Direct Support Professional I

City of Virginia Beach

21d•$36,941 - $57,574

About The Position

The City of Virginia Beach Department of Human Services is hiring a Direct Support Professional to support adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities in the SkillQuest Day Support program. The role oversees day support program rooms and staff, manages caseloads, and assists the unit supervisor. It provides group day services using methods that encourage independence, implements individualized support and program plans, and documents services and client progress. The position requires a high school diploma or GED, at least one year of direct client care or customer-service-related experience, and a current, valid driver’s license. Employees must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime when operational needs require it. This is an Alpha I position, requiring work during inclement weather regardless of the City’s operational status. The stated pay range is $36,940.80–$57,574.40, with starting salary potentially negotiable based on qualifications. Eligible new hires may receive a $2,500 hiring bonus, paid in installments subject to the stated performance and probationary-period conditions. The City describes its benefits package as including health, dental and life insurance, retirement and savings plans, maternity, paternity and parental leave, holidays, and paid leave.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
One year of direct client care or customer service-related experience.
Current and valid driver’s license.
Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime when required to meet operational needs.
Must work during inclement weather regardless of the City’s operational status (Alpha I position).
DMV transcript required.
CPS check required.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities in a day support setting.

Responsibilities

Provide group day services to adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities using methods that encourage independence.
Assist clients with mobility, including fall prevention, use of walkers and wheelchairs, transfers, and use of a mechanical lift.
Monitor and report health concerns; support seizure management, nutrition and hydration, medications and treatments, and healthy habits.
Assist clients with personal care, including bathroom use and eating.
Identify clients’ interests and adapt activities to their needs and independence goals.
Assist clients with life skills, including cooking, money management, hygiene, cleaning, and advocacy.
Teach generally accepted social behaviors and help clients develop socialization and communication skills.
Assist clients with public and other transportation, avoiding exploitation, identifying and using community resources, and finding volunteer opportunities.
Teach emotional regulation, anger management, and stress-reduction techniques; help prevent or defuse crises and harm to clients or others.
Implement Individualized Support Plans (ISPs) and Individualized Program Plans (IPPs) under the direction of the group leader and responsible clinician to help individuals reach personal goals.
Document support provided according to current practices and provide responsible staff with ongoing input about changes needed to ISPs or IPPs.
Participate in developing a monthly activity calendar focused on person-centered group activities.
Read and provide daily information in communication logs or books for assigned individuals.
Oversee day support program rooms and staff, manage caseloads, and assist the unit supervisor.