At Vanguard Landing, our Direct Support Professionals do far more than provide care—they help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build meaningful, independent, and joy-filled lives!
Every day is an opportunity to encourage independence, build genuine relationships, teach life skills, support health and wellness, and create a community where every resident feels valued, respected, and empowered.
DSPs assist residents with daily living activities while promoting dignity, choice, safety, inclusion, and person-centered supports. Team members provide compassionate assistance ranging from independent coaching to hands-on physical support and clinical care based on each resident's unique needs.
Because no two residents are alike, DSPs must be flexible, patient, observant, physically capable, and committed to learning new skills.
Direct Support Professionals provide hands-on support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals with complex medical, mobility, and seizure-related needs. Employees must be able to safely perform the following essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation:
Daily Support
- Monitor and support residents with seizure disorders, including recognizing seizure activity, following individualized seizure protocols, documenting events, and responding appropriately until medical assistance or additional staff arrive.
- Safely provide care for residents with feeding tubes (G-tubes) after completing all required Vanguard Landing training and competency evaluations, following physician orders and company policies.
- Observe residents for changes in physical condition and promptly report concerns to nursing or leadership.
- Accurately document care, medication observations, seizures, behavioral incidents, and other required clinical information.
Mobility & Physical Assistance
Employees must be able to:
- Assist residents with transfers into and out of wheelchairs, beds, vehicles, toilets, showers, and other seating as needed.
- Safely use proper body mechanics and approved transfer techniques.
- Utilize gait belts, transfer equipment, wheelchairs, and adaptive devices when required.
- Push occupied wheelchairs over varying indoor and outdoor terrain.
- Assist residents who have limited mobility or require partial to full physical assistance with activities of daily living.
Physical Requirements
This position is physically active and routinely requires employees to:
- Lift, transfer, push, pull, or support residents weighing up to 50 pounds independently and greater amounts with assistance or approved equipment.
- Frequently bend, kneel, squat, reach, climb stairs, and stand for extended periods.
- Walk significant distances throughout Vanguard Landing's campus during each shift.
- Respond quickly during emergencies, including medical emergencies, falls, seizures, behavioral crises, fire alarms, or evacuations.
- Perform CPR and emergency response procedures following required training.
Shift would be either: ("Front End" = Sun-Wed or "Back End" = Thur-Sat)
- Morning Shifts 7am-3pm
- Evening Shifts 3pm-11pm
- Overnight Shifts 11pm-7am
Required Certifications & Training prior to Shift Assignment
- CPR/First Aid/AED Certification - up to date or willing to renew
- Med Administration Certification -up to date or willing to acquire
- G-Tube Care and Use Certification - up to date or willing to acquire
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 18 years of age
- High school diploma or GED
- Ability to pass all required background screenings
- Ability to successfully complete Vanguard Landing orientation and required training
- Ability to use electronic documentation systems and required technology
- Reliable Transportation
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Experience with autism, down syndrome, epilepsy, or other developmental disabilities
- Experience assisting individuals with mobility limitations
- Experience supporting individuals with g-tubes, seizure disorders, or other medical needs
- CNA, PCA, EMT, Medical Assistant, or similar healthcare experience is welcomed but not required
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $19.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid orientation
- Paid time off
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
- Night Shift (Preferred)
- Overnight Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Virginia Beach, VA 23456 (Required)
Work Location: In person
