DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP)

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Support Professional (DSP) – WAVES

Location: Mercer County, WV
Position Type: Full-time

Job Summary

Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center is seeking a dependable and compassionate Direct Support Professional (DSP) to join our WAVES program, a short-term treatment center serving women.

The DSP provides protective oversight and supports individuals with daily living and life-skills development. This position plays an important role in maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive environment while helping meet each individual’s physical, social, health, emotional, economic, and training needs.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide protective oversight and help ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in the program.
• Assist individuals with daily living activities and life-skills training.
• Support individuals’ physical, social, emotional, health, economic, and training needs.
• Observe and report changes in behavior, condition, or needs.
• Maintain regular communication with supervisors and other members of the treatment team.
• Follow established safety procedures and use approved verbal or physical interventions when necessary.
• Complete required documentation accurately and promptly.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• Must be physically capable of assisting individuals and using approved verbal and physical interventions when necessary to safely manage aggressive behaviors.
• Reliable access to a communication device for regular contact with a supervisor is preferred.
• Previous experience in behavioral health, residential care, direct support, or a related setting is preferred but not required.
• Compassionate, dependable, and able to maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Must be able to work effectively in a short-term, female-only treatment environment.