Residential Care Associate

Companies: Austin Place

Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Level 1 and 2

Location: Los Angeles
 Reports To: Lead Staff / Program Supervisor
 
 Salary Range:

• Level 1: $19.00 – $21.00 per hour
• Level 2: $21.00 – $24.00 per hour

(Compensation is commensurate with experience, certifications, and training completion in accordance with Title 17 and regional center funding standards.)

Potential Shifts

• 6:00am-2:00pm
• 2:00pm-10:00pm
• 10:00pm-6:00am
• 11am-7pm

Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides individualized care, supervision, and training to children ages 15-17 with developmental disabilities in residential and community-based settings. The DSP’s primary role is to promote each person’s independence, dignity, and quality of life.

DSPs are instrumental in supporting individuals to live meaningful, self-directed lives while ensuring health, safety, and community integration in accordance with California Title 17 Regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and supervision to consumers in all daily activities, ensuring safety and dignity.
• Implement individualized training and support plans.
• Support consumers in natural environments, including at home, in the community, and during recreational activities.
• Document consumer progress on goals and objectives daily and maintain accurate and timely records.
• Foster social skills and communication development through natural learning opportunities and role modeling.
• Follow behavioral and clinical intervention plans as directed by supervisors and interdisciplinary team members.
• Provide personal care assistance, including hygiene, meal preparation, medication reminders, and transportation.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe living environment for all residents.
• Attend team meetings, supervision sessions, and all required in-service trainings.
• Ensure compliance with all agency policies, Title 17 regulations, and ethical standards of care.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education and Experience:
• At least six (6) months of prior experience providing direct care or specialized services to individuals with developmental disabilities is preferred.
• Those without prior experience must complete 12 additional hours of continuing education within six (6) months of hire.
• All DSPs must complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education annually to maintain compliance with Title 17.
• Licenses and Certifications:
• Valid California Driver’s License and acceptable driving record.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Health screening and TB clearance prior to employment.
• Must be fingerprint cleared through the Department of Justice and FBI. (livescan)
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, and kneeling.
• Ability to respond quickly and calmly in emergencies and provide crisis intervention.
• Work occurs in both residential and community environments, which may include outdoor activities and exposure to variable weather conditions.
• Must maintain a professional demeanor when supporting individuals who may exhibit challenging or high-intensity behaviors.

DSP Career Levels

Level 1 – Direct Support Professional I

• Entry-level position for those with limited or no prior DSP experience.
• Works under close supervision of Lead or Senior Staff.
• Completes all initial training requirements, including CPR/First Aid, Mandt or CPI (as applicable), and 20 hours of Title 17 continuing education.
• Demonstrates reliability, empathy, and professionalism in all duties.

Level 2 – Direct Support Professional II

• Minimum one year of DSP or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrates consistent competency in implementing behavior plans and supporting community inclusion.
• Works independently with minimal supervision and provides mentorship to new staff.
• Participates in program planning, documentation review, and may assist in consumer meetings.

Core Competencies

• Compassionate and person-centered approach.
• Effective communication and teamwork.
• Professional integrity and ethical conduct.
• Adaptability and crisis management.
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $19.00 - $24.00 per hour