Direct Support Specialist (DSP)

About Company:

Join the Louisa Ridge Family!

For over 26 years, Louisa Ridge has been making a difference in our community — first serving seniors and now proudly expanding our care to persons with developmental disabilities.

What we offer:
✔ A family-driven, supportive work environment
✔ The chance to impact lives every single day
✔ Opportunities to grow with a trusted, long-standing agency

If you’re compassionate, motivated, and ready to be part of something meaningful — we’d love to welcome you to our team!

✨ Louisa Ridge: Care. Community. Family. ✨

About the Role:

The Direct Support Specialist (DSP) plays a vital role in providing compassionate and personalized care to individuals with developmental disabilities or other support needs. This position focuses on enhancing the quality of life for clients by assisting with daily living activities, promoting independence, and fostering community integration. The DSP collaborates closely with clients, their families, and interdisciplinary teams to implement individualized support plans tailored to each person's unique goals and preferences. Through consistent and respectful interaction, the DSP helps build trust and encourages personal growth, ensuring clients feel valued and empowered. Ultimately, the role contributes to creating a safe, supportive, and enriching environment that promotes dignity and self-determination for those served.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid certification or training in Direct Support Professional services or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe.
• Ability to pass background checks and any required health screenings.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with individuals with diverse needs.
• Basic knowledge of first aid and CPR or willingness to obtain certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working as a Direct Support Specialist or in a related caregiving role.
• Additional certifications such as CPR, First Aid, or specialized training in developmental disabilities.
• Familiarity with electronic documentation systems and data entry.
• Experience in crisis intervention and behavior management techniques.
• Post-secondary education in human services, social work, or a related field.

Responsibilities:

• Assist clients with activities of daily living including personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication administration, and mobility support.
• Implement individualized support plans by providing guidance and encouragement to help clients achieve their personal goals.
• Monitor and document client progress, behaviors, and any changes in health or well-being, reporting concerns promptly to supervisors or healthcare professionals.
• Facilitate community engagement by supporting clients in participating in social, recreational, and educational activities.
• Maintain a safe and clean environment by adhering to health and safety protocols and ensuring compliance with organizational policies.

Skills:

The required and preferred skills are essential for delivering high-quality, person-centered support on a daily basis. Effective communication skills enable the DSP to build rapport with clients and collaborate with team members, ensuring clear understanding of client needs and goals. Organizational skills are used to accurately document client progress and manage time efficiently while balancing multiple responsibilities. Problem-solving and adaptability are critical when responding to unexpected situations or changes in client behavior. Additionally, empathy and patience are fundamental in fostering a supportive environment that encourages client independence and well-being.