DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
Company: Apis Services Inc
Role summary
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL is a role at Apis Services Inc in Dover, Delaware, United States (on-site). Posted 2026-08-24. Salary: USD 16 per hour. Experience level: 0-2. No degree required.
- Job title
- DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
- Company
- Apis Services Inc
- Location
- Dover, Delaware, United States
- Work arrangement
- on-site
- Category
- Software Engineering
- Salary
- USD 16 per hour
- Experience level
- 0-2
- Degree required
- No
- Date posted
- 2026-08-24
You’ll love this opportunity if you’re looking to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life while enjoying a flexible schedule. It’s a fantastic entry-level role that doesn't require a degree, offering a supportive environment where your compassion and daily contributions truly matter.
Job description
Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Behavioral Health Residential
Make a Difference Every Day
Are you passionate about helping others live meaningful, independent lives? Do you believe in treating every person with dignity, compassion, and respect? If so, we invite you to join our team as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) .
As one of Delaware's largest nonprofit human services organizations, we partner with communities, government agencies, and healthcare providers to support vulnerable individuals in achieving their goals and living their best lives. Our DSPs play a critical role in empowering individuals with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral health challenges to thrive in their homes and communities.
If you're looking for rewarding work where you can make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Position Summary
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a valued member of the interdisciplinary care team who provides compassionate, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral health needs.
The DSP assists individuals in developing life skills, maintaining health and wellness, increasing independence, and participating fully in their communities. Through encouragement, guidance, and daily support, the DSP helps individuals reach their personal goals while ensuring their safety and well-being.
This role embraces the organization's mission and values by fostering a culture of compassion, hope, collaboration, and service.
Essential Responsibilities
Direct Care and Support
Assist individuals with daily living activities, including: Personal hygiene and grooming
Bathing and dressing
Meal planning and preparation
Household chores and housekeeping
Community participation and recreational activities
Support individuals in developing and maintaining independent living skills.
Encourage and empower individuals to achieve personal goals and maximize their quality of life.
Promote inclusion, self-determination, and meaningful community involvement.
Relationship Building and Community Engagement
Build positive, supportive, and professional relationships with individuals served.
Encourage social connections and healthy relationships with family members, peers, and community members.
Model hope, optimism, and positive reinforcement to support personal growth and recovery.
Accompany and support individuals during appointments, recreational activities, shopping trips, and community outings.
Health and Safety
Assist with daily medication administration and monitoring in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive living environment.
Monitor the overall well-being of individuals and report concerns to supervisors and clinical staff.
Assist in ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of all persons served.
Crisis Intervention and Behavioral Support
Monitor for potential crisis situations and respond appropriately using approved interventions and best practices.
Utilize crisis intervention skills and de-escalation techniques when needed.
Follow established policies and procedures for emergency situations.
Report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment immediately and in accordance with agency requirements.
Documentation and Compliance
Complete accurate and timely documentation of services, activities, observations, and incidents.
Maintain confidentiality of all client information in compliance with HIPAA and organizational standards.
Follow all agency policies, procedures, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
Team Collaboration
Work collaboratively with supervisors, clinicians, nurses, family members, and other team members.
Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.
Contribute to a positive and supportive team environment focused on quality care and excellent service.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience
High School Diploma or GED required.
Valid Delaware driver's license.
Minimum of three (3) years of acceptable driving history.
Ability to meet agency driving requirements and safely transport individuals when needed.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience supporting individuals with: Intellectual and developmental disabilities
Behavioral health challenges
Mental health conditions
Human services or residential programs
Additional Skills and Qualifications
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Positive, proactive, and service-oriented attitude.
Basic computer skills; experience with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems is a plus.
Ability to build positive relationships with individuals served, colleagues, and community partners.
Core Competencies
Compassionate Care
Person-Centered Support
Relationship Building
Community Integration
Crisis Intervention and De-escalation
Communication Skills
Teamwork and Collaboration
Accountability and Professionalism
Documentation and Record Keeping
Problem Solving and Adaptability
Working Conditions
This position is based in a residential behavioral health setting and may require:
Working days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts as needed
Community travel and transportation of individuals served
Exposure to behavioral health crises and challenging situations
Walking, standing, and active engagement throughout the shift
Working in residential homes and community settings
Physical Requirements
The employee must be able to:
Stand and walk for extended periods
Bend, stoop, kneel, and reach as needed
Lift, transfer, and assist individuals when necessary
Perform household and cleaning activities
Safely operate a motor vehicle
Respond quickly during emergencies and crisis sit