Direct Care Professional

Provide direct support and comprehensive care to individuals with behavioral health, intellectual, or developmental disabilities in residential and community settings. Responsibilities may include assisting with activities of daily living, implementing individualized support or treatment plans, monitoring client well-being and safety, facilitating therapeutic and skill-building activities, documenting services, responding to behavioral or crisis needs, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. The scope, complexity, level of independence, mentoring expectations, and clinical responsibilities assigned to the position will vary based on the employee’s education, experience, credentials, assigned Direct Care Professional level, program requirements, and applicable regulatory standards. Essential Duties and Responsibilities The essential duties and primary responsibilities below are intended to describe the general requirements of this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Other duties may be assigned. Provide direct care, supervision, and behavioral support to clients in residential and/or community settings. Assist clients with activities of daily living, which may include hygiene, dressing, meals, nutrition, mobility, and medication-related support within the scope of assigned responsibilities. Implement and follow individualized support plans (ISPs), treatment plans, behavioral protocols, and established care procedures as applicable to the assigned program and level. Monitor client behavior, mood, progress, health, and safety; identify changes or concerns and respond or elevate appropriately. Maintain timely and accurate documentation of services, observations, progress, incidents, and interventions using required documentation systems, including electronic health records when applicable. Facilitate or support group activities, therapeutic exercises, educational sessions, skill-building activities, and community integration opportunities. Support clients in developing coping strategies, independent living skills, and other skills consistent with individualized goals. Respond to crisis situations and behavioral concerns using approved de-escalation, safety, and intervention techniques within the employee’s training and scope of responsibility. Transport clients to appointments, treatment sessions, community activities, and other approved locations as required. Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive environment, including room checks, basic housekeeping, laundry, and other program-related duties as assigned. Communicate and collaborate effectively with clients, families, supervisors, clinicians, therapists, and other members of the interdisciplinary team. Provide informal guidance, mentoring, or training to lower-level or less experienced direct care staff when assigned. Support medication monitoring or administration activities only as authorized by training, certification, program requirements, and applicable regulations. Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications—Education and Experience Education ranging from a high school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) through a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, depending on the assigned Direct Care Professional level, program requirements, and applicable regulatory standards. Relevant experience in direct care, behavioral health, residential support, intellectual or developmental disability services, or a related human services setting. Required experience may vary by assigned level and may range from entry-level experience to several years of progressively responsible experience. Qualified Mental Health Professional Trainee (QMHPT) registration, Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) certification/licensure, or other professional credential may be preferred or required based on the assigned level, population served, and regulatory requirements. Ability to complete required documentation and use standard office, care-related, and electronic health record systems as applicable. OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that demonstrates the capacity to perform the essential functions of the position, as permitted by applicable regulatory standards. Possession of a valid Virginia driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record in accordance with agency policy. Preferred Qualifications CPR/BLS certification. Safety-Care or TOVA training. 32-hour Medication Aide certification. Experience supporting individuals with co-occurring psychiatric, intellectual, and/or developmental conditions. Training or experience in trauma-informed care, therapeutic interventions, crisis prevention, or related behavioral health practices. QMHPT registration, QMHP certification/licensure, or other applicable credential when not required for the assigned level. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of behavioral health, developmental disability, direct care, daily living support, treatment planning, and safety practices appropriate to the assigned level. Skill in communicating clearly, respectfully, and professionally with clients, families, coworkers, supervisors, and interdisciplinary team members. Skill in implementing individualized support or treatment plans and reinforcing therapeutic, behavioral, and skill-development goals. Skill in observing, documenting, and reporting client behavior, progress, safety concerns, and changes in condition. Ability to identify and respond appropriately to client needs, behavioral changes, potential risks, and crisis situations within established protocols. Ability to teach, coach, mentor, or reinforce life skills and direct care practices when appropriate to the assigned level. Ability to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and accurate records. Ability to learn and retain processes through instruction and apply them independently consistent with assigned responsibilities. Supervisory Responsibilities This position does not typically function in a formal supervisory capacity. Depending on the assigned level, the employee may provide informal guidance, mentoring, orientation, or training to other direct care staff. Work Environment and Physical Demands This role, generally performs work under the following conditions: LIGHT WORK: EXERTING UP TO 20 POUNDS OF FORCE OCCASIONALLY, AND/OR UP TO 10 POUNDS OF FORCE FREQUENTLY, AND/OR A NEGLIGIBLE AMOUNT OF FORCE CONSTANTLY TO MOVE OBJECTS, INCLUDING THE HUMAN BODY. THIS ROLE REQUIRES REGULAR MOVEMENT THROUGHOUT THE WORKDAY, INCLUDING WALKING, STAIR CLIMBING, AND DRIVING TO COMMUNITY-BASED LOCATIONS. EMPLOYEES MUST BE PHYSICALLY CAPABLE OF NAVIGATING VARIED ENVIRONMENTS SUCH AS RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES, URBAN AREAS, AND CLIENT HOMES. CLOSE CONCENTRATION AND VISUAL ATTENTION ARE REQUIRED. WORK IS TYPICALLY PERFORMED IN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, RESIDENTIAL, COMMUNITY-BASED, AND/OR CLIENT-HOME ENVIRONMENTS WITH VARYING CONDITIONS AND MINIMAL ROUTINE EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS. STAFF MAY ENCOUNTER HIGH-RISK SITUATIONS INVOLVING AGGRESSIVE, SELF-INJURIOUS, OR OTHERWISE UNSAFE BEHAVIORS. THE ROLE MAY REQUIRE BEHAVIOR-MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES, CRISIS RESPONSE, DE-ESCALATION, AND APPROVED PHYSICAL INTERVENTIONS CONSISTENT WITH TRAINING, AGENCY POLICY, AND ASSIGNED RESPONSIBILITIES. THE POSITION MAY REQUIRE DRIVING, COMMUNITY-BASED TRAVEL, AND WORK SCHEDULES THAT VARY ACCORDING TO PROGRAM OPERATIONS AND CLIENT NEEDS. Job Description Disclaimer This job description provides a general overview of the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations associated with this position. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based on the employee’s experience, skills, qualifications, assigned area of responsibility, and the needs of the organization. Additional duties may be assigned as appropriate. ADA Richmond Behavioral Health Authority complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our team at View email address on click.appcast.io for more information. Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all employees as required. EEO Richmond Behavioral Health Authority provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time and/or Part-Time Open Date 10/5/2026 Close Date About the Organization Join the Fearless! Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) is licensed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and is the statutorily established public entity responsible for providing mental health, intellectual disabilities, substance abuse and prevention services to the citizens of the City of Richmond. Our Mission: RBHA promotes health, wellness, and recovery for the people and communities we serve. Our Vision: An inclusive, healthy community where individuals are inspired to reach their highest potential. Our Values: Equity / Innovation / Quality / Inclusion / Accessibility / Transparency / Compassion / Integrity Creating Healthy Communities - One Person, One Family, One Community at a time. RBHA is committed to providing behavioral health services to all Richmond residents regardless of race, color, gender, age, religion, disability, or national origin. Services are provided directly by RBHA staff and through contracts with private providers in the community. Funding is received through fees from consumers, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the City of Richmond, and local and state grants. Starting Salary Range Direct Care Professional III (QMHPT) - $23.48 - $27.26 / Direct Care Professional IV (QMHP): $25.36 - $29.44 + 6.25% Differential **As Eligible** EOE Statement Richmond Behavioral Health Authority provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position is currently accepting applications. #J-18808-Ljbffr Appone