Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Community & Independent Living Support Serenity Alliance HC Inc Falls Church, VA Job Details Full-time $22 - $25 an hour 18 hours ago Qualifications High school diploma or GED Driver's License Full Job Description Overview Serenity Alliance HC Inc. is seeking a dependable, patient, and motivated Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide person-centered In-Home Support services to an adult with developmental disabilities. This position focuses on active skill-building, independence, community participation, healthy routines, and safety . The ideal DSP will be able to teach and coach rather than simply complete tasks for the individual. About the Individual The individual is a creative and compassionate adult who enjoys animals, art, painting, sculpting, gaming, technology, and community activities . She has completed veterinary assistant training and particularly enjoys opportunities involving animals. She is working toward greater independence with household responsibilities, meal preparation, shopping, personal organization, healthcare management, community participation, volunteering, transportation, and developing healthy in-person friendships. The individual benefits from clear and simple communication, written or visual reminders, repetition, task breakdown, modeling, encouragement, and additional time to process information. She also benefits from a DSP who respects her choices and knows when to provide support without taking over. Duties Provide individualized In-Home Support services according to the individual's ISP and established support instructions. Teach and reinforce independent living skills rather than completing tasks unnecessarily for the individual. Assist with establishing routines for housekeeping, laundry, organization, and maintaining a safe living environment. Teach and support meal planning, grocery shopping, food preparation, kitchen safety, and cleanup. Assist the individual with developing shopping lists, making appropriate purchasing decisions, and managing routine spending within her established budget. Support the individual with caring for her pets and maintaining consistent pet-care routines. Assist with calendars, reminders, scheduling, and organization of daily responsibilities. Support preparation for medical, dental, vision, and behavioral health appointments. Encourage the individual to communicate questions, preferences, and concerns directly to healthcare providers. Provide authorized support with established medication routines and report concerns according to agency procedures. Support participation in preferred community activities involving interests such as animals, art, gaming, and local events. Assist the individual in identifying and participating in appropriate volunteer opportunities. Provide transportation support and transportation training as identified in the ISP. Provide social coaching to help the individual develop and maintain appropriate in-person friendships. Teach and reinforce healthy personal boundaries, safe relationships, and recognition of potentially unsafe or exploitative situations. Support emotional regulation using calm communication, established coping strategies, predictable routines, and positive reinforcement. Use visual supports, written reminders, modeling, repetition, and least-to-most prompting when teaching skills. Allow adequate processing time and encourage the individual to attempt tasks before providing additional assistance. Gradually reduce prompts and assistance as the individual demonstrates increased independence. Monitor for changes in mood, behavior, physical health, medication response, and overall safety. Maintain a safe environment and remain alert to fall risks and other identified health and safety concerns. Follow the individual's behavioral health/crisis plan and Serenity Alliance emergency procedures when necessary. Maintain professional boundaries and protect the individual's privacy, dignity, rights, and personal choices. Complete accurate, timely DSP documentation describing activities completed, skills taught or practiced, level of prompting or assistance, the individual's participation and response, progress toward independence, and relevant health, behavioral, or safety concerns. Communicate significant concerns promptly to Serenity Alliance management according to agency procedures. Requirements High school diploma or GED Minimum age of 18 Valid driver's license and reliable transportation Ability to pass background checks and complete required Virginia DSP trainings Strong communication and interpersonal skills Ability to work independently in a community-based setting Experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health needs, or older adults Ability to safely support community activities and mobility-related needs

Pay:

$22.00 - $25.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person