Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Easterseals PORT Health is seeking a dedicated Direct Service Provider (DSP) to support adults and children with disabilities. This position is based in New Bern, North Carolina, and requires working Monday through Friday with some Saturdays as needed. If you are passionate about helping others and want to make a difference in the lives of those you support, this is the job for you!

Pay Rate:

• $18.00 per hour 

Full-time Schedule:

• Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

What You'll Do as a Direct Support Professional (DSP):

Recreation: 

• Responsible for supporting individuals at learning and increasing skills in all areas of independence including, but not limited to: Self-help skills, independent living skills, accessing community resources, and pursuit of leisure activities. (If an individualized plan exists, this document serves as a guide for these supports).


• Participate in all program activities.


• Ensure that the safety, health, hygiene, and nutritional needs of the individuals we support are met.


• Lift and transfer individuals, we support as needed.

Transition to Employment:

• Support individuals in job exploration, work-based learning experiences, and workplace readiness training as directed by the Transition Coordinator.


• Coach individuals during Job Club activities, volunteerism, and job shadowing.


• Accompany individuals being supported to their community-based site to provide on-the-job training.


• Assist in performing an individual’s job duties to maintain necessary production as well as model work behavior.


• Supports the Transition Coordinator in the development of activities for the program.

In addition, You will provide care in individuals' homes and may also transport them within the local community as needed. You’ll assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in learning and maintaining skills for greater independence at home and in the community. Under the supervision of a program supervisor or manager, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) help clients develop socially appropriate daily living skills. Additionally, DSPs provide valuable respite for families.

Our Benefits include:

• Paid time off and paid holidays


• Medical, Dental, and Vision Health Benefits + an optional Flexible Health Spending Account (FSA)


• Life Insurance, Disability Insurance and more 


• 403(b) Retirement Plan 


• Employees Assistance Program and Legal services, when needed

What We’re Looking for in a Direct Support Professional (DSP):

• High School diploma or GED required.  Associate's Degree preferred. 


• Two years’ experience working with individuals with developmental and other various disabilities preferred.


• Knowledge of the labor market and community services agencies, as well as skills in writing task analysis, systemic job training, counseling, advocacy, and supported employment preferred.


• Must be comfortable with a fast-paced work environment to meet the program's performance expectations.


• Valid North Carolina driver’s license, clean driving record, and current insurance required.


• Must have reliable transportation for occasional travel throughout the program's territory.


• Must pass a criminal background check.

About Easterseals PORT Health

Easterseals PORT Health is a trustworthy, compassionate partner providing exceptional disability, behavioral health and addiction treatment services to help our neighbors live their best lives. Our diverse and inclusive 2,600-member team provides meaningful support to 40,200 kids, adults and families in 11,000 home, facility and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia.

Our working environment supports employee and client health with a ‘no tobacco’ use policy (tobacco free and smoke free) in all offices, client facilities, properties, and agency vehicles.

We believe that by leveraging the unique strengths and perspectives of our workforce, we can advance our just cause, while building a healthy, sustainable organization. That’s why we listen, seek to understand & act to make ESPH an Inclusive Culture, Different Voices, Embracing Potential, Authentic Self & Learning & Growing (IDEAL) organization.

Applicants of all abilities are encouraged to apply!