Direct Support Professional - Enhanced (DSP-E)

Title:

Direct Support Professional•Enhanced (DSP-E)

Department:

Program Services Reports To:

Vice President of Enrichment Services FLSA Classification:

Non-Exempt Work Location:

7209 Seawright Drive Savannah, GA 31406

Position Type:

Full-Time Effective Date:

May 1, 2026 About the

Organization:

EmployAbility is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to live meaningful, self-directed lives. Through innovative programs, community partnerships, and employment pathways, we work to remove barriers to inclusion and expand opportunities for those we serve. As a growing organization committed to excellence, EmployAbility combines compassionate service with strategic leadership to deliver high-quality, person-centered supports that promote independence, community engagement, and long-term success. We believe every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive — and we are committed to building communities where ability is recognized, valued, and supported. About the

Role:

The Direct Support Professional•Enhanced (DSP-E) provides advanced, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who require increased behavioral, clinical, or specialized interventions. This position is designated for staff who meet credentialing requirements under Additional Staffing Enhanced funding guidelines. DSP-E staff demonstrate specialized competency in behavior support, dual diagnosis, clinical awareness, and/or personal care services beyond the foundational DSP role. The DSP-E plays a key role in stabilizing services, implementing behavior support strategies, collecting enhanced documentation, and promoting measurable participant outcomes. This role combines compassion with elevated technical skill and professional accountability.

Key Responsibilities:

Advanced Participant Support:

1. Provide person-centered services tailored to individuals requiring enhanced staffing supports. 2. Implement individualized behavior support plans, therapeutic interventions, and skill-building strategies as directed by supervisors or clinical staff. 3. Utilize positive behavior support techniques, trauma-informed practices, and de-escalation strategies. 4. Support individuals with dual diagnoses or complex behavioral needs. 5. Assist with personal care and health-related supports while preserving dignity and autonomy.

Behavioral & Clinical Implementation:

1. Collect and document behavioral data accurately and consistently. 2. Monitor participant progress and report observations to supervisors and care teams. 3. Support implementation of proactive and reactive behavior strategies. 4. Maintain awareness of medical, psychological, or environmental factors affecting participants.

Health, Safety & Risk Management:

1. Maintain a safe and structured environment for participants receiving enhanced services. 2. Respond appropriately to crisis situations in accordance with training and organizational procedures. 3. Follow all safety, medication, and transportation protocols. 4. Model best practices in safety and compliance for DSP team members

Documentation & Compliance:

1. Complete detailed progress notes, behavioral documentation, and incident reports within required timeframes. 2. Ensure documentation meets standards necessary to support enhanced funding and regulatory compliance. 3. Maintain credential documentation and renewal requirements.

Communication & Team Collaboration:

1. Maintain open and professional communication with supervisors, colleagues, and care teams regarding participant progress and needs. 2. Contribute to a collaborative team environment focused on service excellence. 3. Share observations that support continuous improvement in participant care.

Professional Accountability:

1. Demonstrate reliability through consistent attendance, punctuality, and preparedness. 2. Uphold participant confidentiality and organizational policies. 3. Represent EmployAbility with professionalism in both onsite and community settings.

Competencies:

1. Advanced understanding of positive behavior support and applied intervention strategies. 2. Ability to implement structured behavior plans with fidelity. 3. Strong crisis response and de-escalation skills. 4. High level of observational accuracy and documentation quality. 5. Professional maturity and sound judgment. 6. Strong collaboration skills within interdisciplinary teams. 7. Ability to balance participant care, compliance, and performance expectations.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or equivalent. 2. Must have valid driver's license and current insurance. 3. Ability to pass required background screenings. 4. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general office technology. 5. Must maintain at least one of the following in current, active status: a. Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) b. National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD) Certification•DSP Level c. Positive Behavior Support Training Curriculum (3rd Edition) Completion•AAIDD d. Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Credential verification is required upon hire and must be maintained throughout employment to remain eligible for enhanced designation.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Prior experience supporting individuals with complex behavioral or dual diagnoses. 2. Experience implementing behavior support plans. 3. Experience in clinical, healthcare, or structured behavioral settings.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

1. Must be able to move throughout program sites and community locations to monitor services and support participants. 2. Must be able to provide physical assistance to participants as needed, including supporting mobility, transfers, or safety interventions. 3. Must be able to operate agency vehicles or safely transport participants when required. 4. Must be able to respond appropriately and effectively during emergencies or behavioral situations. 5. Must be able to work a flexible schedule based on participant and program needs, which may include evenings or weekends. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. This position is classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is eligible for overtime compensation. EmployAbility offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being and professional success. Benefits offerings for full-time employees include paid time off, paid holidays, access to medical, dental, and vision plans, retirement plan options, and professional development opportunities.

Additional Information:

This position will remain open until filled. EmployAbility reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a sufficient candidate pool has been identified. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Duties may be modified at the discretion of leadership. EmployAbility is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to protected characteristics.

Pay:

$18.00•$21.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance Application Question(s): Do you hold active credentials as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD) Certification•DSP Level, or Positive Behavior Support Training Curriculum (3rd Edition) Completion•AAIDD.

Education:

High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person