Direct Support Professional

Company: Woodhaven Learning Center
Location: Columbia
Posted on: January 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Description: The Direct Support Professional is an entry level direct support position. The Direct Support Professional will provide necessary supports for individuals receiving services in all aspects of their life. EXAMPLES OF WORK DUTIES: (Any one position may not include all the following nor do all the listed examples include all duties and responsibilities which may be required of the position). 1. Develop Skills necessary to assure that the atmosphere is warm, caring and home-like with minimum friction among individuals and staff. 2. Develop skills necessary to support and teach individuals in all aspects of self care activities as they require. 3. Assist individuals in community activities, i.e. budgeting, menu planning and shopping, accessing recreational activities, etc. 4. Develop skills necessary to advocate for each individual's rights and encourage them to make good decisions. 5. It will be necessary for the Direct Support Professional I to promote integration into the neighborhood and the community. 6. Develop skills necessary to communicate well with the individuals they support, other staff and supervisors, parents, guardians and other agencies. 7. Monitor and/or maintain the cleanliness and safety conditions of the residence and vehicles assigned. Develop skills necessary to generate and supervise daily activity schedules and assure opportunities for choice and activities that are meaningful and occur in a timely manner. 8. Develop skills necessary to generate and supervise daily activity schedules and assure opportunities for choice and activities that are meaningful and occur in a timely manner. 9. Develop skills necessary to work closely with individuals supported, family members, consultants and other related staff in planning and implementation of Individual Plans. 10. Develop skills necessary to implement procedures and document information consistent with the expectations outlined in the Individual Plan. 11. Reflect values of the organization and develop person-centered principals. 12. Develop skills necessary to represent the agency to organizations, individuals and government officials in a positive manner. 13. Staff may be required to perform additional duties not specifically listed or implied here as situations arise or as assigned by a supervisor. 14. Assure confidential information is upheld in accordance with Woodhaven policies, procedures, DMH regulations, Federal and State laws. 15. Woodhaven reserves the right to alter your work schedule and work location in order to accommodate individuals supported and staff needs. Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent is required. One year of experience working with MRDD individuals and individuals with challenging behaviors is preferred. The Direct Support Professional will be required to successfully complete an initial orientation. This will include Red Cross CPR, First Aid, Positive Behavior Interventions in-service, Universal Precautions in-service, lifting in-service, a medication administration course, and other lectures on basic information regarding State and Federal law relevant to the organization's policies, procedures, rules and regulations. You will be required to update these in-services annually or as notified. Employees are expected to be reliable when reporting to work for scheduled shifts. All Direct Support Professionals who have committed felonies that are listed on the disqualification registry with the Department of Mental Health will be removed from payroll effective immediately unless a request for exception has been approved with the Department of Mental Health. A valid Missouri Chauffeur's license within the first two (2) weeks of employment is necessary for this position. Must maintain an acceptable driving status according to Procedure No. 1-8-3, Woodhaven Vehicle Use. Any exception to this requirement must be authorized by the Director of Human Resources or the Director of Programs. Applicant must maintain a positive relationship with the individuals they support. Some homes require lifting a minimum of 50 pounds. See Human Resources or your immediate supervisor for specific homes where lifting is a requirement. CPI certified with successful demonstration and understanding of standards, principles and strategies of the course. Successful completion of the two-week introductory unit training. Woodhaven is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Keywords: Woodhaven Learning Center, Rock Hill , Direct Support Professional, Social Services , Columbia, South Carolina