Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Mental Health & Behavioral Support

Job Description

Job Description

About Lasting Impressions

At Lasting Impressions MO LLC, we believe every person deserves a life filled with dignity, meaningful relationships, personal growth, and opportunities to thrive.

We provide individualized residential support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals who experience mental health challenges, behavioral support needs, and complex life circumstances.

Our mission goes beyond providing care. We are committed to building meaningful relationships, encouraging independence, and helping individuals experience a life of their choosing.

Position Overview

We are seeking a compassionate, emotionally mature, and dependable Direct Support Professional (DSP) with a background in mental health or behavioral support to join our residential services team.

This position is especially well-suited for individuals who have experience in behavioral health, psychiatric care, crisis intervention, trauma-informed support, or working with individuals who experience emotional and behavioral challenges.

The ideal candidate understands that behavior is a form of communication and recognizes the importance of patience, consistency, trust, and positive relationships.

As a DSP, you will work directly with individuals in their homes and communities, helping them build independence, develop healthy coping skills, navigate challenging situations, and achieve their personal goals.

Our approach emphasizes connection over control, teaching over punishment, and support over restriction.

Key Responsibilities

Mental Health & Behavioral Support

• Provide compassionate, trauma-informed support to individuals experiencing mental health or behavioral challenges.
• Recognize early signs of emotional distress and respond with appropriate de-escalation strategies.
• Build positive, trusting relationships through consistent and respectful interactions.
• Support individuals in developing emotional regulation, communication, and healthy coping skills.
• Implement individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), safety plans, and support strategies.
• Utilize positive behavioral approaches that emphasize dignity, personal choice, and independence.
• Observe, document, and communicate changes in emotional well-being or behavioral patterns.
• Work collaboratively with supervisors, behavioral professionals, and clinical team members to ensure consistent support.

Daily Living & Independence

• Assist individuals with activities of daily living, including hygiene, meal preparation, housekeeping, and personal care as needed.
• Encourage personal responsibility, decision-making, and skill development.
• Support community participation, meaningful relationships, recreation, and personal interests.
• Assist individuals with maintaining routines that promote stability and overall well-being.
• Provide medication assistance according to applicable training, certification, and agency procedures.

Documentation & Team Collaboration

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services, progress, incidents, and significant observations.
• Follow individualized support plans and established agency procedures.
• Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and clinical professionals.
• Participate in required training, team meetings, and ongoing professional development.
• Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards.

Preferred Qualifications

We especially encourage candidates with experience in any of the following settings:

• Behavioral health or psychiatric facilities
• Inpatient or outpatient mental health services
• Crisis stabilization or crisis intervention programs
• Residential treatment facilities
• Substance use recovery programs
• Community mental health services
• Developmental disability services
• Youth behavioral programs
• Trauma-informed residential care

Relevant backgrounds may include:

• Behavioral Health Technician (BHT)
• Mental Health Technician (MHT)
• Psychiatric Technician
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Behavioral Interventionist
• Residential Counselor
• Recovery Support Specialist
• Direct Support Professional (DSP)
• Tools of Choice Training (TOC)
• Positive Behavior Supports Curriculum 
• MANDT Relational Training

Formal mental health credentials are not required, but related experience is strongly preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and supportive during stressful situations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to learn and implement person-centered behavioral support strategies.
• Ability to complete required training and documentation.
• Ability to meet applicable background screening and employment requirements.
• Dependability, emotional maturity, and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of others.

Compensation & Benefits

Starting Pay: $18.00 per hour

$500 Sign-On Bonus

• $100 after 30 days
• $200 after 90 days
• $200 after 6 months

Up to $1,000 in Additional Training Bonuses

• $500 upon completing Relias Level 2 (100 hours)
• $500 upon completing Relias Level 3 (158 hours / program completion)

Additional benefits may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions
• Paid time off
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid professional training and development
• Career growth and leadership opportunities

Benefit eligibility and bonus payments are subject to applicable company policies.

The Kind of Person We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who can see beyond a diagnosis, recognize the person behind a difficult moment, and understand that meaningful progress often begins with a trusting relationship.

Someone who can remain calm when emotions are high, respond with compassion instead of frustration, and celebrate even the smallest victories.

If you have a heart for mental health, a passion for helping others, and a desire to make a meaningful difference, we would love to meet you.

Lasting Impressions MO LLC is an equal opportunity employer.