Direct Support Professional
About this role
Direct Support Professional DSP | Home Health
Location: Virginia
Work Location: Field-Based
Schedule: Flexible
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and applicable Virginia law
About Our Company
OneWell Health Care and its affiliate, OneWell of Virginia LLC, are dedicated to empowering individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and Autism to lead fulfilling, self-directed lives. We provide compassionate, person-centered support that promotes dignity, independence, and inclusion across home and community-based settings.
Position Summary
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides hands-on, person-centered support to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in home and community-based environments. This role supports daily living activities, skill development, safety monitoring, and community participation while promoting independence, dignity, and quality of life.DSP services are delivered in accordance with each individual’s Individual Support Plan (ISP) and Virginia Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver requirements.
Position Scope
The DSP works directly with individuals receiving services under Virginia Medicaid Waiver programs. This role focuses on direct care delivery, skill-building, and community integration under the supervision of the IDD Team Lead or designated clinical/operations staff. This position does not include supervisory authority, program management, or service authorization responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
Provide direct, person-centered support to individuals with IDD, including assistance with daily living activities, mobility, safety, and implementation of ISP goals and behavior strategies; support skill development, community participation, and transportation as needed; maintain a safe and respectful environment; monitor and report changes in condition; complete accurate and timely documentation; follow all safety and reporting procedures; and assist with trainings, team collaboration, and additional support needs as assigned.
Regulatory Frameworks
The DSP must comply with all applicable federal, state, and program-specific regulations, including Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) waiver requirements, Virginia Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver standards, provider licensing requirements, individual service authorizations, HIPAA, and all OneWell Health Care policies and procedures.
Confidentiality
The DSP has access to protected health information (PHI) and sensitive personal data. Strict confidentiality must be maintained at all times in accordance with HIPAA, state privacy laws, and company confidentiality policies. Unauthorized disclosure may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Documentation Requirements
Required documentation includes daily service notes with GPS verification, behavioral observations, incident and special incident reports, attendance and shift verification, and any additional records required to demonstrate compliance with care plans and regulatory standards. All documentation must be accurate, complete, and submitted within required timeframes.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience
Preferred:
- Prior experience in caregiving, home health, or direct support for individuals with IDD
- Experience working in community-based or residential support settings
Technical Skills
- Ability to use electronic documentation and EVV systems
- Basic computer skills, including email and mobile applications
- Ability to follow written care plans and documentation guidelines
Languages
English proficiency (spoken and written) is required. Bilingual skills are a plus, depending on program and individual needs.
Driver License
Valid driver’s license may be required based on assignment. Must maintain an acceptable driving record and reliable transportation when driving is an essential job function.
Travel Requirement
This is a community-based role requiring travel to individual homes, community locations, program sites, and appointments as assigned. Flexible scheduling may be required, including evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts.
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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