Direct Support Professional / DSP

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 independent living skills, and supporting medication administration.

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
• Assist with 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
• Assist with medication administration in accordance with state laws and regulations
• Ensure confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all aspects of care

Qualifications

• 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

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Able to regularly lift and carry up to 20 lbs. and occasionally pull at least 40 lbs.
• Able to squat, kneel, crawl, crouch, climb, and stoop as part of regular job duties
• Able to use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls
• Able to stand and walk for extended periods
• Able to 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
• 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

About RHA

RHA Health Services helps 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.