Lead Staff

Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Residential

Are you a leader-in-the-making looking to take the next step in your service focused career?

Promote connection, inclusion, and wellness for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and grow your career with ALSO!

Who We Are:

Since 1997, ALSO has been committed to fostering independence and community inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our Residential Services provide 24/7 wraparound support that honors the individual needs of each person and provides ample opportunities for community involvement while encouraging the development of independence skills in daily life.

Position Overview:

As a Lead Direct Support Professional (Lead DSP) at ALSO, you will be an essential part of our Residential team, providing person-centered care to 2-4 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You’ll collaborate closely with the Program Manager and your team, offering advocacy, training, and support while growing your leadership skills and helping individuals thrive!

Key Responsibilities:

• Relationship Building: Cultivate strong, supportive connections with individuals receiving services and provide backup support coverage when needed.
• Training & Development: Train new Direct Support Professionals on essential job duties and person-centered care practices.
• Compliance & Documentation: Ensure proper documentation (MAR, T-Logs, ISP data) is maintained to meet compliance standards.
• Direct Support: Assist with hygiene and medical support as needed, skills training, and daily living tasks both in the home and out in the broader community.
• Team Leadership: Serve as a resource for team members and act as a proxy for Program Managers during absences (sick leave, vacation, etc.).

Qualifications:

• Flexibility: Ability to work some weekends and occasionally provide coverage across day, swing, and graveyard shifts is strongly preferred.
• Strong Communication: Clear, effective communication in both documentation and collaboration with team members, managers, individuals supported, their families, and other providers.
• Advocacy: A deep commitment to promoting inclusion, autonomy, and the best interests of the individuals we support.
• Leadership: Eagerness to cultivate your leadership skills, while also supporting the personal growth and development of the individuals receiving services. This position offers pathways to becoming a Program Manager as ALSO expands.
• Experience: 1 years of prior experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as a Direct Support Professional or similar role.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Starting Pay: $19.50 - $21 per hour based on experience, education, and Veteran status.
• Paid Training: Earn while enhancing your skills.
• Paid Holidays: 10 days, including a special “YAY Day” for your birthday.
• Comprehensive Insurance: Health, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• Generous Leave: Vacation and sick time accruals, Paid Time Off with payout option.
• Retention bonus: $250 after 6 months
• Referral bonus: Up to $500 per referral!
• Retirement Plan: Generous employer-matching for traditional or Roth 401k
• Employee Assistance Program: 24/7 access to counseling, legal, financial advice, and more.
• Parental Leave & Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Referral Bonuses & Recognition Program
• Career Development
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible.

Why Join ALSO?

At ALSO, we do work of the heart. This meaningful work brings out the bold, the compassionate, and the passionate. By joining our team, you will play a crucial role in helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live fulfilling lives, achieve their goals, and become integral parts of their communities. Join us in making a real difference. Make Heart Work YOUR Work.

Advocates for Life Skills & Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and job applicants without regard to age, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.