Direct support professional-Hourly

Direct support professional (Dsp) – behavioral health residential

Make a difference every day

Are you passionate about helping others live meaningful, independent lives? Do you believe in supporting people with compassion, dignity, and respect? If so, we invite you to join our team as a Direct Support Professional (DSP).

As a DSP, you will play a vital role in supporting individuals with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral health challenges. Through encouragement, skill-building, and compassionate care, you will help individuals achieve greater independence, strengthen community connections, and improve their overall quality of life.

At RHD, one of Delaware's largest nonprofit organizations, we are committed to empowering individuals and strengthening communities through hope, service, collaboration, and person-centered care.

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Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a valued member of the interdisciplinary team who provides direct support and assistance to individuals with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral health challenges.

Working in a residential setting, the DSP helps individuals develop daily living skills, maintain their health and safety, build meaningful relationships, and participate fully in their communities. Through a person-centered approach, the DSP promotes independence, recovery, wellness, and self-determination while ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

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Essential responsibilities

• Direct care & daily living support
• Assist individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs), including:
• Personal hygiene and grooming
• Dressing and self-care
• Meal planning and preparation
• Household tasks and light housekeeping
• Assist individuals with daily medication routines in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Support individuals in developing and maintaining independent living skills.
• Encourage self-sufficiency and personal growth through positive coaching and guidance.

• Community integration & relationship building
• Support individuals in developing meaningful relationships and community connections.
• Assist with participation in recreational, educational, vocational, and social activities.
• Encourage individuals to pursue personal goals and achieve their fullest potential.
• Model hope, positivity, and resilience in all interactions.

• Health, safety & wellness
• Maintain a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment.
• Monitor the overall health, well-being, and safety of individuals served.
• Observe and report changes in behavior, health status, or living conditions.
• Ensure the safety and welfare of individuals while promoting dignity and independence.

• Crisis intervention & behavioral support
• Monitor for potential crisis situations and respond appropriately using approved interventions.
• Utilize training and best practices to effectively manage crisis situations.
• Follow established procedures for emergency response and incident reporting.
• Report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.

• Documentation & compliance
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services, activities, observations, and incidents.
• Follow agency policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
• Protect the confidentiality and privacy of individuals receiving services.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and program requirements.

• Team collaboration
• Work collaboratively with supervisors, clinicians, family members, and other team members.
• Participate in team meetings, training programs, and professional development opportunities.
• Contribute to a positive team environment focused on high-quality service and support.

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Qualifications

• Required qualifications
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid Delaware Driver's License.
• Minimum of three (3) years of acceptable driving history.
• Ability to meet agency driving requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
• Strong organizational and follow-up skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic computer proficiency; experience with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems is a plus.
• Commitment to person-centered care and recovery-oriented practices.

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• Core competencies
• Compassion and Empathy
• Person-Centered Support
• Professional Communication
• Community Inclusion
• Problem Solving
• Crisis Response and De-escalation
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Accountability and Reliability
• Documentation and Recordkeeping
• Cultural Awareness and Respect

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Working conditions

• This position is primarily based in a residential behavioral health setting and may include:
• Day, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts
• Community outings and transportation of individuals served
• Working in residential homes and community environments
• Exposure to individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges or crisis situations
• Active engagement throughout the shift, including standing, walking, and supporting individuals in various activities

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Physical requirements

The employee must be able to

• Stand and walk for extended periods
• Bend, stoop, kneel, and reach regularly
• Assist individuals with mobility and daily living activities
• Lift, carry, push, or pull as needed
• Safely operate a motor vehicle
• Respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations
• Participate in approved behavioral intervention techniques when required

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Why join rhd?

At RHD, we believe that every person deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. As a Direct Support Professional, you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact while working alongside a dedicated team committed to empowerment, recovery, and community inclusion.

We value

• Compassion and Respect
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Professional Growth
• Excellence in Service

If you're looking for a rewarding career where you can change lives—including your own—we would love to hear from you.

Apply today and help empower individuals to live healthier, more independent, and meaningful lives.

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Equal employment opportunity

RHD and its affiliated organizations are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. We are dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace for all.