Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Community Support Team (CST)
Company: Arbor Care Solutions
Location: North Carolina (Community-Based Services)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Rotating On-Call May Be Required
Reports To: CST Team Lead or Qualified Professional (QP)
Position Summary:
Arbor Care Solutions is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Direct Support Professional (DSP) to join our Community Support Team (CST). The DSP plays a vital role in supporting adults living with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders by providing community-based rehabilitative services that promote recovery, independence, and improved quality of life.
Working under the supervision of the CST Team Lead and Qualified Professional, the DSP delivers face-to-face services in homes and community settings, helping individuals develop the skills needed to live successfully and independently within their communities.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
Direct Support & Skill Development:
- Provide psychoeducation related to mental health, recovery, wellness, and symptom management as outlined in the Person-Centered Plan (PCP).
- Assist individuals with activities of daily living, including:
- Personal hygiene
- Meal planning and preparation
- Budgeting and money management
- Transportation access and navigation
- Support the development of social, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Reinforce relapse prevention and disease management strategies.
- Assist individuals with tenancy-related skills, including:
Community-Based Rehabilitative Services:
- Deliver services in community settings such as homes, shelters, clinics, and public locations.
- Assist clients in accessing educational, vocational, and community engagement opportunities.
- Support overall health and wellness by helping clients:
- Attend medical appointments
- Understand treatment recommendations
- Manage medications in a non-clinical support role
Treatment Plan Implementation:
- Assist with implementing and reviewing Person-Centered Plans.
- Follow interventions and service strategies developed by the Team Lead and Qualified Professional.
- Communicate client progress, concerns, and behavioral changes to supervising staff in a timely manner.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation within the Electronic Health Record (EHR), including:
- Service notes
- Progress updates
- Client engagement and outcomes
Crisis Support:
- Participate in face-to-face crisis interventions as part of the CST’s 24/7 service model.
- Assist with safety planning and de-escalation efforts under appropriate clinical supervision.
- Maintain knowledge of individualized crisis plans and follow established team protocols.
Team Collaboration:
- Attend weekly team meetings, staffing sessions, and clinical reviews.
- Collaborate with CST team members.
- Serve as a consistent and reliable support person for clients navigating complex systems of care.
Qualifications:
Minimum Requirements:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with adults who have mental health and/or substance use diagnoses
- At least 18 years of age
- Ability to pass criminal background and credential verification checks
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
- Ability to work independently in community-based settings
Preferred Qualifications:
- Coursework or experience in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field
- Experience working within community-based behavioral health programs
- Familiarity with Medicaid documentation requirements
- CPR and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
Required Training:
Employees must complete 20 hours of CST-specific training within 90 days of hire, including:
- Community Support Team Definition and Function
- Person-Centered Planning
- Crisis Response
- Functional Needs Assessments
Ongoing training topics include:
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation
- Recovery-Oriented Service Delivery
Compensation & Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Mileage Reimbursement for Community Travel
Work Schedule:
- Full-Time Position
- Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Participation in a rotating on-call crisis response schedule may be required, including evenings and weekends
Why Join Arbor Care Solutions?
At Arbor Care Solutions, we believe recovery happens in the community. Our team meets individuals where they are and supports them in building meaningful, independent lives. As a Direct Support Professional, you will make a direct impact by helping people develop the skills, confidence, and stability needed to achieve their recovery goals and thrive within their communities.
Pay: $16.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- working with adults who have mental health/substance use: 1 year (Required)
License/Certification:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Winston-Salem, NC 27106