobility, daily living activities, and community participation.
• Driving agency or personal vehicles for participant transportation.
• Responding to behavioral, medical, or environmental emergencies.
• Working in residential, community, and office settings.

Lifting Requirements

• Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds continuously while assisting individuals or moving objects.

Working Conditions

• Residential homes and community-based environments.
• Indoor and outdoor settings.
• Exposure to changing environmental conditions including:
  • Heat
  • Cold
  • Humidity
  • Noise
  • Dust
  • Fumes
  • Mechanical and environmental hazards associated with residential services.

ACCIDENT, HEALTH HAZARD AND SECURITY KNOWLEDGE

• Bloodborne Pathogens
• HIPAA
• Right-To-Know
• Fire and Safety Procedures
• Emergency Preparedness Procedures
• Mechanical Hazards
• Chemical Hazards
• Electrical Hazards
• Exposure Prevention Practices
• Workplace Safety Standards

General Requirements

• Maintain and abide by OSHA requirements and guidelines.
• Observe all Fire and Safety Policies and Procedures.
• Observe all Fiscal, Human Resources, and Personnel Policies and Procedures.
• Observe all Agency Policies and Procedures.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance and confidentiality standards.
• Attend all required trainings, meetings, certifications, and professional development activities.
• Demonstrate professionalism and sound judgment in all employment duties.
• Promote organizational values, participant rights, and quality service delivery.
• Document time worked accurately.

Drug-Free Workplace Statement

Apis Services maintains a drug-free workplace. Employees may be required to participate in drug and alcohol testing in accordance with agency policy, licensing requirements, regulatory standards, post-incident procedures, and reasonable suspicion protocols.

The statements contained herein describe the general nature and level of work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications associated with this position.

From time to time, employees may be assigned additional duties necessary to support residential operations, participant outcomes, and organizational success. Appropriate training will be provided where necessary.

Schedule Flexibility

Please note that work schedules are subject to business and program needs. Flexibility in working hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, emergency coverage, and varying work locations may be required.

The more knowledge, flexibility, and expertise an employee develops, the greater value they bring to themselves and contribute to the continued success of Inperium, Inc. & Family of Services.

About Company

Resources for Human Development (RHD) , an affiliate of Apis Services, Inc. and Inperium, Inc. , provides innovative residential, behavioral health, and community-based services that empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral health challenges to live meaningful, independent, and fulfilling lives.

Apis Services and its affiliates provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. This commitment extends to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, training, and termination.