Lead Direct Support Professional

About the role

As a Lead Direct Support Professional, you will provide compassionate, hands-on support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a residential setting. Your role is essential in helping individuals live as independently, safely, and meaningfully as possible.

This position is assigned to the Spartanburg area; however, Direct Support Professionals may be required to work at other Charles Lea Center locations as needed to meet staffing and operational needs.

Responsibilities

• Assist Program Managers with the Performance Development Process by providing required information.
• Support completion of On-the-Job Training (OJT) for new hires and provide follow‑up as needed.
• Mentor new employees and assist with ongoing training.
• Participate in pre‑admission meetings and communicate needs for incoming individuals.
• Monitor training data for people supported and provide corrective training.
• Complete monthly quality assurance audits.
• Provide emergency transportation and support as needed.
• Coordinate with internal departments to ensure supplies and resources are available.
• Assist with documentation for critical incidents and follow‑up recommendations.
• Attend routine meetings with the Program Manager to review updates and needs.
• Support DSPs with daily operations, active treatment, and skill development.
• Assist with assessments, monthly packets, and job process protocols.
• Document services in Therap using required modules.
• Submit maintenance needs through UpKeep.
• Provide training on new procedures, initiatives, and licensing requirements.
• Ensure adherence to Behavior Support Plans and guidelines.
• Serve as Medication Technician and document medication administration in Therap.
• Ensure meals meet dietary and health requirements.
• Advocate for the needs and preferences of people supported.
• Serve as backup for the Program Manager when assigned.
• Ensure daily activities reflect the needs and desires of people supported.
• Maintain documentation to meet licensing, compliance, and support standards.
• Assist with scheduling and coverage when available.
• Perform routine DSP duties, including transportation, meal preparation, medical support, and daily living skills.
• Conduct monthly council meetings with people supported and upload documentation to Teams.
• Program Specific – Supportive Living: review and report key information to the Program Manager, including daily census, training objectives, appointment documentation, T‑Logs, vehicle logs, and monthly required items.
• Monitor medication supply, expiration dates, and refills; communicate with pharmacy, physicians, or families as needed.
• Support health‑related needs by coordinating with medical providers and ensuring Therap documentation is complete.
• Serve as liaison for communication between shifts.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2 to 4 years of related experience preferred (DSP, CNA, PCA, RBT, Med Tech, Caregiver, or similar roles).
• Valid driver's license.
• Basic computer skills and ability to complete electronic documentation.

Requirements

• Regular standing, walking, bending, lifting, and providing hands‑on support to individuals.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.