Direct Support Professional

Position: Direct Support Professional FT
Location: Hamburg

We are hiring for

Direct Support Professional FT

Type

Regular

Job Description

We are hiring for a Direct Support Professional (DSP) who provides personalized support to individuals with intellectual, developmental disabilities and people facing mental health and substance use challenges. The DSP helps clients engage meaningfully in their communities and achieve personal goals, assisting with needs identification, service implementation, and fostering independence and self‑advocacy. The role operates under supervision and follows established guidelines to ensure high‑quality care and advocacy.

Pay

and Benefits

Pay: $19.50–$20 per hour

Sign on Bonus: $1,000

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advocate for individuals’ human, legal, and civil rights.
• Promote health and safety by supporting wellness initiatives and accident prevention.
• Encourage self‑advocacy and empower individuals in making their own choices.
• Facilitate community engagement by accompanying individuals to work, recreational activities, and social events.
• Teach and support independent living skills, including household management and personal care.
• Provide transportation for appointments, errands, and community activities.
• Foster social connections by supporting relationship‑building within the community.
• Support informed decision‑making regarding living arrangements, employment, and social activities.
• Assist with personal care tasks, such as hygiene, bathing, dressing, and household chores (laundry, cleaning, and decorating).
• Maintain accurate documentation of provided services and support.
• Understand and address challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, using effective advocacy strategies.
• Connect individuals with community resources for career development, education, and volunteer opportunities.
• Encourage effective communication, adapting to individual needs and preferences.
• Assist with medication administration in accordance with state laws and regulations.
• Ensure confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all aspects of care.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Meet all pre‑employment screening requirements
• Compassionate, patient, and dedicated to person‑centered support
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to foster independence while providing necessary support
• Knowledge of disability rights, self‑advocacy, and community integration principles
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow regulatory guidelines

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs., and occasionally pull at least 40 lbs.
• Must be able to squat, kneel, crawl, crouch, climb, and stoop as part of regular job duties.
• Must be able to use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls.
• Required to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in CPR from floor level, which requires working on hands and knees, bending, standing, and lifting.
• Vision requirements include close, distance, and peripheral vision.
• Must be able to talk and hear.
• Exception – Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs:
  For these programs only, employees must be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). The requirement to talk and hear does not apply.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

RHA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, prohibits discrimination based on the following protected categories: race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex/gender, marital status, civil status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic…