Direct Support Professional

Job DetailsJob Location: Indio, CA 92201Salary Range: $21.00 - $24.00 HourlyPosition Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides direct care, behavioral support, and supervision to adults with developmental disabilities and significant behavioral support needs within an Enhanced Behavioral Support Home (EBSH) setting.

This role is responsible for implementing individualized behavioral and support services in a structured, trauma-informed, and person-centered environment designed to support residents with complex behavioral challenges, mental health needs, and co-occurring conditions. The DSP works collaboratively with the Administrator, Lead Staff, clinical professionals, and interdisciplinary team to promote resident safety, stability, skill development, and quality of life while ensuring compliance with California DDS, Title 17, Title 22, and EBSH program requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Care & Resident Support

Provide hands-on assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, feeding, and mobility support
Support residents in developing independent living skills, coping skills, communication, and socialization
Assist with structured daily routines, recreational activities, and community integration opportunities
Implement Individual Program Plans (IPPs), Individual Support Plans (ISPs), and behavioral objectives as directed
Maintain therapeutic boundaries and provide consistent structure and supervision
Promote resident dignity, choice, independence, and self-advocacy through person-centered practices

Behavioral Support & Crisis Intervention

Provide enhanced behavioral support to individuals with significant behavioral challenges, emotional dysregulation, trauma-related behaviors, and co-occurring mental health conditions
Implement individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and approved intervention strategies as trained by the clinical team
Utilize trauma-informed care, positive behavior supports, redirection, de-escalation, and crisis prevention techniques
Monitor for behavioral triggers, escalating behaviors, and environmental stressors
Accurately document behavioral incidents, interventions utilized, and resident responses
Support post-crisis stabilization and assist with re-establishing therapeutic environments following incidents
Maintain compliance with approved emergency intervention procedures and all applicable regulations

Health, Safety & Therapeutic Environment

Monitor residents’ physical, emotional, psychiatric, and behavioral well-being
Maintain a safe, clean, structured, and therapeutic home environment conducive to behavioral stability
Support medication administration procedures and observe/report side effects or behavioral changes as assigned
Follow all infection control, emergency response, safety, and crisis intervention procedures
Respond appropriately to emergencies, behavioral crises, and incidents while ensuring resident and staff safety
Maintain awareness of residents’ supervision levels, safety risks, and individualized support needs

Documentation & Regulatory Compliance

Complete daily progress notes, behavioral data collection, incident reports, and required documentation accurately and within required timelines
Document behaviors, interventions, outcomes, and resident progress toward identified goals
Ensure documentation complies with DDS, Community Care Licensing (CCL), Title 17, Title 22, and EBSH program standards
Immediately report incidents, concerns, injuries, suspected abuse, or changes in resident condition to supervisory staff
Maintain confidentiality and safeguard protected health information in compliance with HIPAA and company policies

Team Collaboration & Professional Development

Work collaboratively with Lead Staff, Administrator, Assistant Administrator, Behavior Specialists, clinicians, and interdisciplinary team members
Participate in shift change communication and provide accurate updates regarding resident behaviors and support needs
Attend required trainings, staff meetings, behavioral consultation meetings, and in-service education
Maintain required certifications and competency trainings related to behavioral support, crisis intervention, and direct care services
Support a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment

QualificationsMinimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required
Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, behavioral challenges, mental health conditions, or within residential care settings preferred
Ability to safely implement crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
Ability to maintain professionalism in high-stress situations
Valid California Driver’s License and acceptable driving record preferred
Must successfully complete all required DOJ, FBI, and CACI clearances
Must complete all required DDS and facility trainings upon hire and throughout employment

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, transfer, and assist residents as needed
Ability to respond quickly and safely during behavioral or medical emergencies
Ability to perform physical interventions consistent with training and regulatory requirements when necessary\

Work Environment

This position works within a 24-hour Enhanced Behavioral Support Home (EBSH) residential setting serving adults with developmental disabilities and complex behavioral support needs. The environment may include exposure to emotionally elevated situations, behavioral crises, and high levels of resident supervision.