Direct Support Professional/1st shift

RHA Health Services • Hendersonville, NC

18h

About The Position

RHA Health Services is hiring a Direct Support Professional to provide personalized, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and people facing mental health or substance use challenges. The role helps individuals engage meaningfully in their communities, pursue personal goals, express their needs, and build independence and self-advocacy. The DSP learns about each person’s history, social and family networks, and aspirations, and provides compassionate, respectful support under supervision and established guidelines.

The position is regular and scheduled for 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., including every other weekend. The listed pay rate is $18.50, with a $2,000 sign-on bonus. The position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must meet all pre-employment screening requirements, including criminal background and registry checks, drug testing, education verification, and other credentialing based on position requirements.
• Compassionate, patient, and dedicated to person-centered support.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to foster independence while providing necessary support.
• Knowledge of disability rights, self-advocacy, and community integration principles.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow regulatory guidelines.
• Must regularly lift and carry up to 20 pounds and occasionally pull at least 40 pounds.
• Must be able to squat, kneel, crawl, crouch, climb, and stoop as part of regular duties.
• Must be able to use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls.
• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Must demonstrate CPR proficiency from floor level, requiring work on hands and knees, bending, standing, and lifting.
• Must have close, distance, and peripheral vision and be able to talk and hear. The talk-and-hear requirement does not apply to Deaf and Hard of Hearing programs.
• For positions requiring transportation, proof of driver's license, driver's insurance, and vehicle is required if applicable.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for individuals’ human, legal, and civil rights.
• Promote health and safety through wellness initiatives and accident prevention.
• Encourage self-advocacy and support individuals in making their own choices.
• Accompany individuals to work, recreational activities, social events, appointments, errands, and other community activities; provide transportation as needed.
• Teach and support independent living skills, including household management and personal care.
• Foster social connections and relationship-building in the community.
• Support informed decisions about living arrangements, employment, and social activities.
• Assist with personal care, including hygiene, bathing, dressing, laundry, cleaning, and decorating.
• Maintain accurate documentation of services and support.
• Understand challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and use effective advocacy strategies.
• Connect individuals with community resources for career development, education, and volunteer opportunities.
• Encourage effective communication in ways adapted to individual needs and preferences.
• Assist with medication administration in accordance with state laws and regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards.

Benefits

• Payactiv early access to earned wages before payday.
• Employee perks and discount program.
• Paid time off for full-time employees.
• Health and insurance benefits for full-time employees.
• 401(k) retirement savings program.
• Physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing programs.
• Chronic disease management programs for hypertension and diabetes for qualifying employees.
• Free CPR, first aid, and job-specific training opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED