Direct support professional (Dsp) – behavioral health residential
Make a difference every day
At RHD, one of Delaware’s largest nonprofit human services organizations, we are committed to helping individuals live healthy, meaningful, and independent lives. Through collaboration with community partners, healthcare providers, and government agencies, we provide essential services to some of the state's most vulnerable populations.
We are seeking compassionate, dedicated, and reliable Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our Behavioral Health Residential team. If you are passionate about helping others, building meaningful relationships, and supporting individuals in achieving their goals, this may be the perfect opportunity for you.
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Position Summary
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is an essential member of the interdisciplinary care team, providing direct support to individuals with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral health challenges. The DSP helps individuals develop life skills, maintain their health and safety, increase independence, and participate fully in their communities.
Working collaboratively with clinical and residential staff, the DSP provides person-centered care and support while promoting dignity, recovery, wellness, and self-determination. Through compassion, encouragement, and advocacy, the DSP helps individuals achieve their fullest potential and improve their quality of life.
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Key responsibilities
- Direct care & daily living support
- Assist individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs), including:
- Personal hygiene and grooming
- Meal preparation and nutrition
- Laundry and housekeeping
- Daily routines and self-care activities
- Support individuals in developing and maintaining independent living skills.
- Assist with medication routines in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Promote healthy habits, wellness, and personal responsibility.
- Community engagement & skill building
- Encourage individuals to participate in community, recreational, educational, and social activities.
- Support individuals in developing meaningful relationships and community connections.
- Provide guidance and supervision to build confidence, independence, and life skills.
- Model positive behavior, hope, optimism, and encouragement.
- Behavioral health & crisis support
- Monitor for signs of crisis or potential behavioral concerns.
- Respond appropriately to crisis situations using approved interventions and best practices.
- Follow agency policies regarding safety, emergency response, and incident reporting.
- Maintain a calm, supportive approach when assisting individuals during challenging situations.
- Health, safety & well-Being
- Help maintain a safe, clean, and supportive residential environment.
- Observe changes in physical, emotional, or behavioral health and report concerns appropriately.
- Assist in ensuring the overall safety and well-being of individuals receiving services.
- Uphold individual rights, dignity, and confidentiality at all times.
- Documentation & compliance
- Complete accurate and timely documentation related to services provided.
- Document activities, progress, observations, and incidents in accordance with agency standards.
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with all HIPAA regulations.
- Follow organizational policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Team collaboration
- Work collaboratively with supervisors, nurses, clinicians, family members, and interdisciplinary team members.
- Participate in team meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
- Support a culture of teamwork, respect, and excellent service.
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Qualifications
- Required
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Valid Delaware Driver’s License.
- Minimum three (3) years of acceptable driving history.
- Ability to meet organizational driving requirements.
PREFERRED • Experience supporting individuals with
- Behavioral health challenges
- Intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Mental health conditions
- Residential or human services programs
- 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 skills; experience with Microsoft Office is a plus.
- Commitment to person-centered and recovery-oriented care.
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What makes a great dsp?
Successful candidates are
- Compassionate and empathetic
- Dependable and professional
- Patient and encouraging
- Strong communicators
- Team-oriented and collaborative
- Adaptable and solution-focused
- Passionate about helping others succeed
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Working conditions
This position may include
- Day, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts
- Community outings and transportation of individuals served
- Residential and community-based work settings
- Active engagement throughout the workday
- Responding to behavioral health or crisis situations as needed
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Physical requirements
The employee must be able to
- Stand and walk for extended periods
- Bend, stoop, kneel, and reach frequently
- Assist with daily living activities and mobility support
- Lift, carry, push, and pull as required
- Safely operate a motor vehicle
- Respond appropriately in emergency situations
- Participate in approved crisis intervention techniques when necessary
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Why join rhd?
- When you join RHD, you become part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening communities. We value:
- Compassion
- Respect
- Inclusion
- Teamwork
- Recovery and Wellness
- Personal and Professional Growth
As a Direct Support Professional, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day while helping individuals live more independent, fulfilling lives.
Join our team and help create opportunities for growth, recovery, and success.
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Equal opportunity employer
RHD and its affiliated organizations are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. 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 characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
