A DSP, or direct support professional, is someone who works with people with intellectual or developmental disabilities to live their life to the fullest and engage in their communities.
Supporting engagement with the community by providing:
Support in less congregate and more individualized settings
Job coaching
Employment support
Transportation
Using creative thinking for accommodations to help people with disabilities be more independent
Providing caregiving and support with activities of daily living, including:
Medication administration
Mobility assistance
Wound care
Accessing food
Working with the people they support to Advocate for rights and services, such as:
Accessing resources and opportunities in the community
Working with the employer to customize job duties
Providing emotional support
Location: Cuyahoga County, Ohio, In Person, Field Based, Hybrid
Position Reports To: Director of Operations (DOO)
Position Supervises: Not Applicable
Essential Functions: Direct Support Professional (DSP)
About the Role:
As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you will provide person-centered support to individuals with developmental disabilities (DD).
Your mission is to support clients in building life skills, achieving service plan goals, and increasing their independence, guided by their Individual Service Plan.
This is not a home health aide or home sitter position — this is an opportunity to empower individuals through coaching, advocacy, life skills, readiness, and support services.
Key Responsibilities:
Deliver direct coaching and skills training one on one with client(s)
Follow and implement Individual Service Plans (ISPs) according to each individual person’s support needs.
Provide client(s) direct support according to Individual Service Plans needs
Complete accurate and timely documentation (within 24 hours) of services provided.
Maintain accurate service documentation using digital platforms.
Maintain and promote the rights, dignity, and choices of each individual served.
Assist with additional administrative tasks (e.g., completing reports, preparing documents, etc.) as needed.
Ensure all services comply with Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) guidelines, Cuyahoga County Board of DD policies, and person-centered planning practices.
Every effort has been made to make your job description as complete as possible; however in no way is it stated that these are the only duties you are required to perform. Any one position may not include all of the listed items nor do the listed items include all functions which may be found in positions of this job posting description. Shines Support Ltd. reserves the right to make changes to job descriptions, job responsibilities and functions, employment practices, supervisory lines of authority, employment titles, etc. as it deems necessary.
What We’re Looking For:
Passionate professionals who are about empowering individuals with disabilities
Responsible and able to manage time effectively across multiple client sites
Strong communicators—both written and verbal
Flexible and adaptable to a rotating, client based schedule
Tech-savvy and comfortable using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop for documentation
Motivational and coaching skills with a strengths-based approach
Basic technology proficiency (Google Docs, digital forms, text/email communication)
Professionalism and ability to collaborate with external partners and teams
Ability to manage a mobile, field-based work schedule with self-motivation and organization
Minimum Qualifications:
Age 18 or older
High school diploma or GED
At least 1 year of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities (volunteer work, internships, or caregiving roles count!)
Valid Ohio driver’s license, active auto insurance, and reliable transportation
Clean criminal background and drug-free lifestyle
No disqualifying offenses per OAC 5123-2-02
Ability to work independently or as part of a team
Availability for rotating shifts, including evenings and weekends
Must possess a smartphone, laptop, or tablet for electronic documentation
What You’ll Need:
Your own smartphone, laptop, or tablet for documentation
A willingness to drive within Cuyahoga County
A collaborative mindset and a passion for inclusive support
Preferred Qualities:
Interest in a future career in social work, education, vocational rehab, or psychology
Experience in community employment, coaching, or peer support
Familiarity with trauma-informed care or person-centered planning
Schedule:
Required rotating shifts
Flexible hours including evenings and weekends
Full-Time = 21 - 35 hours weekly
Part-Time = 10 - 20 hours weekly
Compensation:
$13.00 – $16.00 per hour based on experience and schedule
Travel: Required travel throughout Cuyahoga County and Summit County
Why Join Us?
Make a meaningful difference in people’s lives
Gain valuable experience in person-centered planning and disability services
Work with a supportive, mission-driven team
Build a flexible career path in human services, job development, or vocational coaching
Employment Application:
Eager to start earning career opportunities with Shines Support.
Please complete the employment application below.