Direct Support Professional

Ohio Adult Day Care

(DBA) Peace Love Healthcare

Job Title

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Reports To

Program Supervisor or Site Manager

Location

Peace Love Healthcare - Ohio (multiple community and in-home settings: Cuyahoga, Summit, Geauga, Fairfield, Franklin, and Delaware Counties)

Position Summary

At Peace Love Healthcare, we deliver compassionate, person-centered support that helps individuals thrive, remain independent, and participate fully in their communities. The Direct Support Professional provides direct care and meaningful engagement to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This role supports individualized goals, daily living, community participation, and well-being in alignment with DODD standards and Peace Love Healthcare's core values of peace, love, and strengthened care.

Essential Job Functions

Person-Centered Support

• Support individuals in a manner consistent with person-centered planning principles
• Assist individuals in achieving goals outlined in their Individual Service Plan
• Promote independence, self-determination, and choice
• Respect individual rights, preferences, culture, and dignity at all times

Daily Living & Personal Care

• Assist with activities of daily living, including hygiene, grooming, dressing, toileting, mobility, and meals as needed
• Support medication administration in accordance with DODD and agency policy when certified
• Assist with meal preparation, household tasks, and maintaining a clean and safe living environment

Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Follow all DODD rules, Medicaid waiver requirements, and agency policies
• Maintain a safe environment and respond appropriately to emergencies
• Implement behavior support plans as written
• Accurately document services provided, incidents, and progress notes
• Report abuse, neglect, exploitation, and incidents as required by law

Community Integration

• Support individuals in accessing the community, employment, education, recreation, and social opportunities
• Encourage skill development related to communication, social interaction, and community participation
• Provide transportation support when required

Professional Collaboration

• Communicate effectively with supervisors, service coordinators, nurses, guardians, and interdisciplinary team members
• Participate in required trainings, meetings, and supervision
• Maintain professional boundaries and ethical conduct

Required Qualifications (Ohio DODD Aligned)

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to pass a BCI and FBI background check in compliance with Ohio law
• Completion of DODD-required training, including:
  • Orientation and provider-specific training
  • Abuse and neglect prevention
  • Individual rights
  • Health and safety
  • Behavior support, as applicable

Ability to obtain and maintain:

• CPR and First Aid certification
• Medication Administration certification, if applicable
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation, if required for the role

Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English


Ability to complete accurate documentation and electronic records


Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities
• Training or experience in positive behavior supports
• Experience working in residential, day program, or community-based settings

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Ability to lift, push, or transfer individuals as required
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and assist with mobility
• Ability to work in home, community, or residential settings
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively in stressful situations

Core Competencies

• Compassion and empathy
• Reliability and accountability
• Respect for diversity and inclusion
• Strong communication skills
• Professional judgment and ethics
• Commitment to person-centered care

Compliance Statement

All services must be delivered in accordance with Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities rules, Medicaid waiver requirements, and agency policies (Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 5123). Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Peace Love Healthcare is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and the individuals we serve. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Peace Love Healthcare complies with all applicable Ohio and federal employment laws and provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the law.