Direct Support Professional
About this role
Direct Support Professional (DSP) | Home Health
Location: Ohio
Employment Type: Flexible
Work Location: Field-Based
Schedule: Flexible
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
This position is classified under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and applicable Ohio labor regulations.
About Our Company
OneWell Health Care and its affiliated companies are dedicated to empowering individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and Autism to lead fulfilling, self-directed lives. We provide compassionate, person-centered care that promotes dignity, independence, and inclusion across community and home settings throughout the United States.
Position Summary
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides person-centered support to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and Autism by assisting with daily living activities, promoting independence, ensuring health and safety, and supporting community inclusion. The DSP delivers compassionate care in home and community-based settings while respecting each individual's dignity, choices, rights, and personal goals.
Position Scope
The DSP provides direct care and support services under the guidance of supervisors and care team members. This position is responsible for implementing Individual Service Plans (ISPs), assisting with personal care, supporting skill development, monitoring health and behavior, maintaining documentation, and promoting quality of life in accordance with Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), Medicaid, and agency requirements.
Key Responsibilities
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides person-centered support to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) by assisting with daily living activities, personal care, medication support, mobility, skill development, and community participation. The DSP implements Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and behavior support strategies, monitors health and safety needs, maintains a supportive environment, completes required documentation, communicates with families and care teams, supports recreational and personal goals, participates in training and quality improvement activities, and ensures services are delivered with dignity, respect, and in compliance with agency and regulatory requirements.
Regulatory Frameworks
The DSP must comply with:
- Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) requirements.
- Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) requirements for developmental disability services.
- Ohio Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver requirements.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) HCBS Final Rule.
- HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- OSHA workplace safety standards.
- Ohio mandatory reporting requirements.
- Agency policies and procedures.
Confidentiality
The DSP must maintain strict confidentiality of participant information, medical records, personal data, and agency information in accordance with HIPAA, Ohio privacy laws, and agency policies. Unauthorized disclosure may result in disciplinary action.
Documentation Requirements
The DSP is responsible for completing:
- Daily service notes and activity documentation.
- Electronic documentation with GPS verification when applicable.
- Health and behavioral observations.
- Incident and unusual occurrence reports.
- Medication documentation when applicable.
- Timesheets and scheduling records.
- Other records required by DODD, Medicaid, and agency policies.
Certifications
Required:
- CPR Certification.
- First Aid Certification.
- Completion of Ohio DODD-required training.
- Medication administration certification when assigned.
- Additional agency-required training.
Clearances:
- Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) background check.
- FBI background check when required.
- Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check.
- Authorization to work in the United States.
Education
Required:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Preferred:
- Coursework or degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, Healthcare, or related field.
Experience
Preferred:
- Experience working with individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
- Experience in caregiving, healthcare, behavioral support, or community-based services.
- Experience implementing person-centered care practices.
Entry-level candidates may be considered with required training and demonstrated ability to provide compassionate support.
Technical Skills
The DSP should possess:
- Ability to use electronic documentation systems and mobile applications.
- Basic computer and smartphone skills.
- Ability to accurately document services and observations.
- Knowledge of safe lifting, transfers, and mobility techniques.
- Ability to use adaptive equipment as trained.
Languages
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, and accurately understand and document participant needs and services. Bilingual skills are an asset based on the needs of the participants and communities served.
Driver License
Valid Ohio driver's license when transportation duties are assigned. Acceptable driving record. Reliable transportation as required by position responsibilities. Ability to meet agency insurance requirements.
Travel Requirement
Local travel may be required between participant homes, community locations, appointments, and program sites. Transportation of individuals may be required when authorized. Flexible scheduling may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts based on participant needs.
Benefits
Compensation and Financial Benefits
- Paid sick leave
- Vacation time
- Very competitive wages
- Referral bonuses
- Weekly direct deposit
- DailyPay (get paid before payday)
- Mileage reimbursement (if applicable)
- Retirement plan benefits 401(k)
Health & Wellness Benefits (available for full time employees)
- Medical (PPO, Flex, and HSA plans)
- Dental
- Vision
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Accident Insurance
- Hospital Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability & Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance & Other Benefits
- Flexible scheduling
- Supportive supervisor and work environment
Legal Disclaimer
This job description reflects the general nature and scope of the role and is not exhaustive. OneWell Health Care reserves the right to revise responsibilities, qualifications, or expectations at its discretion, consistent with applicable law. Employment is at-will and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice.
If you are passionate about supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, we encourage you to apply today.
Join OneWell Health Care — where your work truly changes lives.
Benefits
Charles Nightlinger
Direct Support Professional
Transcript
0:00
You really don't know the impact you can make on somebody's life until you start doing it.
0:12
My name is Charles Nightlinger, and I started as a Direct Support Professional here at OneWell. You're working and coordinating their schedule for the day — making sure their needs are taken care of first, whether that's medication, appointments, or anything they have planned.
0:30
And most of the time you also have downtime with the individual — going to a park, playing a board game, something that makes them feel fulfilled and like they're really connecting with their staff.
0:46
One individual I worked with had a hard time building connections. He didn't get along with a lot of people — not because he was unfriendly, but because he didn't know how to interact or relate to them.
1:00
I worked with him for several years, and over that time I slowly realized that every day he would come and greet me, where normally he would just run away and hide in his room. By working with him every day and doing his daily routines together, we built up those connections and bonds.
1:22
It got to the point where he would run and greet me at the door — he'd open it because he knew I was coming.
1:30
The team here at OneWell is a lot of different people coming together under one idea: helping our individuals. I started at a DSP-level position, and through hard work and dedication they've continually pushed me up through the different departments in the organization.
1:47
Go for it. Just go into the role knowing that every day is different. There will be challenging days, and there will be days that just skate by where it feels like you clocked in and already had a great day with your individual. Everybody has off days; everybody has amazing days.
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