Direct Support Professional

About the role

We are hiring for a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at RHA Health Services. This role involves providing personalized support to individuals with disabilities, promoting health and safety, encouraging self-advocacy, facilitating community engagement, teaching and supporting independent living skills, and more.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for individuals' human, legal, and civil rights.
• Promote health and safety by supporting wellness initiatives and accident prevention.
• Encourage self-advocacy and empower individuals in making their own choices.
• Facilitate community engagement by accompanying individuals to work, recreational activities, and social events.
• Teach and support independent living skills, including household management and personal care.
• Provide transportation for appointments, errands, and community activities.
• Foster social connections by supporting relationship-building within the community.
• Support informed decision-making regarding living arrangements, employment, and social activities.
• Aid in personal care tasks, such as hygiene, bathing, dressing, and household chores (laundry, cleaning, and decorating).
• Maintain accurate documentation of provided services and support.
• Understand and address challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, using effective advocacy strategies.
• Connect individuals with community resources for career development, education, and volunteer opportunities.
• Encourage effective communication, adapting to individual needs and preferences.
• Assist with medication administration in accordance with state laws and regulations.
• Ensure confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all aspects of care.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• A High School Diploma or equivalent.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Meet all pre-employment screening requirements.
• Compassionate, patient, and dedicated to person-centered support.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to foster independence while providing necessary support.
• Knowledge of disability rights, self-advocacy, and community integration principles.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow regulatory guidelines.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Regularly lift and carry up to 20 lbs., and occasionally pull at least 40 lbs.
• Squat, kneel, crawl, crouch, climb, and stoop as part of regular job duties.
• Use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Demonstrate proficiency in CPR from floor level, which requires working on hands and knees, bending, standing, and lifting.
• Vision requirements include close, distance, and peripheral vision.
• Must be able to talk and hear.

Benefits

• Payactiv: early access to the money you’ve earned from hours you’ve already worked, before payday!
• Employee perks and discount program: to help you save money!
• Paid Time Off (full-time employees only)
• Health/Insurance (full-time employees only)
• 401(k) retirement savings program
• Wellbeing Programs: Physical, Emotional and Financial
• Chronic Disease management programs for hypertension and diabetes (for qualifying employees)
• Training: Free CPR, first aid, and job-specific training opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity

RHA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, prohibits discrimination based on the following protected categories: race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex/gender, marital status, civil status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, or disability. Pre-employment screening: Complete criminal background, Name checked in the registries. (OIG exclusions database, Child Abuse Registry, and Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities) Drug testing Education verification and other credentialing based on position requirements. Proof of employment history or references (if required) Positions that require driving Proof of driver's license, driver's insurance, and vehicle, IF required for providing transportation for individuals.

EEO Statement

RHA is an equal opportunity employer. In addition, we provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees who have protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.

About RHA

At RHA Health Services, we help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and/or substance use needs live their best lives. Our mission is to provide a safe and healthy environment while creating opportunities for personal outcomes. For over 30 years, the people we serve and support have remained at the very center of everything we do. RHA currently provides services in North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and New Jersey.