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Direct Support Professional

The Direct Support Professional supports adults referred through a regional center across our Behavioral Day Program and Adult Day Services. The role focuses on building independence, daily-living skills, and community engagement in a safe, positive environment.

Part-timeNorthern California, community-basedMonday to Friday

Position summary

Day to day, DSPs provide direct care, behavioral support, community-integration activities, and transportation support while following each participant's individualized plan.

We're looking for someone patient, dependable, and energized by helping others build a life of their own.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Provide direct support and supervision to adult participants in both community and program settings
  • Implement individualized behavior support plans and program goals
  • Support participants with daily living skills including communication, socialization, hygiene, community safety, and independence skills
  • Assist with recreational activities, vocational activities, and community outings
  • Transport participants safely to and from community-based activities as needed
  • Support positive behaviors while maintaining a calm and professional approach during challenging situations
  • Accurately document daily notes, behaviors, incidents, transportation logs, and participant progress
  • Maintain participant dignity, confidentiality, and safety at all times
  • Collaborate with Program Supervisors, Behavior Specialists, and leadership team members
  • Follow all Regional Center, HIPAA, Title 17, and company compliance requirements
  • Attend required trainings, meetings, and ongoing professional development sessions

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Previous experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, behavioral challenges, or mental health preferred
  • DSP, caregiving, ABA, behavioral support, or special education experience preferred
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to remain calm and professional in various situations
  • Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented
  • CPR/First Aid certification preferred or willingness to obtain upon hire

Transportation & Vehicle Requirements

  • Must have reliable personal transportation available for daily work-related travel
  • Must possess a valid California driver's license
  • Must maintain a clean and safe driving record that meets company insurance and safety standards
  • Must maintain active personal automobile insurance with appropriate liability coverage that meets company requirements
  • Must provide proof of valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and current auto insurance upon hire and maintain updated documentation at all times
  • Must be comfortable transporting participants in their personal vehicle as part of community-based services and outings
  • Vehicle must be clean, safe, well-maintained, and suitable for transporting participants
  • Must follow all company transportation safety policies and Regional Center requirements
  • Ability to safely support up to a 1:2 staff-to-participant ratio during community outings and transportation activities
  • Must demonstrate safe driving habits, professionalism, patience, and good judgment while transporting participants
  • Must be comfortable assisting participants with entering and exiting vehicles safely when needed
  • No major driving violations, reckless driving history, DUI-related offenses, or suspended license history within company-approved review periods
  • Willingness to complete any required driver safety training, defensive driving training, or transportation-related compliance requirements
  • Ability to use GPS/navigation apps and maintain reliable communication during community-based services

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and support participants throughout the day
  • Ability to safely assist participants during behavioral or crisis situations when needed
  • Ability to drive regularly throughout the workday for community-based services

Schedule

  • Part-time opportunity, with potential for increased hours as programs grow
  • Monday through Friday, generally 8:00 AM to 2:30 or 3:00 PM
  • Occasional evening or weekend activities may come up depending on participant needs

Benefits

  • Competitive pay
  • Paid training
  • Mileage reimbursement for approved work-related travel
  • Opportunities for growth and advancement
  • Supportive team environment
  • 401(k) with up to 4% company match for all W-2 employees

Preferred Characteristics

  • Compassionate and patient
  • Reliable and professional
  • Positive and team-oriented
  • Passionate about helping others build independence
  • Comfortable working in community-based environments
  • Open to learning and feedback

Via Home and Community Services (ViaHCS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees and participants.

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