Direct Support Professional; DSP

Elevate Spectrum | Agency With Choice Professional Support Pool | Maryland | W-2 | Full-Time & Part-Time Opportunities Higher Pay. Higher Standards. Work That Matters.

Elevate Spectrum is building a highly selective Agency With Choice Professional Support Pool of dependable, experienced Direct Support Professionals to support adults with developmental disabilities throughout Maryland.

Through the Agency With Choice model, participants and families have meaningful input into selecting their support professionals and defining preferred schedules, daily routines, and expectations. Elevate Spectrum remains the employer and manages hiring, payroll, required training, compliance, and administrative support.

We are seeking professionals with at least 3 years of experience supporting people with developmental disabilities who can provide more than basic supervision.

Our DSPs help participants build skills, exercise greater independence, participate meaningfully in their communities, pursue employment and personal goals, and live more self-directed lives.

This is meaningful work with meaningful responsibility. The higher compensation reflects the professionalism, reliability, judgment, and level of engagement expected from members of the Elevate Spectrum DSP Pool.

$30–$45 per hour, depending on the authorized service, assignment, and geographic area.

These are service-specific rates, not a guaranteed starting wage or a guarantee that every DSP will qualify for every assignment. Higher-rate assignments may require appropriate participant authorization, relevant experience, demonstrated competency, and a suitable participant‑professional match.

Geographic differential rates may apply to eligible assignments in Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Montgomery, and Prince George's counties.

This is a W-2 employee position, not a 1099 independent‑contractor role.

Available benefits may include paid time off, health reimbursement accounts, and retirement benefits, subject to position requirements, hours worked, and plan eligibility.

This is a rolling recruitment campaign to build a pre-qualified Agency With Choice DSP Pool for current and upcoming participant assignments throughout Maryland.

Joining the pool does not guarantee an immediate assignment, a specific schedule, or a minimum number of hours. Placement depends on participant choice, service authorization, geographic fit, availability, qualifications, and mutual compatibility.

• Submit your application and screening information.
• Complete an initial recruiter interview.
• Provide required employment, reference, and background‑screening information.
• Complete applicable onboarding, orientation, and training requirements.
• Become eligible for participant assignments that align with your qualifications, location, availability, and service interests.
• Participate in a family/participant match conversation or interview when appropriate.
• Begin work after the assignment, service authorization, schedule, and onboarding requirements are confirmed.

Responsibilities vary by participant and authorized service and may include:

• Assist participants with daily routines, personal goals, and meaningful activities.
• Encourage participants to make choices and exercise as much independence as possible.
• Support communication, problem‑solving, decision‑making, and self‑advocacy.
• Help participants develop practical life skills at home and in the community.
• Provide respectful assistance with personal care when required by the assignment.
• Maintain a safe and supportive environment while preserving dignity and privacy.

• Develop meaningful community activities and social experiences based on the participant's interests and goals.
• Accompany participants to community activities, appointments, classes, social events, and recreational opportunities.
• Turn everyday outings into opportunities for connection, confidence, independence, and skill building.
• Encourage active participation rather than simply supervising or transporting.
• Adapt activities to individual…