Community Development Counselor

Silver Spring, United States | Posted on 08/11/2026

As a Community Development Counselor (DSP) at Rock Creek you'll be at the heart of our mission. You'll have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of our consumers every single day. From exploring our local community, to working on volunteer or employment activities, you will help in improving our consumers' daily life skills. You will also be responsible for providing direct-care and person-centered instruction in a community-based setting in order to develop, enhance and maintain daily living, social, and community skills.

What You'll Do:

• Assists in planning daily meaningful day activities
• Counsels' clients in identifying and resolving social or other problems
• Compiles records of daily activities of client
• Writes and submits incident reports as needed
• Monitors and maintains client records
• Supervises group-sponsored trips and social functions
• Escorts individuals on trips outside establishment for recreational activities
• Transports individual in personal vehicle
• Ensures compliance with COMAR, MHP and company regulations
• Implement Individualized Plan goals and outcomes
• Updates client goals, contact notes accurately and in a timely manner; completing all required documentation to maintain accuracy of client records
• Accompanies or transports consumers in the assigned program to and from day program and to all activities including work; modifies day program activities to accommodate consumer’s needs; and monitors consumer’s progress toward goals
• Depending on assignment, monitors, corrects, and instructs consumer’s behavior, de-escalates anger and frustration, assists consumer in conflict resolution from harming self or others; keeps consumer attention focused on activities or work duties
• Maintains daily communication with house staff, usually through written progress reports; and meeting with staff one time per week; maintains consumer’s chart
• Models' appropriate behavior for consumer; demonstrates and discusses behavior, reactions, and feelings to assist consumer in proper work and/or social behavior
• Depending on assignment may supervise consumer at a job site on Rock Creek contracts or outside premises; instructs and encourages consumer
• Assists consumer in planning and adapting materials and activities to enhance their day; ensures consumer’s safety and to ensure least restrictive environment and maximum participation
• Attends mandatory meetings
• Check work email at the beginning and end of each shift
• Participates in and successfully completes all required trainings

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license with no more than3 points and have access to a vehicle for work purposes.
• Must have proof of car insurance.
• High School Diploma (or equivalent) and a minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with adults diagnosed with varying intellectual disabilities and or developmental disabilities.
• Must be able to work individually as well as within a team. Must be able to multi-task.
• Must be able to work with “high-risk” consumers who have mental illnesses as well as development or intellectual disabilities as well as physical.
• We expect all staff to have a strong desire to provide excellent customer service.
• We expect all staff to have a strong desire to provide excellent customer service; to comply with the rules and regulations of those organizations to which we are accountable; to have high ethical and professional standards of conduct; and to have an attitude of wanting to continuously improve their own professional performance.
• Must be able to effectively and professionally communicate with other staff and individuals served.

At The Rock Creek Foundation, you’re not just an employee — you’re a valued change agent. Here’s what you can expect:

• Schedule:M-F, 8:00AM to 4:00PM
• Hourly Rate Range:$20.00 - $21.00
• Robust Retirement Plan – 403(b) with company match to support your future.
• Health Coverage That Cares – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Time to Recharge – Generous paid time off.
• Celebrate You – Enjoy your birthday off every year!
• Training & Growth – Ongoing development programs and career advancement opportunities.
• Culture of Purpose – A welcoming, inclusive environment where you belong.
• Tuition Reimbursement – Invest in your education, and we’ll support you.
• Employee Assistance Program – Confidential support for life's challenges.
• Wellness Perks – Annual wellness initiatives and access to the Calm App.
• Recognition & Rewards – Through our Awardco platform and referral program.
• Exclusive Discounts – Enjoy deals through FunEx and more.
• Life and AD&D insurance provided at no cost
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Optional legal assistance and transferable life insurance
• Pet insurance for your furry family
• Ancillary plans like critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity
• Financial Flexibility – Flexible spending accounts (FSA) to help with healthcare and dependent care expenses.