What are the responsibilities and job description for the Direct Support Professional position at Empower Behavioral Health & Intervention?
Direct Support Professional – Children with Developmental Disabilities
Part-Time | Flexible Schedule | $18–$26/hour potential pay range | In-Home Support
Do you enjoy making a meaningful difference in a child’s life? We’re looking for compassionate, dependable Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to provide one-on-one support to children with developmental disabilities, particularly children with Autism.
This is an opportunity to build a positive relationship with a child, support their independence and daily routines, and help them feel safe, respected, and successful in their home and community.
What You’ll Do
As a DSP, you’ll provide personalized support based on each child’s individual needs and care plan. Your responsibilities may include:
- Providing one-on-one support to children with developmental disabilities, including Autism
- Helping with activities of daily living such as personal care, dressing, grooming, and toileting when needed
- Supporting communication, social skills, routines, and community participation
- Preparing meals and assisting with individual dietary needs
- Providing companionship, encouragement, and emotional support
- Assisting with transportation to appointments, activities, outings, or errands
- Monitoring and reporting changes in behavior, health, or overall well-being
- Following individualized care and safety plans
- Maintaining the child’s dignity, rights, and independence
- Communicating with families, healthcare professionals, and members of the care team
- Accurately documenting services and observations using our convenient mobile app
What Does a Typical Shift Look Like?
Your day is focused on one child and the support they need.
A typical shift may look like:
- Drive to the child’s home and begin your scheduled shift.
- Connect with the child and family, review any important updates, and get started with the day’s activities.
- Provide individualized support — this could include personal care, meals, play, learning activities, community outings, appointments, or simply providing companionship and encouragement.
- Follow the child’s individualized care plan while promoting independence, safety, and positive engagement.
- Document the services you provided and any important observations using our convenient, easy-to-use app.
- Communicate any concerns or significant changes to the appropriate member of the care team before completing your shift.
Schedule
- Shifts are generally 4–8 hours, providing flexibility for people who want meaningful part-time work that can fit around school, another job, family responsibilities, or other commitments.
Compensation & Benefits
Potential pay range: $18–$26 per hour, depending on experience, qualifications, and assignment.
Benefits include:
- Flexible scheduling
- Mileage reimbursement
- Employee assistance program
- Referral program
What We’re Looking For
Previous caregiving, DSP, home care, childcare, behavioral support, or related experience is helpful, but we also value compassion, reliability, patience, and a genuine desire to help children thrive.
Candidates should have:
- Experience or interest in working with children with developmental disabilities, particularly Autism
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Patience, empathy, and a respectful approach
- Ability to follow individualized care and safety plans
- Ability to work independently while also communicating effectively with a care team
- Reliable transportation for in-home/community-based services
- Ability to maintain accurate documentation
Experience with Autism support, developmental disabilities, personal care, medication administration, vital signs, hospice, home care, behavioral support, or childcare is a plus.
Make a Difference, One Child at a Time
Being a DSP is more than completing a list of tasks. It’s about building trust, encouraging independence, celebrating progress, and helping a child participate more fully in everyday life.
If you’re looking for flexible part-time work where the time you spend with someone can genuinely make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Pay: $18.00 - $26.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid orientation
- Referral program
Application Question(s):
- Are you available after 3:00–4:30 PM on weekdays?
- Do you have weekend availability?
- Are you looking for approximately 15–20 hours per week?
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18 - $26