Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Los Angeles
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Confidential Client provides hands-on support to individuals with developmental disabilities, focusing on promoting independence, community engagement, and personal goal achievement. This role involves active supervision, implementing person-centered activities, assisting with personal care, and maintaining accurate documentation to ensure participant safety and well-being in a supportive, inclusive environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Social work.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Position overview
Confidential Client is hiring Direct Support Professionals (DSP) in Los Angeles, CA (office: PossAbility Office Los Angeles — 3751 South Hill Street, Suite 217, Los Angeles, CA 90007). This is an ongoing posting for full-time, part-time, and per-diem roles. Hourly pay: $20.00/hr.
This role (sometimes titled "Community Coach" at offer) is hands-on and participant-focused. You will support daily activities, personal goals, and community engagement for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
What you’ll do
- Actively supervise participants at all times to ensure health, safety, and engagement.
- Work within designated staffing ratios during program hours.
- Implement activities and lesson plans tied to each participant’s Person-Centered Plan (PCP).
- Create and facilitate engaging, inclusive group activities and monthly activity calendars.
- Complete accurate, timely documentation of participant goal progress and case notes.
- Assist with personal care in licensed community programs (feeding, toileting, hygiene; may include hoyer lift use).
- Support participants in swimming and community outings; drive or ride public transportation as needed once approved.
- Participate in required trainings (active supervision, behavior support, lifting/transferring, feeding/personal care, safety).
- Uphold mandated reporter responsibilities and maintain participant confidentiality and dignity.
- Other duties as assigned to support program mission and participant outcomes.
Who we’re looking for / Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience preferred.
- 1–2 years working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.
- Ability to provide physical assistance, including lifting/transferring participants (up to 50 lbs at times).
- Willingness and ability to participate in swimming and community activities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a diverse, multicultural environment.
- Proficiency with documentation systems (ProCare), Microsoft Office, and data-management tools preferred.
- Ability to work evenings/weekends as needed.
- Valid driver’s license preferred for driver roles (driving record required).
- Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR certification.
- Successful completion of background (LiveScan) check, TB test, drug screening, and required vaccinations (Hep B, TDaP, MMR). For childcare programs, 12 ECE units may be required.
Work environment & physical requirements
- Combination of desk work and active, community-based duties.
- Work may occur indoors and outdoors; frequent changes in environment.
- Regular physical effort and ability to lift up to 50 pounds at times.
Special conditions & compliance
- Applicants for driver roles must provide DMV driving record, valid license, and proof of insurance; offers contingent on satisfactory driving history.
- This position is a mandated reporter under California law; compliance with applicable reporting requirements is required.
- Certain roles working in day care settings require vaccinations for Pertussis, Measles, and annual Influenza (or completion of declination).
- New employees are introductory for the first three months; employment is at-will.
Benefits & why join
- Flexible schedules (full-time, part-time, per diem) and multiple Southern California locations.
- Entry-level friendly with paid training and opportunities for growth in human services and behavioral health.
- Benefits may include medical (Kaiser), dental, vision, generous PTO, 12 paid holidays, employee discounts, and reimbursement for mileage and cellphone where applicable.
- Meaningful, day-to-day impact supporting people to live more connected, autonomous lives.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind.
To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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