DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL HOURLY

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Behavioral Health ResidentialMake a Difference Every Day

Resources for Human Development (RHD) is one of Delaware's largest nonprofit human services organizations, dedicated to helping individuals live healthy, meaningful, and independent lives. Through partnerships with community organizations, healthcare providers, and government agencies, we provide essential services to individuals facing behavioral health, intellectual, developmental, and mental health challenges.

We are seeking compassionate, dependable, and dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our Behavioral Health Residential team. If you are passionate about helping others achieve their goals, build independence, and thrive within their communities, we encourage you to apply.

Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a key member of the interdisciplinary care team, providing direct support and assistance to individuals with behavioral health, intellectual, and developmental challenges in a residential setting.

DSPs support individuals in developing life skills, maintaining health and safety, increasing independence, and actively participating in their communities. Through person-centered care, advocacy, and encouragement, DSPs help individuals achieve their highest level of independence and quality of life while promoting dignity, recovery, wellness, and self-determination.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesDirect Care & Daily Living Support

• Assist individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs), including:
  • Personal hygiene and grooming
  • Meal preparation and nutrition
  • Laundry and housekeeping
  • Daily routines and self-care activities
• Support the development and maintenance of independent living skills.
• Assist with medication administration and medication routines in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Promote healthy habits, personal responsibility, and overall wellness.

Community Engagement & Skill Development

• Encourage participation in community, recreational, educational, and social activities.
• Help individuals build meaningful relationships and community connections.
• Provide guidance, supervision, and coaching to develop confidence, independence, and life skills.
• Model positive behaviors, optimism, and recovery-oriented practices.

Behavioral Health & Crisis Support

• Monitor for behavioral concerns and signs of crisis.
• Respond appropriately to crisis situations using approved interventions and best practices.
• Follow agency policies related to safety, emergency response, and incident reporting.
• Maintain a calm, supportive, and professional approach during challenging situations.

Health, Safety & Well-Being

• Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive residential environment.
• Observe and report changes in physical, emotional, or behavioral health.
• Assist in ensuring the overall safety and well-being of individuals receiving services.
• Protect individual rights, dignity, confidentiality, and privacy at all times.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete accurate and timely documentation of services provided.
• Record activities, observations, progress notes, and incidents according to agency standards.
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA and confidentiality requirements.
• Adhere to all organizational policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.

Team Collaboration

• Collaborate effectively with supervisors, nurses, clinicians, family members, and other interdisciplinary team members.
• Participate in team meetings, required trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, respect, accountability, and excellent service.

QualificationsRequired Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid Delaware Driver's License.
• Minimum of three (3) years of acceptable driving history.
• Ability to meet organizational driving requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting individuals with:
  • Behavioral health challenges
  • Intellectual and developmental disabilities
  • Mental health conditions
  • Residential or human services programs

Skills & Competencies

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
• Effective organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic computer proficiency; Microsoft Office experience preferred.
• Commitment to person-centered, recovery-oriented services.

What Makes a Great DSP?

Successful candidates are:

• Compassionate and empathetic
• Dependable and professional
• Patient and encouraging
• Strong communicators
• Team-oriented and collaborative
• Adaptable and solution-focused
• Passionate about helping others succeed

Working Conditions

This position may require:

• Day, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts
• Community outings and transportation of individuals served
• Work in both residential and community-based settings
• Active engagement throughout the workday
• Responding to behavioral health and crisis situations as needed

Physical Requirements

Employees must be able to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods
• Bend, stoop, kneel, and reach frequently
• Assist individuals with daily living activities and mobility support
• Lift, carry, push, and pull as required
• Safely operate a motor vehicle
• Respond effectively during emergency situations
• Participate in approved crisis intervention techniques when necessary

Why Join RHD?

At RHD, you'll be part of a mission-driven organization that empowers individuals and strengthens communities. We are committed to:

• Compassion
• Respect
• Inclusion
• Teamwork
• Recovery and Wellness
• Personal and Professional Growth

As a Direct Support Professional, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day while helping individuals lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

Join our team and help create opportunities for growth, recovery, and success.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Resources for Human Development (RHD) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.