Direct Support Professional/Lakewood/PRN

RHA Health Services • Lakewood, NC

9d

About The Position

RHA Health Services is hiring a Direct Support Professional to support individuals with disabilities and people facing mental health or substance use challenges in their homes and communities. This entry-level role is part of a care team and helps people identify and achieve their goals, make choices, and live their best lives. The position works under direction and supervision and is scheduled as needed to cover shifts.

The Direct Support Professional helps people pursue outcomes in their Centered Plans, supports self-advocacy and decision-making, and seeks to understand each person’s history, relationships, and hopes for the future. The work may include advocacy, teaching, coaching, transportation, community activities, household assistance, personal care, and documentation.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license if required, and meet pre-employment screening requirements. A high school diploma or GED is listed as preferred in Tennessee. The role has physical demands including lifting, carrying, pulling, bending, kneeling, and standing or walking for extended periods. For Deaf and Hard of Hearing programs only, employees must be fluent in American Sign Language; the talking and hearing requirements do not apply to those programs.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license if required for the position.
• Meet all pre-employment screening requirements, including criminal background and registry checks, drug testing, education verification, and other credentialing based on position requirements.
• Ability to maintain good work attendance.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Conflict resolution skills.
• Decision-making skills.
• Communication skills.
• Physical ability to regularly lift and carry up to 20 lbs. and occasionally pull at least 40 lbs.; squat, kneel, crawl, crouch, climb, and stoop; use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to demonstrate CPR proficiency from floor level, involving working on hands and knees, bending, standing, and lifting.
• Close, distance, and peripheral vision; ability to talk and hear, except in Deaf and Hard of Hearing programs.
• For positions requiring transportation, provide proof of driver’s license, driver’s insurance, and vehicle if required.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or GED (listed as preferred in Tennessee).
• Some computer skills.
• Fluency in American Sign Language for Deaf and Hard of Hearing programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide education about human, legal, and civil rights.
• Promote healthy living and help prevent illness and accidents.
• Encourage self-advocacy, individual choice, and decision-making.
• Accompany individuals to work and community activities such as movies, concerts, and shopping.
• Teach independent living skills.
• Provide transportation to appointments when required.
• Foster positive relationships within the community.
• Support decision-making about living arrangements, work, and social relationships.
• Assist with personal care and bathing, and help with household tasks such as laundry, cleaning, and decorating.
• Document the care provided.
• Understand the challenges faced by people living with disabilities and use effective advocacy strategies.
• Connect individuals with resources related to career, education, volunteerism, and other opportunities.
• Promote effective communication.
• Assist with medication administration where permitted by state law.
• Protect confidentiality.

Benefits

• Payactiv early access to earned wages before payday.
• Employee perks and discount program.
• Paid Time Off for full-time employees only.
• Health/Insurance for full-time employees only.
• 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.
• Contract/contingent workers and interns do not qualify for the listed benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED