Direct Support Professional - Individualized Day Supports (9am-3pm)

Individualized Day Supports (IDS)

Individualized Day Supports (IDS) is a highly personalized service provided to District of Columbia residents with intellectual disabilities. The primary goal of IDS is to facilitate meaningful community integration by supporting individuals to build positive, rewarding connections and to pursue opportunities for: Developing relationships and interdependence with fellow community members. Contributing to the community in meaningful ways. Personal growth and learning. Engaging fully in the life of their neighborhood, ward, and the larger DC community.

About Health and Joy Services (HAJS)

Health & Joy Services is a Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Home and Community Based Services Medicaid Waiver provider. We are currently providing Community Living Services through Supportive Living, In-Home Supports, Individualized Day Support, Companion, Clinical Services, Respite Care, and Assistive Technology Services. Our main goal is to positively impact the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Providing quality service from the heart by sharing Love, giving Hope, and experiencing healthy Joy.

Core Values and Beliefs

IDS DSPs must embrace the following values:

• Full Citizenship – Belief in the rights of people with intellectual disabilities to participate fully in community life, with equal access and opportunities as every other citizen.
• Person-Centered Practice – A commitment to supporting individuals based on their unique strengths, needs, goals, and preferences.
• Focus on Gifts and Contributions – Recognizing and building upon each person's talents and capacities, and supporting ways for them to contribute to their communities.

Essential Skills and Qualities

• Self-Management – Ability to manage daily schedules and make sound, informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of the individual while empowering them to make their own choices.
• Judgment and Values Alignment – Consistently making decisions in alignment with organizational values, mission, and philosophy.
• Respect and Dignity – Upholding a respectful, dignified, and person-first approach at all times.
• Motivation and Relationship-Building – Commitment to developing strong, trusting relationships with the individual, supported by a mature, steady outlook and realistic understanding of progress and achievement.
• Capacity to Learn and Adapt – Openness to learning from experiences and continuously improving practice.
• Strong Communication Skills – Ability to listen, communicate clearly, and relate well to others, including service recipients, families, and community members.
• Situational Awareness – The ability to "read" people and situations to respond appropriately.
• Physical Stamina – Willingness and fitness to actively support individuals in the community, staying engaged and mobile over a 6–7 hour day.

Requirements to be a DSP in DC (per DDS Standards)

• Age Requirement : Must be at least 18 years old.
• Education : High school diploma or GED.
• Background Check : Successful completion of a criminal background check, FBI fingerprinting, and drug screening, as required by DDS/DC regulations.
• Training : Completion of required DDS and provider-specific training (e.g., Phase I–IV, CPR/First Aid, Medication Administration, Behavioral Support, and annual refresher trainings).
• Certification : Maintain all required certifications current and on file (e.g., CPR, First Aid, TB test).
• Competency : Demonstrated competency in providing person-centered supports, health and safety, rights and dignity, and community integration.

Daily Documentation (Following Company Policy & DDS Standards)

IDS DSPs are responsible for completing accurate and timely documentation each day in compliance with Health & Joy Services policies and DDS requirements. This includes:

• Daily Service Notes – Documenting the person's activities, level of engagement, progress toward goals, and supports provided.
• Health & Safety Records – Recording any incidents, injuries, behavioral events, or health concerns promptly.
• Attendance Logs – Ensuring hours of service are properly recorded and align with authorized schedules.
• Progress Tracking – Linking daily activities and supports to the individual's person-centered plan and identified outcomes.
• Compliance with Company Policies – Ensuring documentation meets agency quality standards, is free from errors, and is submitted within required timeframes.

Salary

$18.5 - $19.5 per hour