Direct Support Professional

About Us

Appalachian Community Services provides Mental Health, Behavioral Health, Substance Use, and Developmental Disability services to individuals, families, and communities within the seven western counties of North Carolina. We provide a wide range of walk-in, psychiatric, substance abuse, and crisis services to adults and children.

About the Role

Looking for a job that actually means something and works around your life?

Whether you’re in school, exploring a career in human services, or just someone who genuinely cares about people, this could be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

At Appalachian Community Services (ACS), we’re hiring compassionate, reliable, and down-to-earth individuals to support young adults and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to show up for someone every day and help them build independence, confidence, and a life they’re proud of.

Even better? Flexible scheduling that fits around your life.

This description outlines the general scope and level of work for this role. It is not intended to include every duty or responsibility that may be required of employees in this position.

Compensation

• Compensation: $14.00 Pay is based on a flat rate.

What You Can Expect

• Flexible shifts that work around school, family, or other commitments
• Perfect entry point into healthcare or human services
• Meaningful, resume-building experience (especially for students!)
• Work with a population that truly benefits from strong, consistent support
• A team that’s supportive, mission-driven, and actually cares

Responsibilities

This is hands-on, people-first work. You’ll be:

• Supporting individuals in reaching goals from their Person-Centered Plan (PCP)
• Creating a safe, positive, and encouraging environment—at home and in the community
• Helping with everyday life skills, independence, and confidence-building
• Encouraging participation in real-life activities (work, social outings, community events)
• Using positive, supportive approaches to help individuals thrive
• Documenting progress and partnering with your team to provide great care

No two days look the same—and that’s exactly what makes this role so rewarding.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Current and active Driver's license
• Minimum age requirement of 18 years.
• Compassionate and caring attitude with a strong work ethic and effective communication skills.
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screen.
• Physical ability to work in a variety of environments, including navigating stairs and other barriers in private residences and driving a vehicle.

Training:

• We provide all necessary training for state compliance purposes, completed on-site or virtually, with monetary compensation for your time.

Why Join Us

We are focused on creating a model where clinicians are supported, not overloaded. You’ll have the flexibility to shape your schedule, the support to maintain a steady caseload, and the opportunity to grow within a stable, mission-driven organization.

Beyond the engaging work, you'll also benefit from our competitive benefits package to support you and your loved ones, provide work/life balance, and invest in your future. The list below is for informational purposes only.

• Consumer-driven health plan coverage provided by Anthem
• Wellness: When you enroll in a medical plan, you get complete care support on your time through Sydney app (Anthem), with exclusive access to 24/7 access to licensed doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flex Spending Account (FSA)
• Two dental plan options available through Delta Dental, so you can choose the level of coverage that fits your needs and budget.
• Affordable vision plan available through EyeMed to keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp.
• An optional Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account to reimburse yourself on a pre-tax basis for childcare.
• Generous paid time off
• 401k or Roth IRA Retirement Programs administered by Empower
• Financial planning and education services at no cost to you
• Voluntary supplemental benefits (Accident, Critical Illness, Short-Term Disability)
• Educational Assistance (your position, date of hire and years of service determine your eligibility)
• Licensure Residency Program for Full-time Clinical Staff
• Advancement and Career Development Opportunities

Legal Notice:

We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment is at-will and contingent upon successful completion of background checks and credential verification. We participate in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility in the United States. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Must be authorized to work in the United States. Compensation varies based on licensure, experience, and caseload. ncgCARE and all partner affiliates maintain a drug-free workplace.