DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (Full-Time & Part-Time Shifts)

Job Category: Direct Support Professional

Posted: July 10, 2026 | Full-Time | On-site

Unified Community Connections | 20878 Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA

Wednesday 4pm-7pm and Saturday 10am-1pm

About Unified Community Connections: Unified Community Connections is a leading provider of services and programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Maryland. We believe that all people living with disabilities have the right to be treated with respect and dignity as well as to exercise the same control over their lives as any other person.

We provide comprehensive, wrap-around services tailored to the unique needs of each person and family we support. Our programs are designed to assist individuals with disabilities in achieving the quality of life they seek. We promote self-determination, independence, productivity, integration and inclusion in all facets of life.

Who Should Apply: This position is ideal for someone who is caring, reliable, and enjoys helping others live their best lives. Successful DSPs are patient, dependable, and comfortable assisting with personal care, transportation, and community activities. Candidates with experience in human services, caregiving, healthcare, or education are encouraged to apply - but a positive attitude, compassion, and willingness to learn are just as important. If you believe in promoting respect, inclusion, and empowerment for people with disabilities, this role is a great fit for you.

General Description of Duties: The Direct Support Professional “DSP” provides support and assistance to adults with developmental disabilities; helps in the development of the individuals independent living skills; develops and implements energetic leisure and recreational activities for the individuals, transports individuals throughout the community, maintains documentation and contact with the Nurse, House Manager, Assistant Residential Director or Residential Program Director, as appropriate.

Comply with all Agency, State and Federal policies and regulations.

Provide direct care as needed and assigned including, but not limited to, assistance with maintaining personal hygiene, toileting, brushing teeth, dressing, feeding, hair, nail care, etc.

Provide support and supervision as assigned and as indicated in the Person-Centered Plan.

Ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the individuals at all times by protecting them from harm, injury, or other distress.

Respond quickly and appropriately to crisis situations and medical emergencies.

Serve meals consistent with the planned menu and in accordance with the individualized or specialized diets as ordered.

Assist in safely loading and unloading individuals to and from vehicles.

Drive individuals to and from residences, Day Programs, leisure activities and appointments in the community.

Assist in the development and implementation of daily meaningful activities in accordance with the interests, goals, and needs of the individuals.

Foster a positive working environment through active engagement, attentiveness, and respect for the individuals supported.

Work effectively and cooperatively with peers and administration to ensure professional high, quality service delivery.

Utilize agency and individual owned equipment, property, and supplies properly.

Follow all agency protocols to report damages within the program or malfunctioning equipment.

Ensure assigned documentation requirements are met timely and maintained including, but not limited to, progress notes, facility reports, incident reports, goal documentation, medication administration, BM tracking, seizure tracking, etc.

Assist individuals in developing and implementing recreational activities of their choosing to facilitate equal access and participation in the community.

Assist individuals as requested and needed with active participation in meaningful person-centered activities to promote personal growth and achievement within the Residential Program.

Have a clear understanding of each individual’s medical needs, including Nursing Plan of Care, interim assessments, and establish protocols for emergency situations.

Participate in the development and implementation of the Person-Centered Plan.

Report any change in the medical status of the individual to the Nurse.

Follow all professional plans in place including, but not limited to, Speech, OT, PT, BSP, etc.

Report all Quality Assurance concerns and issues to the supervisor as soon as possible including, but not limited to, any health and safety concerns.

Entering progress notes daily of services and support provided to individuals.

Consistently report to work in accordance with the scheduled shift, be punctual and complete the entire shift.

Demonstrating proper “clock-in” / “clock-out” procedures, ensuring Unified is properly billing for services provided to supported individuals.

Adhere to the Attendance and Punctuality policy per the Employee Handbook.

Must be able to demonstrate skills in the following areas: problem solving, project/task management, time management, dependability, good judgment, safe work practices, and ensuring confidentiality.

Education and/or Experience: High School Diploma or GED. Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure: whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.

Language Skills: Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions and written correspondence and interpret documents. Ability to write reports and complete forms or other documents as required. Ability to communicate with others including individuals in Unified programs, family members, medical professionals, co-workers, and vendors both verbally and in written form.

Computer Skills: Ability to type and demonstrate basic computer skills. Demonstrated proficiency in using an electronic records system and medication administration system (I-care).

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Must possess a valid state driver’s license with no more than 2 points and successfully pass defensive driving course prior to driving. Must possess or be able to pass and maintain CPR, First Aid, and MANDT training certifications.

Training: Must complete, pass and maintain all DDA required training. Must complete, pass, and maintain Medication Technician Training Program (MTTP). Must complete, pass, and maintain all Unified Community Connections trainings including, UKG, Fundamental Rights and Supporting Choice, PORII/QA/Sexual Harassment-DDA, Bloodborne Pathogens, Communicable Diseases, Sexual Harassment, Workplace Violence, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Introduction to Unified upon hire and on a recurring basis as requested or required.

Must be willing to assist with individuals’ needs, including, but not limited to feeding, dressing, toileting and hygiene assistance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job tasks.

Residential Program and office settings have varying degrees of background noise. Light and ventilation as found in typical program or office settings. Other: This Direct Support Professional Job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, the employee may be requested to perform other reasonable, related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management as required.

It is mutually agreed that the job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. J-18808-Ljbffr Unified Community Connections Inc