Description

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for providing support and assistance to individuals with intellectual disabilities, promoting their independence, inclusion, and overall well-being. The DSP will engage
clients in meaningful activities, facilitate personal and social skill development, and advocate for their needs while ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Client Support: Assist individuals with daily living activities such as personal care, meal preparation, medication management, and community engagement and transportation to and from appointments as needed by the clients.
• Behavioral Support: Implement individualized support plans and strategies to address behavioral challenges, encouraging positive interactions and skill development.
• Social Inclusion: Facilitate community involvement by organizing and participating in recreational and social activities that promote engagement and interaction.
• Advocacy: Advocate for clients’ rights and preferences, ensuring their voices are heard in personal and programmatic decisions.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate and timely records of client progress, behaviors, incidents, and communications as per organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, including families, social workers, and medical professionals, to ensure comprehensive support.
• Training and Development: Participate in ongoing training and professional development to enhance skills and knowledge related to best practices in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Other duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer or designee.

Benefits Include:

• SickVacation
• Paid Training for the 1st year of hire
• 100% paid Family Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Opportunities for over time
• Access to HALA’s Fitness Center (during business hours)
  

Optional Benefits include:

• 403b Retirement plan
• Vision
• Dental

Requirements

Qualifications include:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must have a drivers license and proof of automobile insurance and willingness to drive clients as needed at the time of hire
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities or in a related field is preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships with 
  clients and their families.
• Knowledge of person-centered planning and behavioral support strategies and willingness to 
  learn.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating flexibility and a positive, 
  professional attitude.
• Must pass background checks and meet other eligibility requirements as per Washington State 
  law.
• Ability to read, write and comprehend at a minimum of High School level.
• Obtain 12 CEU’s annually after the 1st year of hire independently to remain as an employee 
  (effective 1/1/2026)
• Certification in CPR/First Aid and Blood borne-Pathogens is required within the first 60 days of 
  employment and maintained per state requirements. (Effective 1/1/2026) 
  Physical Requirements:
• Ability to lift, transfer, and assist clients as needed, utilizing proper body mechanics.
• Capacity to perform physical activities, including walking, bending, and standing for extended 
  periods. 

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift, transfer, and assist clients as needed, utilizing proper body mechanics.
• Capacity to perform physical activities, including walking, bending, and standing for extended 
  periods. 
• All positions and shifts are awake - sleeping is not an option under any circumstance.

Summary

This role involves providing comprehensive support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, focusing on enhancing their daily living skills, promoting social inclusion, and advocating for their rights. The position requires assisting clients with personal care, implementing behavioral support plans, facilitating community engagement, and maintaining detailed records of client progress. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and ongoing professional development are also key components of the role.

Candidates should have a high school diploma (degree preferred), drivers license and insurance, experience in a related field, and strong communication skills. The ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential. Successful applicants must pass background checks, obtain CPR/First Aid certification within 60 days of employment, and meet ongoing CEU requirements. Physical requirements include the ability to lift and assist clients, perform physical activities, and remain awake during all shifts. Benefits include paid time off, paid training, and various optional insurance plans.