Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Job Description
Job Description
Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Direct Hire
Location: West Chester, PA
Schedule: Full-Time | Multiple Shifts Available
Type: Direct Hire
Pay: $17.50–$23.05/hour, based on experience and education
Sign-On Bonus: $1,000, distributed in three installments over the first 180 days
Responsibilities
- Provide direct care and supervision to children and young adults in a residential setting
- Assist with activities of daily living, including showering, toileting, dressing, and personal hygiene
- Ensure the safety and well-being of residents
- Redirect and respond appropriately to challenging behaviors
- Support residents with communication, social, behavioral, and life-skill development
- Engage residents in activities that align with their individual treatment and skill-development plans
- Provide structure, support, and positive reinforcement throughout the day
- Follow individualized treatment plans and behavioral support strategies
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Help residents build independence and develop life skills
Schedule
1st Shift: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
2nd Shift: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
3rd Shift: 10:00 PM – 8:00 AM
Full-Time 1st & 2nd Shift: One weekday and one weekend day off
Full-Time 3rd Shift: Two weekdays off and every other weekend
Please note: Shift times are firm, and weekend availability is required. The schedule will be provided at the time of offer.
The current greatest need is for 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM staff.
Requirements
- Must be 21 years of age or older
- High School Diploma required
- Reliable transportation required — public transportation, Uber, and Lyft cannot be used
- Must be comfortable working with children and young adults with significant behavioral and developmental needs
- Must be comfortable providing hands-on support and assistance with personal care
- Must be physically able to perform the responsibilities of the position
- Candidates educated outside of the United States will need an education evaluation through NACES or WES
Preferred Experience
Previous experience working with children or individuals with behavioral/developmental needs is preferred but not required.
Relevant backgrounds may include:
- Direct Support Professional
- Teacher Assistant
- Instructional Support Specialist
- Special Education
- Behavioral Health
- Mental Health Technician
- CNA, particularly in a psychiatric or behavioral health setting
- Residential care
- 1:1 support
Important Information About the Role
This is a hands-on position. Candidates must be comfortable working with individuals who may display challenging or unpredictable behaviors, including physical aggression, self-injury, or property destruction.
Candidates should be comfortable with:
- Hands-on support and de-escalation techniques when necessary
- Working one-on-one with individuals who require additional supervision
- Personal care and ADL assistance
- A variety of communication methods
- Following established safety and behavioral protocols
- Maintaining composure in challenging situations
Candidates who are selected will complete the employer's pre-employment and onboarding requirements, including required background checks, fingerprinting, and an onsite oral drug screen.
Please note: Candidates will need to provide original/official education documentation, such as a transcript or diploma, along with required identification documents. Photos or photocopies of education documents are not accepted.
EOE Employer.