Direct Support Professional
Department: Individual Support Living Homes
Reports To: House Manager/ Program Manager
FLSA SATUS: Non-Exempt
Position Summary
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides direct, hands-on support to individuals in a residential setting, assisting with daily living activities while promoting independence, dignity, and personal growth.
DSPs are responsible for maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive home environment, while delivering services in alignment with each individual’s person centered support plan.
This is an active, engaged role that requires attentiveness, consistency, and follow-through. DSPs play a key role in ensuring individuals receive quality care, meaningful engagement, and appropriate supervision throughout each shift.
This is a safety-sensitive position. Employees must be able to remain alert, provide continuous supervision, and respond appropriately to the needs of individuals served at all times.
Position Summary
Martha’s Place utilizes a structured compensation model designed to reward performance, consistency, and long-term growth.
- Starting Total Pay: $17.50–$18.00 per hour (includes base pay + performance differential)
- Performance Differential: Additional hourly pay based on experience and performance
- Pay Range: Up to $22.00 per hour total pay
- Weekend Differential: Additional $2.00 per hour for weekend shifts
Performance-Based Growth
- Initial performance review at 90 days
- Ongoing reviews every 6 months
- Pay increases are based on performance, consistency, and role development
This structure ensures that employees have a clear and consistent path to increase their pay overtime.
Training & Experience
You do not need prior experience to succeed in this role.
We are committed to training, supporting, and investing in individuals who are dependable, open to learning, and willing to grow.
Preferred (but not required):
- Experience in caregiving, direct support, or behavioral health
- Experience working with individuals with developmental or behavioral needs
Key Responsibilities
Direct Care & Daily Support
- Assist individuals with activities of daily living (hygiene, meals, mobility, routines)
- Promote independence, dignity, and personal choice
- Support skill development and daily structure
Home Environment
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized home
- Ensure individuals have necessary supplies and meals
- Support daily routines and structure within the home
Plans, Documentation & Compliance
- Follow Person Centered Support Plans (PCSP) and any applicable behavior plans
- Complete documentation accurately and on time using required systems
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with all policies and regulations
Community & Engagement
- Support individuals in participating in community activities and appointments
- Assist with transportation as required
- Encourage social interaction and personal interests
Health & Safety
- Ensure safety and well-being of all individuals
- Follow all health and safety procedures
- Administer medications and complete documentation as trained and authorized
- Report concerns, incidents, or changes promptly
Teamwork & Communication
- Communicate professionally with team members and leadership
- Participate in training and team meetings
- Accept feedback and demonstrate willingness to grow
General Responsibilities
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- Follow all company policies and procedures
- Demonstrate professionalism and accountability
- Perform additional duties as assigned
Accountability & Expectations
DSPs are directly responsible for the safety, care, and daily experience of individuals served during their shift.
This includes:
- Providing continuous supervision and meaningful engagement
- Following support plans consistently
- Maintaining a clean, safe, and organized environment
- Completing all required documentation accurately and on time
DSPs are expected to remain actively engaged at all times. Passive supervision is not sufficient for this role.
Employees are expected to take appropriate action to address issues within their control and escalate concerns when necessary. Reporting a concern does not replace responsibility for addressing it during the shift.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, and remain active throughout shifts
- Ability to assist with lifting or supporting individuals (up to ~50lbs as needed)
- Ability to perform two person transfers
- Ability to respond appropriately in emergency or crisis situations
- Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
Working Conditions
- Residential home and community-based environment
- May include exposure to behavioral or medical needs
- May require evenings, weekends, or holiday shifts
- Active, hands-on role requiring continuous engagement
Employees must be able to remain calm and respond appropriately during behavioral or emergency situations using trained procedures.
Qualifications
- At least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or equivalent (or completion within 1 year of hire)
- Eligible to work in the United States
- Able to pass required background screenings
- Reliable transportation
- Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle and transport individuals served
- Professional, reliable, and punctual
Confidentiality (PHI)
Employees may have access to protected health information (PHI) and must maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with all policies and regulations.
Additional Information
This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities of the position and is not an exhaustive list. Duties may be adjusted as needed to support the needs of the individuals served and the organization.
Non-Smoking Facility
Martha’s Place is a non-smoking facility. Smoking is not permitted in any homes, vehicles, or work environments associated with the organization.
Martha’s Place is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Martha’s Place is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace.