Direct Support Professional PL1 Ft 1st

About the role

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at RHA Health Services, you will provide personalized support to individuals with intellectual, developmental disabilities, and those facing mental health and substance use challenges. This role involves helping individuals engage meaningfully in their communities and achieve their personal goals by assisting them in identifying and expressing their needs, implementing services aligned with their person-centered plans, and fostering independence and self-advocacy. You will operate under supervision, following 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 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs only: Employees must be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL).

Physical Demands

• 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, 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 the money you’ve earned from hours 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).
• Free CPR, first aid, and job-specific training opportunities.

Note: 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.