Direct Support Professional (DSP) Job Description
Job Title: Direct Support Professional
Site: WellCare Homes 7
Reports To: Facility Administrator
Classification: Non-Exempt
Pay Status: Hourly
Pay Range: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour
Work Schedule: Full-Time
Sunday - Thursday PM Shift
Wednesday - Sunday PM
Tuesday - Saturday PM Shift
Position Summary
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides direct care, supervision, and support to adults with developmental disabilities and behavioral support needs in a licensed residential care setting. The DSP works as part of an interdisciplinary team to promote each resident’s independence, dignity, safety, and quality of life in accordance with Individual Program Plans (IPP), Individual Behavior Support Plans (IBSP), and applicable regulatory requirements, including California Title 22 and Title 17 standards.
This position is responsible for assisting clients with activities of daily living, including personal care, hygiene, grooming, mobility, meal preparation, and medication-related support as authorized. The DSP also provides supervision and behavioral support during in-home activities and community outings, ensuring clients are supported in a safe and structured environment.
The DSP monitors and documents client health status, behavioral changes, and progress toward individual goals, and promptly reports concerns, incidents, or suspected abuse in compliance with mandated reporting laws and agency policy. The role includes supporting the implementation of behavioral and therapeutic programs, participating in training and team meetings, and maintaining accurate records and communication with internal staff and outside service providers.
Additional responsibilities include ensuring the cleanliness and safety of the home environment, supporting emergency procedures, assisting with transportation to appointments and activities, and safeguarding resident personal property and funds.
This position requires the ability to work in a residential care environment that may include exposure to communicable diseases and individuals who may display challenging or aggressive behaviors. The DSP must be able to perform physical tasks such as lifting, standing, bending, and assisting with resident mobility as needed.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide direct care and supervision to clients with developmental disabilities, including assistance with activities of daily living such as hygiene, grooming, bathing, toileting, dressing, feeding, mobility, and personal care support.
- Support clients in achieving individualized goals and objectives identified in their Individual Program Plan (IPP), Individual Behavior Support Plan (IBSP), and Health Care Plan.
- Observe, monitor, document, and promptly report changes in clients’ physical condition, behavioral status, emotional well-being, safety concerns, incidents, and progress in accordance with company policy and applicable regulations.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation, records, medication logs, and incident reports in compliance with Title 17, Title 22, and other applicable federal and state requirements.
- Safely transport clients to appointments, community activities, educational programs, and recreational outings while ensuring supervision and safety at all times.
- Implement approved behavior support strategies, crisis intervention techniques, and emergency response procedures consistent with client care plans, training, and organizational policies.
- Prepare and serve meals in accordance with dietary guidelines, sanitation standards, and program requirements, and maintain a clean, safe, and organized home environment.
- Exercise sound judgment and respond appropriately to emergencies, including medical emergencies, behavioral incidents, fire, evacuation, and natural disasters.
- Communicate professionally and effectively with clients, coworkers, supervisors, family members, healthcare providers, and outside agencies while maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- Advocate for clients’ rights, dignity, privacy, independence, and overall well-being through respectful, person-centered care and support.
- Handle clients’ personal and incidental funds accurately and maintain related records in accordance with company procedures and regulatory requirements.
- Comply with all mandated reporting obligations and immediately report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other reportable incidents in accordance with California law and company policy.
- Attend and successfully complete all required trainings, certifications, continuing education, staff meetings, and competency requirements necessary to maintain compliance with licensing and program standards.
- Perform physical job duties including lifting, transferring, bending, standing, walking, kneeling, reaching, and assisting clients with mobility and daily activities in residential, community, and clinical settings.
- Work effectively in environments that may include exposure to communicable diseases, blood-borne pathogens, cleaning agents, and clients who may display aggressive, self-injurious, or challenging behaviors.
- Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned by management consistent with operational and client care needs.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required for the position.
Preferred candidates will possess the following:
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Valid and current California driver’s license with an acceptable driving record and ability to maintain insurability under company policy.
- Ability to successfully complete DOJ/FBI Live Scan fingerprint clearance and all other applicable background clearance requirements.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain certification prior to providing direct care services.
- Completion of required health screening and TB clearance in accordance with California Title 22 regulations.
- Must meet all applicable Title 17 and Title 22 licensing and training requirements.
- Must complete required orientation and mandatory training within designated timeframes.
- Must complete DSP 1 and DSP 2 training requirements or pass the applicable challenge test within the required timeframe.
- Must obtain and maintain required certifications, including Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification within required timelines if applicable to the position.
We value team members who are patient, professional, reliable, and passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, in accordance with applicable law.
- Ability to lift, move, transfer, or assist with up to 50 pounds as required by client care and program operations
- Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, squat, kneel, reach, twist, crawl, and climb throughout the workday as needed to perform assigned duties
- Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in a variety of residential, clinical, and community-based environments
- Frequent direct interaction with participants who may exhibit challenging behaviors, including but not limited to verbal aggression, physical aggression, self-injurious behaviors, PICA behaviors, elopement risk, and other behaviors requiring intervention, redirection, and crisis response
- Ability to safely respond to emergencies, behavioral incidents, and participant care needs in accordance with company policy, training, and licensing requirements
- Possible exposure to communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, medication administration environments, and other conditions common to healthcare and community care settings
- Ability to safely operate company or personal vehicles for participant transportation, community outings, appointments, and other assigned duties, if required by the position
- Employees may be required to use approved personal protective equipment (PPE), follow infection control procedures, and implement behavior intervention techniques consistent with company policy, Title 17, Title 22, Cal/OSHA requirements, and other applicable laws and regulations
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
WellCare Homes 7 is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, protected leave status, reproductive health decision-making, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
- Demonstrated ability to lift heavy objects safely and assist with mobility tasks as needed
Join us as a Direct Support Professional and become an essential part of a dedicated team committed to enriching lives through compassionate caregiving. Your skills will foster independence while ensuring safety and well-being for those you serve. We value your dedication and offer a supportive environment where your efforts truly matter.
Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid orientation
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Professional development assistance
- Safety equipment provided
- Vision insurance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Working with individuals with developmental disabilities: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Direct Support Professional Certification for 1 & 2 (Preferred)
- RBT Certification (Preferred)
- First Aid Certification (Preferred)
- CPR Certification (Preferred)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
- Night Shift (Preferred)
- Overnight Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Elverta, CA 95626 (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
