Direct Support Professional
Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: $16 $20 per hour (based on experience and credentials)
Job Title: Direct Support Professional (DSP) Community Support Team
Company: Arbor Care Solutions
Location: North Carolina Community-Based Services
Employment Type: Full-Time Only
Schedule: MondayFriday | 8:00 AM5:00 PM | Rotating On-Call May Be Required
Reports To: CST Team Lead or Qualified Professional
Position Summary
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is an integral member of the Community Support Team (CST) at Arbor Care Solutions, providing essential support services to adults with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders. This role focuses on helping individuals develop the skills necessary to live successfully and independently in their communities. The DSP works under the guidance of the CST Team Lead and Qualified Professional, delivering face-to-face, rehabilitative, and recovery-focused services in a variety of community settings.
Key Responsibilities
Direct Support & Skill Development
- Provide psychoeducation on mental health, recovery, wellness, and symptom management as identified in the Person-Centered Plan (PCP).
- Support individuals with daily living skills, including hygiene, meal planning, money management, and navigating transportation.
- Assist in developing and practicing social skills, communication, and problem-solving in community environments.
- Participate in relapse prevention and disease management strategies, reinforcing skills that promote self-regulation and independence.
- Support tenancy skills including locating and maintaining housing, communicating with landlords, and following rental agreements.
Community-Based Rehabilitative Services
- Deliver services in-person in the community (homes, shelters, clinics, public spaces), not in an office setting.
- Help clients engage in vocational, educational, or community-based opportunities to enhance quality of life.
- Provide support around health and wellness routines, including attending medical appointments, managing medications (non-clinically), and understanding treatment plans.
Treatment Plan Implementation
- Participate in the implementation and revision of each beneficiarys Person-Centered Plan.
- Follow intervention strategies developed by the Team Lead and QP, ensuring services remain clinically appropriate and goal-oriented.
- Communicate changes in client behavior, progress, or challenges to supervising staff promptly.
- Maintain timely and accurate documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR), including service delivery, progress, and engagement level.
Crisis Support
- Assist in the delivery of face-to-face crisis interventions as part of the CST teams 24/7 coverage.
- Support safety planning and de-escalation under the direction of a licensed or qualified team member.
- Maintain awareness of clients individualized crisis plans and act in alignment with team protocols.
Collaboration
- Attend and participate in weekly team meetings, staffing sessions, and clinical reviews.
- Work in collaboration with other CST members (Team Lead, QP, AP, CPSS) to ensure continuity of care.
- Serve as a consistent and reliable support presence for clients navigating complex systems.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- At least 1 year of experience working with adults who have mental health and/or substance use diagnoses
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Ability to pass criminal background check and credential verification
- Valid drivers license and reliable transportation
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Comfortable working in non-traditional settings and independently in the field
Preferred Qualifications
- Coursework or experience in human services, psychology, social work, or a related field
- Familiarity with Medicaid documentation standards
- Experience working in a community-based setting
- CPR/First Aid certified or willing to complete upon hire
Training Requirements
- Must complete 20 hours of CST-specific training within 90 days of hire, including:
- Community Support definition & function
- Person-Centered Planning
- Crisis Response
- Functional Needs Assessments
- Ongoing training in trauma-informed care, psychiatric rehabilitation, and recovery-focused service delivery
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive hourly rate based on experience
- Medical, Dental, Vision coverage
- Short-Term Disability and Whole Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and agency holidays
- Mileage reimbursement for community travel
- Clinical oversight and opportunity for career advancement
Work Schedule
- MondayFriday | 8:00 AM5:00 PM
- Full-time only
- May include participation in a rotating on-call schedule for crisis response (evenings/weekends)
Why Join Arbor Care Solutions?
At Arbor Care Solutions, youll be part of a team that meets people where they are in their communities and walks beside them through their recovery. As a Direct Support Professional, youll play a hands-on role in helping people build the skills and confidence they need to live independently and with dignity.