DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL-HOURLY

Lead Direct Support Professional (LDSP)

The Lead Direct Support Professional (LDSP) provides direct care and frontline leadership within residential programs serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), behavioral health needs, and mental health challenges. Reporting to the Residential Manager, the LDSP supports daily program operations, mentors Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), and ensures high-quality, person-centered services that promote independence, dignity, and community inclusion.

This position combines hands-on participant support with leadership responsibilities, helping to maintain safe, trauma-informed environments while ensuring compliance with Individual Service Plans (ISPs), organizational standards, and regulatory requirements.

Direct Support & Participant Care

• Provide direct support services in residential and community-based settings.
• Assist individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal hygiene, grooming, meal preparation, housekeeping, shopping, budgeting, transportation, and community participation.
• Support individuals in achieving personal goals and increasing independence.
• Promote dignity, choice, self-determination, and quality of life.
• Implement Individual Service Plans (ISPs), Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), and trauma-informed care practices.
• Monitor participant health, wellness, and safety.
• Respond appropriately to behavioral, medical, and emergency situations.
• Follow incident management and reporting procedures, including mandatory reporting of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• Foster social skills development, relationship-building, and meaningful community engagement.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Serve as a mentor, coach, and role model for Direct Support Professionals.
• Assist with staff onboarding, orientation, and training.
• Provide guidance and support related to participant care, documentation, and service delivery.
• Reinforce person-centered practices, trauma-informed care, and organizational standards.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and a positive workplace culture.
• Support Residential Managers in maintaining quality services and operational consistency.

Program Operations & Compliance

• Collaborate with Residential Managers on daily program operations.
• Assist with scheduling, program organization, and residential home operations.
• Ensure services are delivered in compliance with ISPs, licensing standards, and federal, state, and organizational requirements.
• Support quality assurance initiatives, audits, inspections, and accreditation reviews.
• Maintain accurate records and identify opportunities for operational improvement.

Documentation & Reporting

• Complete timely and accurate service documentation, reports, and participant records.
• Document incidents according to agency policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of participant and organizational information.
• Ensure documentation meets regulatory, licensing, and program requirements.
• Accurately record time worked.

Community Support & Advocacy

• Assist individuals in accessing healthcare, educational, vocational, recreational, and community resources.
• Encourage self-advocacy, personal choice, and empowerment.
• Collaborate with families, guardians, healthcare providers, and community partners.
• Promote community inclusion and meaningful participation in community activities.

Additional Responsibilities

• Attend required trainings, meetings, certifications, and professional development activities.
• Demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, and sound judgment.
• Support special projects and operational initiatives as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Residential Leadership.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience supporting individuals with:
  • Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
  • Mental Health Conditions
  • Behavioral Health Needs
• Ability to read, write, and document effectively in English.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Behavioral Health, Education, or a related field.
• Prior experience in a leadership, mentoring, coaching, or supervisory role within residential or community-based services.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all required training and certifications.
• Successful completion of required background checks and employment screenings.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to mentor, train, and support staff effectively.
• Knowledge of person-centered and trauma-informed care practices.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Effective problem-solving and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, email systems, electronic documentation systems, and HRIS platforms.
• Commitment to confidentiality, ethics, and participant rights.

Core Competencies

• Effective Communication
• Leadership & Accountability
• Ethical Practice
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Cultural Humility
• Problem Solving & Conflict Resolution
• Person-Centered Support
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Compliance & Quality Assurance

Physical Requirements

• Regular standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, climbing stairs, and sitting.
• Ability to assist participants with mobility and daily living activities.
• Ability to drive agency or personal vehicles for transportation purposes.
• Ability to respond effectively during emergencies.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds continuously.

Work Environment

• Residential homes, community-based settings, and office environments.
• Indoor and outdoor work environments.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions and environmental factors, including heat, cold, humidity, noise, dust, and other conditions associated with residential service delivery.
• May require evening, weekend, holiday, and emergency coverage based on program needs.

Compliance Requirements

Employees are expected to:

• Adhere to all agency policies and procedures.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance and confidentiality standards.
• Follow OSHA, workplace safety, fire safety, and emergency preparedness requirements.
• Complete all required training and certification requirements.
• Support a drug-free workplace and comply with applicable testing requirements.

About Us

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.

RHD and its affiliates are proud Equal Opportunity Employers and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are treated with dignity and respect.