Direct Support Professional

General Description:

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for providing support and assistance to individuals with intellectual disabilities, promoting their independence, inclusion, and overall well-being. The DSP will engage clients in meaningful activities, facilitate personal and social skill development, and advocate for their needs while ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Client Support: Assist individuals with daily living activities such as personal care, meal preparation, medication management, and community engagement and transportation to and from appointments as needed by the clients.
• Behavioral Support: Implement individualized support plans and strategies to address behavioral challenges, encouraging positive interactions and skill development.
• Social Inclusion: Facilitate community involvement by organizing and participating in recreational and social activities that promote engagement and interaction.
• Advocacy: Advocate for clients’ rights and preferences, ensuring their voices are heard in personal and programmatic decisions.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate and timely records of client progress, behaviors, incidents, and communications as per organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, including families, social workers, and medical professionals, to ensure comprehensive support.
• Training and Development: Participate in ongoing training and professional development to enhance skills and knowledge related to best practices in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Other duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer or designee.

Qualifications include:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent; a degree in social work, psychology, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities or in a related field is preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships with clients and their families.
• Knowledge of person-centered planning and behavioral support strategies and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating flexibility and a positive, professional attitude.
• Must pass background checks and meet other eligibility requirements as per Washington State law.
• Ability to read, write and comprehend at a minimum of High School level.
• Obtain 12 CEU’s annually after the 1st year of hire independently to remain as an employee (effective 1/1/2026)
• Certification in CPR/First Aid and Blood borne-Pathogens is required within the first 60 days of employment and maintained per state requirements. (Effective 1/1/2026)

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift, transfer, and assist clients as needed, utilizing proper body mechanics.
• Capacity to perform physical activities, including walking, bending, and standing for extended periods.
• All positions and shifts are awake - sleeping is not an option under any circumstance.

Benefits Include:

• Sick
• Vacation
• Paid Training for the 1st year of hire
• 100% Paid Family Medical Leave tax
• Paid Holidays
• Opportunities for over time
• Employee discounts for Verizon
• Access to HALA’s Fitness Center (during business hours)

Optional Benefits include:

• 403b Retirement plan
• Accident Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity
• Critical Illness
• Life Insurance
• Vision
• Dental

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $17.50 - $23.25 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid orientation
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evening shift
• Every weekend
• Holidays
• Night shift
• Overnight shift

Shift availability:

• Night Shift (Required)
• Overnight Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $23