DSP (Direct Support Professional)

Direct Support Professional (DSP) — In-Home Support

Kahak Health Care Services is seeking a dependable and patient Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide in-home and community-based support to a school-age individual.

This position is a good fit for someone who is calm, attentive, active, and comfortable supporting a child with autism-related needs and behavioral challenges.

Schedule

18 hours per week

• Sunday: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Thursday: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Friday: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM

What You Will Do

The DSP will:

• Provide close supervision for safety.
• Help prevent wandering or elopement.
• Keep the individual active and engaged during the shift.
• Support activities at home and in the community.
• Help with communication and appropriate choices.
• Assist with transitions between activities.
• Use calm redirection when the individual becomes frustrated.
• Support daily living skills as needed.
• Participate in community outings.
• Complete required daily documentation.

What You Should Know About This Case

The individual enjoys:

• Outdoor activities
• Parks
• Water play
• Art and creative activities
• Building and making things
• Sensory and comfort items

The individual does best when staff:

• Stay calm and patient.
• Give no more than 1–2 choices at a time.
• Avoid demanding language.
• Avoid using “No” when possible.
• Offer another choice or redirect instead.
• Give extra time to process changes.
• Keep activities available throughout the shift.

The individual may become upset when:

• Told “No”
• Given too many choices
• Asked to transition quickly
• Feeling rushed
• Given repeated demands
• Hungry
• Overstimulated

There is also a significant wandering/elopement concern, so the DSP must remain alert and provide active supervision throughout the shift.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who is:

• Reliable and punctual
• Patient
• Calm under pressure
• Comfortable working with children
• Comfortable supporting individuals with autism
• Comfortable with behavioral challenges
• Able to remain active throughout the shift
• Able to provide close supervision
• Comfortable participating in community activities
• Able to follow support and safety plans
• Able to complete clear and accurate documentation

This is an active support position, not a passive sitting or companion role. The DSP should expect to participate in activities, provide redirection, support communication, and maintain close attention to safety throughout the shift.

Requirements: A minimum of one year experience in the medical or a related field (social work, psychology, nursing assistance, etc.) and a high school diploma or equivalency. Must be 18 years of age. Additionally, the following are required:

• A reliable car
• A current driver's license
• A current work authorization (US Passport, US Work Authorization card, Permanent Resident Card) or a Birth Certificate
• Social Security Card
• Current auto insurance
• Current CPR & First Aid
• Current physical exam
• Current tuberculosis test with negative result
• Resume

If hired, background checks (FBI) and a Central Registry (CRS) check will be required. 

If you meet ALL of these criteria and are excited about this opportunity, please apply. 

Call/Text: 757-840-6072 or Email: [email protected]