Direct Support Professional / Ridgecrest

RHA Health Services, LLC • West Jefferson, NC

20d

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides personalized support to individuals with disabilities, helping them participate meaningfully in their communities and achieve personal goals. The role includes helping individuals identify and express their needs, implementing services aligned with person-centered plans, and fostering independence and self-advocacy. DSPs seek to understand each person’s history, social and family networks, and aspirations, and provide support with compassion and respect. The position operates under supervision and follows established guidelines to ensure high-quality care and advocacy.

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, being at least 18 years old, meeting pre-employment screening requirements, and the ability to provide person-centered support. Physical demands include lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds regularly and pulling at least 40 pounds occasionally, as well as regularly performing movements such as squatting, kneeling, crawling, crouching, climbing, and stooping.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Must meet all pre-employment screening requirements, including criminal background checks, registry checks, drug testing, and education verification or other credentialing as applicable.
• 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.
• Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 20 pounds and occasionally pull at least 40 pounds.
• Ability to squat, kneel, crawl, crouch, climb, and stoop as part of regular duties.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls.
• Ability to 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.
• For Deaf and Hard of Hearing programs only, fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) is required; the talking and hearing requirement does not apply.
• For positions requiring transportation, provide proof of driver's license, driver's insurance, and vehicle, if required.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for individuals’ human, legal, and civil rights.
• Promote health and safety through wellness initiatives and accident prevention.
• Encourage self-advocacy and empower individuals to make their own choices.
• Accompany individuals to work, recreation, and social activities to support community engagement.
• Teach and support independent living skills, including household management and personal care.
• Provide transportation for appointments, errands, and community activities.
• Support individuals in building relationships and social connections within the community.
• Support informed decisions about living arrangements, employment, and social activities.
• Assist with hygiene, bathing, dressing, laundry, cleaning, decorating, and other personal care or household tasks.
• Maintain accurate documentation of services and support provided.
• Understand challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and use effective advocacy strategies.
• Connect individuals with community resources for career development, education, and volunteering.
• Encourage effective communication by adapting to individual needs and preferences.
• Assist with medication administration in accordance with state laws and regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards.

Benefits

• $3,000 sign-on bonus.
• Payactiv early access to earned wages before payday.
• Employee perks and discount program.
• Paid Time Off for full-time employees.
• Health/Insurance 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