Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Pasadena
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 collaborating with team members to enhance participant outcomes 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.
About the Client
Confidential Client is a mission-driven organization working in the social work space to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Programs focus on person-centered planning, community participation, and creating meaningful opportunities for independence and social connection.
Why Join Us
- $20.00 / hour (posted)
- Flexible schedules: full-time, part-time, and per-diem opportunities
- Entry-level friendly with paid training
- Hands-on, meaningful work with clear growth paths in human services and behavioral health
About the Role
As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) — also called Community Coach internally — you will support participants with daily activities, personal goals, and community integration. This is an active, hands-on role focused on relationship-building, safety, and promoting independence.
What You’ll Do / Key Responsibilities
- Programming & participant support
- Actively supervise participants and maintain safety and engagement.
- Work within assigned staffing ratios.
- Implement daily activities and lesson plans aligned to participants’ Person-Centered Plans (PCP).
- Create and facilitate inclusive group activities and monthly activity calendars.
- Documentation & communication
- Complete accurate, timely daily documentation of participant progress.
- Report and document case notes or significant concerns promptly.
- Maintain confidentiality and respect participant rights and dignity.
- Personal care
- Assist with feeding, toileting, hygiene, and transfers (may include Hoyer lift use) in licensed community programs.
- Support participants during swimming and other community activities when required.
- Community outings & transportation
- Supervise participants during community outings and support engagement.
- Drive agency vehicles or accompany participants on public transit once approved as an organization driver.
- Training & development
- Complete required training (active supervision, behavior support, lifting/transfers, feeding/personal care, safety).
- Participate in ongoing coaching and team meetings.
- Other duties
- Serve as a mandated reporter and follow reporting protocols.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support program goals.
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 (lifting/transferring participants) required.
- Willingness to participate in swimming and community activities required.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills required.
- Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment required.
- Proficiency with documentation systems (ProCare), Microsoft Office, and data tools preferred.
- Ability to work evenings/weekends as needed.
- Valid driver’s license preferred for driver roles; driving-record review required for driver positions.
- Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR certification.
- Successful completion of background check (LiveScan) required.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Combination of desk-based work and active, in-community support.
- May involve outdoor activities and changing environments.
- Physical effort — lifting up to 50 pounds at times.
Special Conditions & Required Clearances
- The role in California is subject to mandated reporter requirements under relevant state law.
- Candidates selected will be required to complete, as a condition of employment:
- TB test
- LiveScan (fingerprinting/background check)
- Drug screening
- Required vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis B, TDaP, MMR) and annual influenza vaccination documentation or declination form where applicable
- Physical / fitness-for-duty clearance
- Driver positions require DMV record, valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance. Offers for driver roles are contingent on satisfactory driving records.
Benefits & Perks
- Health coverage (Kaiser), dental and vision options
- Generous paid time off and paid holidays
- Employee discount programs
- Mileage and cellphone reimbursement where applicable
- Paid training and opportunities for professional growth in social and behavioral services
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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