What are the responsibilities and job description for the Direct Support Professional (DSP) Community Habilitation position at Self-Directed Services – OPWDD?
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP) – COMMUNITY HABILITATION (PART-TIME)
Seeking a reliable Direct Support Professional (DSP) for a self-directed OPWDD Community Habilitation role providing individualized one-on-one support in a private home and community setting.
This role focuses on supporting daily living skills, independence, and meaningful engagement in a calm, flexible, person-centered environment.
Payroll and administrative support are managed through AIM Services, Inc. (Fiscal Intermediary).
ROLE OVERVIEW
This position provides individualized one-on-one support in a shared household environment. Services are delivered based on each person’s comfort level, readiness, and daily needs.
Support is provided in a low-demand, flexible manner that respects autonomy, personal space, and pacing.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support skill-building in meal preparation through modeling, gentle guidance, and collaborative participation based on comfort and readiness
- Support flexible, person-led daily routines that may change based on appointments, community activities, and household needs such as meals, laundry, chores, and skill-building tasks
- Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) using low-pressure support, optional prompting, and step-by-step modeling when helpful
- Encourage independence by offering choices and respecting pacing and readiness
- Support executive functioning skills such as planning, organization, and task initiation through calm guidance rather than directive instruction
- Provide transportation to college, appointments, and community activities (valid driver’s license required)
- Support participation in free or low-cost community activities
- Maintain a calm, respectful presence while supporting autonomy and sensory needs
- Support skill development through encouragement, modeling, and participation rather than pressure
- Document daily support activities and progress toward individualized goals
IDEAL CANDIDATE
We are seeking someone who is:
- Calm, patient, and comfortable in a low-stimulation home environment
- Able to work independently and adapt to flexible routines
- Respectful of autonomy and personal space
- Comfortable with non-rigid, changing daily priorities
- Experienced or open to supporting individuals with ASD, ADHD, anxiety, or developmental disabilities
- Able to support individuals who may need time, space, or choice before engaging
- Comfortable with a collaborative, non-directive support style
REQUIREMENTS
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required
- Ability to provide community transportation
- Ability to work independently in a private home setting
- Strong communication and basic documentation skills
- Respect for privacy, autonomy, and household boundaries
POSITION DETAILS
- Part-time (10–20 hours/week)
- Flexible scheduling based on needs and availability
- $28–$30 per hour (based on experience)
- Mileage reimbursement when applicable
IMPORTANT CONTEXT
This is a self-directed OPWDD Community Habilitation role. Services are delivered in a private home and community setting and are fully individualized based on person-centered goals.
This is not a facility or group home position. It is a home-based role requiring comfort with flexibility, independence, and a calm environment where daily priorities may change.
This role takes place in a private home environment where comfort with spacing, independence in tasks, and flexible presence in the home are important for both the DSP and the individuals supported.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
Success in this role means:
- Supporting independence without pressure or overwhelm
- Respecting autonomy while offering calm, optional guidance
- Adapting smoothly to changing daily routines
- Building trust through consistency and a low-demand presence
- Helping create a stable, safe, and supportive environment
GETTING STARTED IN THE ROLE
During the first week, you will learn household routines, observe individualized support approaches, and gradually begin assisting with daily activities such as meal preparation support, routine engagement, community outings, and skill-building at a comfortable pace.
Pay: $28.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid training
Work Location: In person
Salary : $28 - $30