Direct Support Professional / Mineral Springs II / Durham / PT

Location: Mineral Springs II, Durham | Part-time, Regular

About the role

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides personalized support to individuals with intellectual, developmental disabilities, and those facing mental health or substance use challenges. This role involves helping individuals engage meaningfully in their communities and achieve personal goals by assisting them in identifying and expressing their needs, implementing person-centered plans, and fostering independence and self-advocacy. A successful DSP seeks to understand each individual’s history, social and family networks, and aspirations, providing support with compassion and respect. This position operates under supervision and follows established guidelines to ensure high-quality care and advocacy.

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.
• 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.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Meet all pre-employment screening requirements (criminal background check, registry checks, drug testing, education verification, and credentialing based on position).
• 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.

For positions requiring driving: Proof of driver’s license, insurance, and vehicle (if required for providing transportation).

Exception for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs: Employees must be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). The requirement to talk and hear does not apply.

Physical Demands

• Regularly lift and carry up to 20 lbs. and occasionally pull at least 40 lbs.
• Ability to 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, requiring working on hands and knees, bending, standing, and lifting.
• Vision requirements include close, distance, and peripheral vision.
• Must be able to talk and hear (except for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs).

Benefits

• Payactiv: Early access to earned wages before payday.
• Employee perks and discount program to help you save money.
• Paid Time Off (full-time employees only).
• Health/Insurance benefits (full-time employees only).
• 401(k) retirement savings program.
• Wellbeing Programs: Physical, emotional, and financial support.
• Chronic Disease management programs for hypertension and diabetes (for qualifying employees).
• Training: Free CPR, first aid, and job-specific training opportunities.

Contract/contingent workers and interns do not qualify for the above benefits.

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.