Direct Support Professional, Lead

Soar365•Richmond, VA

13h

About The Position

The DSP Lead plays a vital role in supporting individuals with disabilities across SOAR365's center-based and community programs, including Day Support, After-School, and Respite services. This position helps coordinate daily activities while ensuring participants receive meaningful, engaging support that promotes independence, skill-building, and inclusion. By guiding staff and fostering a positive, supportive environment, the DSP Lead directly impacts the quality of care and experiences for those served. This role is essential to advancing SOAR365's mission-empowering individuals to live full, productive lives-by creating opportunities for growth, connection, and community involvement every day. For more than 70 years, SOAR365 has been dedicated to supporting individuals and families living with disabilities. Our innovative programs and compassionate services are thoughtfully designed to meet real-world needs at every stage of life. Today, SOAR365 has a profound impact on more than 2,000 people and their families across the Greater Richmond area. Whether through employment, therapy, respite, or recreation, we're proud to help people of all abilities thrive. We are also proud to be recognized as an Employer of Choice , offering competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and connected to meaningful work.

Requirements

Strong programming and leadership skills, including the ability to supervise participants and guide staff while implementing individualized training plans and facilitating both group and one-on-one activities.
Solid understanding of the needs of individuals with disabilities and be able to apply positive behavioral support strategies effectively.
Accurate and timely documentation.
Obtaining and maintaining Medication Administration certification
Holding a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record, and meeting eligibility to operate agency vehicles.
Demonstrate the ability to mentor staff, complete all required trainings (including those requiring travel), and promptly report any changes to driving status, as maintaining these qualifications is essential to continued employment.
High School / GED graduation required.
One year of experience working with persons with disabilities required.
Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls.
Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to, personal computer, calculator, copier and fax machine.
Significant standing, walking, lifting, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, handling, pushing and pulling required in the delivery of services and supports.
Must be able to travel to the field (outside of the office) in order to deliver services.

Nice To Haves

Job-related college course work, disability-specific training, or medical training such as CNA license may be combined with related work experience and substituted for the 1 year of required experience.
Team leadership experience a plus.

Responsibilities

Hands-on support to participants by delivering purposeful, age-appropriate activities that promote independence, social interaction, personal care, and skill development.
Serves as a mentor to direct support professionals, offering coaching on effective participant engagement, activity implementation, and positive behavioral support strategies.
In the absence of the Supervisor, the DSP Lead assists with assigning and monitoring staff documentation to ensure timely and accurate completion.
Supporting participants with personal care needs, accompanying them on community outings, and providing transportation when required.
Identifies program improvement opportunities, ensures compliance with agency policies and regulations, participates in trainings and meetings, and collaborates with volunteers and interns to support overall program success and organizational mission.