Direct Support Professional (DSP) — $30-$45/hr

Elevate Spectrum | Agency With Choice Professional Support Pool | Maryland | W-2 | Full-Time & Part-Time Opportunities Higher Pay. Higher Standards. Work That Matters. Elevate Spectrum is building a highly selective Agency With Choice Professional Support Pool of dependable, experienced Direct Support Professionals to support adults with developmental disabilities throughout Maryland. Through the Agency With Choice model, participants and families have meaningful input into selecting their support professionals and defining preferred schedules, daily routines, and expectations. Elevate Spectrum remains the employer and manages hiring, payroll, required training, compliance, and administrative support. We are seeking professionals with at least 3 years of experience supporting people with developmental disabilities who can provide more than basic supervision. Our DSPs help participants build skills, exercise greater independence, participate meaningfully in their communities, pursue employment and personal goals, and live more self-directed lives. This is meaningful work with meaningful responsibility. The higher compensation reflects the professionalism, reliability, judgment, and level of engagement expected from members of the Elevate Spectrum DSP Pool. Compensation $30–$45 per hour, depending on the authorized service, assignment, and geographic area. These are service-specific rates, not a guaranteed starting wage or a guarantee that every DSP will qualify for every assignment. Higher-rate assignments may require appropriate participant authorization, relevant experience, demonstrated competency, and a suitable participant‑professional match. Geographic differential rates may apply to eligible assignments in Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Montgomery, and Prince George's counties. This is a W-2 employee position, not a 1099 independent‑contractor role. Available benefits may include paid time off, health reimbursement accounts, and retirement benefits, subject to position requirements, hours worked, and plan eligibility. How the Hiring and Matching Process Works This is a rolling recruitment campaign to build a pre-qualified Agency With Choice DSP Pool for current and upcoming participant assignments throughout Maryland. Joining the pool does not guarantee an immediate assignment, a specific schedule, or a minimum number of hours. Placement depends on participant choice, service authorization, geographic fit, availability, qualifications, and mutual compatibility. Candidate Journey Submit your application and screening information. Complete an initial recruiter interview. Provide required employment, reference, and background‑screening information. Complete applicable onboarding, orientation, and training requirements. Become eligible for participant assignments that align with your qualifications, location, availability, and service interests. Participate in a family/participant match conversation or interview when appropriate. Begin work after the assignment, service authorization, schedule, and onboarding requirements are confirmed. What You'll Do Responsibilities vary by participant and authorized service and may include: Support Everyday Life and Independence Assist participants with daily routines, personal goals, and meaningful activities. Encourage participants to make choices and exercise as much independence as possible. Support communication, problem‑solving, decision‑making, and self‑advocacy. Help participants develop practical life skills at home and in the community. Provide respectful assistance with personal care when required by the assignment. Maintain a safe and supportive environment while preserving dignity and privacy. Create Meaningful Community Experiences Develop meaningful community activities and social experiences based on the participant's interests and goals. Accompany participants to community activities, appointments, classes, social events, and recreational opportunities. Turn everyday outings into opportunities for connection, confidence, independence, and skill building. Encourage active participation rather than simply supervising or transporting. Adapt activities to individual interests, abilities, preferences, and support needs. Support participants individually or in authorized small‑group settings Assist participants with workplace routines and task completion. Reinforce communication and professional expectations. Support workplace independence without unnecessarily taking over. Help participants appropriately navigate workplace challenges. Communicate relevant observations and concerns through established channels. Work Respectfully With Participants and Families Follow the participant's agreed‑upon schedule, support preferences, and service plan. Respect household rules, family culture, religious practices, privacy, and personal boundaries. Communicate professionally with participants, family members, and the Elevate Spectrum team. Receive direction and feedback professionally. Recognize that working in someone's home requires discretion, sensitivity, and respect. Support participant choice while maintaining safety, professional boundaries, and agency requirements. Meet Documentation and Compliance Requirements Arrive on time and work the full scheduled shift. Complete timesheets, Electronic Visit Verification (EVV), service notes, and other required documentation accurately and on time. Promptly report incidents, safety concerns, changes in participant needs, and scheduling issues. Maintain required training and applicable credentials. Follow employer policies and service‑specific requirements. Perform only activities within your authorized role, training, and scope of responsibility. What This Work Is Really Like This work can be rewarding, creative, and genuinely enjoyable. You may help someone explore a new interest, strengthen friendships, develop greater confidence in the community, succeed at work, or become more independent at home. It can also be demanding. Some participants require hands‑on personal care. Some communicate differently. Some require additional patience, consistency, emotional regulation, or behavioral support. Families have different routines, expectations, cultures, and preferences. Successful professionals remain engaged, respectful, dependable, and professional throughout the entire shift. Families depend on you to show up. Participants notice when you do not. Required Qualifications 3+ years of professional experience supporting people with developmental disabilities Authorized to work in the United States Ability to communicate effectively and professionally Ability to use a smartphone, email, EVV, and electronic documentation Ability to complete timesheets, service notes, EVV, incident reports, and other required documentation accurately and on time Ability to provide hands‑on personal care when required by an assignment you accept Ability to work independently in private homes, workplaces, and community settings Dependability, punctuality, and consistent attendance Ability to maintain a recurring schedule once an assignment is accepted Professionalism and respect for participant choice, family culture, household expectations, privacy, and boundaries Flexibility, resourcefulness, emotional regulation, and sound judgment Reliable transportation to assigned work locations Willingness to complete required background screening, references, onboarding, orientation, training, and compliance requirements Ability to meet the essential requirements of an assigned position, with or without reasonable accommodation Ability to obtain or maintain CPR, First Aid, and other required certifications when applicable For Assignments Requiring Participant Transportation Current valid driver's license Satisfactory driving record Willingness to transport participants when authorized and required by the assignment Preferred Qualifications Additional experience or credentials that may strengthen your eligibility for particular assignments include: CNA / Certified Nursing Assistant GNA / Geriatric Nursing Assistant Group‑home or residential‑services experience Community‑based services experience Medication‑administration experience within authorized scope Experience supporting individuals with limited verbal communication or communication devices Experience with mobility or personal‑care needs Experience supporting moderate or significant behavioral needs De‑escalation or behavioral‑support training Schedule Full-time and part-time opportunities are available. Schedules vary by participant and assignment. Current opportunities may include: Afternoon and evening schedules Saturdays and Sundays Extended weekend schedules Limited overnight opportunities Your availability, desired hours, geographic location, and service interests will be considered when identifying potential participant matches. Why Elevate Spectrum? Competitive compensation of $30–$45/hour for eligible assignments W-2 employment with an established Maryland DDA‑certified provider Participant‑focused matching based on your strengths, location, availability, and experience Opportunities to build consistent, meaningful relationships with participants and families Variety of assignments including in‑home support, community participation, small‑group activities, and employment support Onboarding, administrative support, training, and guidance from the Elevate Spectrum team Potential eligibility for paid time off, health reimbursement accounts, and retirement benefits Meaningful work helping people live more connected, self‑directed, and fulfilling lives Ready to be compensated like the professional you are? Elevate Spectrum is an EEO. Reasonable accommodations are available. #J-18808-Ljbffr Elevate Spectrum