DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL-HOURLY

About the role

The Lead Direct Support Professional (LDSP) provides direct support services and frontline leadership within residential programs serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and behavioral health needs. Working under the direction of the Residential Manager, the LDSP assists with daily program operations, mentors Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), supports implementation of Individual Service Plans (ISPs), and promotes a safe, trauma-informed, and person-centered environment.

Responsibilities

• Direct Support & Participant Care
• Provides direct support services to individuals in residential and community-based settings.
• Affords assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), including: Personal hygiene and grooming Meal preparation Housekeeping and home maintenance Shopping and budgeting assistance Community participation Transportation services
• Supports individuals in achieving personal goals and maximizing independence.
• Promotes dignity, choice, self-determination, and quality of life.
• Affords guidance and supervision consistent with Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and Behavior Support Plans (BSPs).
• Implements trauma-informed care practices and positive support strategies.
• Maintains awareness of health, wellness, and safety of individuals served.
• Responds appropriately to behavioral, medical, and emergency situations.
• Follows all incident management and reporting procedures.
• Reports suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment in accordance with agency policies and regulatory requirements.
• Leadership & Staff Development
• Serves as a mentor and role model for Direct Support Professionals.
• Affords assistance with onboarding, orientation, and training of DSPs.
• Observes and monitors staff performance related to implementation of Individual Service Plans.
• Provides coaching, feedback, and support to DSPs.
• Reinforces person-centered practices and trauma-informed approaches.
• Affords support to leadership with maintaining service quality, regulatory compliance, and operational consistency.
• Promotes teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and positive workplace culture.
• Affords support to staff in addressing participant needs, behavioral concerns, and service delivery challenges.
• Program Operations & Compliance
• Collaborates with Residential Managers and program leadership regarding daily operations.
• Affords assistance in organizing and maintaining program systems, schedules, records, and home operations.
• Ensures services are delivered in accordance with: Individual Service Plans State regulations Federal regulations Licensing requirements Organizational policies and procedures
• Affords assistance with quality assurance and compliance monitoring efforts.
• Affords support to preparation for audits, licensing reviews, inspections, and regulatory visits.
• Affords assistance in maintaining accurate program documentation and records.
• Affords identification of opportunities for quality improvement and operational efficiency.
• Documentation & Reporting
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation of services provided.
• Completes required reports, service records, and participant documentation.
• Ensures documentation is consistent with organizational, regulatory, and service requirements.
• Documents incidents according to established procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality of participant and organizational information.
• Maintains accuracy of time worked.
• Community Support & Advocacy
• Affords assistance in accessing healthcare, social, recreational, educational, and vocational opportunities.
• Supports participation in community activities and events.
• Encourages self-advocacy and personal empowerment.
• Collaborates with families, guardians, healthcare providers, and community resources to support participant goals.
• Promotes community inclusion and meaningful engagement.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience
• Required: High School Diploma or GED. Minimum two (2) years of experience working with individuals with: Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Mental Health conditions Behavioral Health needs Proficiency in reading, writing, and documenting in English.
• Prior leadership, mentoring, coaching, or supervisory experience in residential or community-based programs.
• Preferred: Associate Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Behavioral Health, Education, or a related field.

• Licenses & Certifications
• Required: Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record. Ability to obtain and maintain all required certifications and training requirements. Successful completion of employment screenings, including FBI clearance where applicable.

• Skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and support practices.
• Ability to mentor, train, and support staff effectively.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Effective problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Basic computer and internet proficiency.
• Ability to utilize: Email applications Electronic documentation systems HRIS systems Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical standards.

Benefits

Not specified.

Pay

Commensurate with experience.

Schedule

TBD.