Direct Support Professional (DSP) - High-Behavior

Direct Support Professional (DSP) – High Behavioral Support

Agency: Wilson's Residential Homes
Location: Danville, Virginia
Employment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities Available
Pay: Competitive (Based on Experience)

Position Summary

Wilson's Residential Homes is seeking compassionate, dependable, and resilient Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to provide residential support to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities (DD/ID) in a structured, person-centered environment.

This position supports individuals with complex behavioral and support needs. Some individuals may be non-verbal and may exhibit aggressive or other challenging behaviors during periods of distress. Staff are provided with comprehensive training in crisis prevention, de-escalation, and approved physical safety interventions to promote the safety and well-being of both the individuals we support and our employees.

If you have experience remaining calm in high-pressure situations, working in behavioral health, education, healthcare, security, corrections, emergency services, or other direct care settings, this position may be an excellent fit.

Realistic Job Preview

We believe in providing applicants with a clear understanding of the role before they join our team.

This position can be physically and emotionally demanding. Staff support individuals who may experience behavioral crises that can include verbal aggression, property destruction, self-injurious behaviors, or physical aggression toward others. These behaviors occur during periods of distress and are addressed through individualized behavior support plans, positive behavior supports, and evidence-based crisis intervention techniques.

Wilson's Residential Homes is committed to maintaining a safe work environment. Employees receive ongoing training, coaching, and support in approved crisis prevention and intervention methods, including the MANDT System and TOVA Crisis Intervention (as applicable), to safely respond when behavioral incidents occur.

Successful employees remain calm under pressure, communicate effectively, follow established support plans, and work collaboratively with their team to promote safety, dignity, and quality of life.

Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesDirect Support & Residential Care

• Provide direct care, supervision, and support to individuals in a residential setting.
• Assist with activities of daily living, including personal care, hygiene, meals, medication support (as authorized), housekeeping, and recreational activities.
• Promote independence, dignity, and person-centered practices.
• Build positive relationships while encouraging choice, skill development, and community participation.
• Support individuals in achieving goals outlined in their Individual Support Plans (ISPs).

Behavioral Support

• Implement individualized behavior support plans and intervention strategies.
• Recognize early warning signs of behavioral escalation.
• Respond using approved verbal de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques.
• Utilize approved physical safety interventions only when trained, authorized, and necessary to maintain safety.
• Maintain a calm, professional, and supportive approach during behavioral incidents.
• Immediately report behavioral concerns and incidents to supervisors.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete daily documentation, progress notes, incident reports, and required service records accurately and on time.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, DBHDS regulations, and agency policies.
• Participate in required trainings, staff meetings, and competency reviews.
• Follow all agency policies, licensing standards, and safety procedures.

Community Participation

• Assist individuals with community outings, appointments, recreational activities, and life-skills development.
• Safely transport individuals when assigned and authorized.
• Encourage meaningful participation in community activities while promoting independence and inclusion.

Training Provided

Wilson's Residential Homes provides comprehensive paid training that may inclue:

• MANDT System Crisis Prevention and De-escalation Training
• TOVA Crisis Intervention Training (as applicable)
• Positive Behavior Support strategies
• Behavioral Support Plan implementation
• Incident reporting and documentation
• Medication administration training (when applicable)
• CPR and First Aid certification
• Ongoing coaching, supervision, and refresher training

QualificationsRequired

• High school diploma or GED
• At least 21 years of age
• Ability to successfully complete all required background screenings
• Ability to meet all DBHDS training and certification requirements
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced residential environment

Preferred

• Experience supporting individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities
• Experience in behavioral health, mental health, healthcare, education, corrections, security, emergency services, or related human services
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record

Desired Skills & Competencies

• Ability to remain calm during stressful situations
• Strong observation, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Compassion, patience, and professionalism
• Dependability and strong teamwork
• Ability to follow structured support plans
• Commitment to person-centered care and safety

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and assist individuals throughout the workday.
• Ability to safely perform approved crisis intervention techniques following agency training.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to respond quickly during emergencies.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Paid orientation and training
• Professional certifications provided by the agency
• Ongoing professional development
• Supportive leadership and team environment
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Meaningful work that positively impacts the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities

Background & Compliance Requirements

All applicants must successfully complete required background screenings and employment eligibility requirements in accordance with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), Medicaid regulations, and agency policies. This includes criminal background checks and other required compliance screenings.

Employees must also successfully complete all required orientation, training, and certification requirements for DBHDS-licensed residential programs.

Applicant Acknowledgment

This position supports individuals who may be non-verbal and who may display aggressive or other challenging behaviors during periods of distress. Comprehensive training in crisis prevention, de-escalation, and approved safety interventions is provided.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Wilson's Residential Homes is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $19