Direct Service Professional (DSP) (General Pool)

Employment Type: Full-Time, Part-Time, & Per Diem

Location Options: Inglewood | East Los Angeles | Downtown Los Angeles | Long Beach | Claremont | Crestline | Pasadena

Schedule: Varies by program (Monday–Friday, with some evenings/weekends)

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

ABOUT ABILITYFIRST:

At AbilityFirst, we look beyond disabilities, focus on capabilities, and expand possibilities. Our team supports children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities to live more independent, fulfilling lives.

We’re building a general candidate pool for Direct Service Professionals (DSP) across multiple locations, meaning if you apply, you may be considered for current and future openings that match your availability and preferences.

WHY JOIN US?

• Multiple locations across Southern California.
• Flexible schedules (full-time, part-time, per diem).
• Entry-level friendly with paid training.
• Meaningful, hands-on work that makes a difference every day.
• Growth opportunities in human services and behavioral health

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Direct Service Professional (DSP), you’ll work directly with participants to support daily activities, personal goals, and community engagement. This is a hands-on, active role where you’ll build relationships, support independence, and create meaningful experiences.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Programming & Participant Support

• Actively supervise participants at all times; ensure health, safety, and engagement.
• Work within the designated staffing ratio throughout the program day.
• Implement daily activities and lesson plans that reflect each participant’s Person-Centered Plan (PCP) goals.
• Create and facilitate engaging, inclusive group activities.
• Collaborate with team members to develop monthly activity calendars for assigned groups.

Documentation & Communication

• Complete accurate and timely daily documentation of participant goal progress.
• Report and document any case notes or significant participant concerns immediately.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold the dignity and rights of all participants.

Personal Care

• For community care licensed programs, assist participants with all aspects of personal care including:
• Feeding, diapering (may include use of hoyer lift), toileting, and hygiene needs.
• Support participants in swimming activities as needed.

Community Outings

• Supervise and support participants ensuring safety and active engagement.
• Help participants access volunteer opportunities in the community.
• Drive agency vehicles or accompany participants on public transportation as needed once approved as an AF driver.

Training & Professional Development

• Complete all required staff training including but not limited to: Active supervision, behavior support, lifting/transferring, feeding/personal care, and safety protocols.
• Participate in ongoing training, coaching, and staff meetings to support professional growth and participant outcomes.

Other Duties

• Uphold our commitment as a Mandated Reporter, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.
• Complete all required staff training assigned each quarter.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• We’re looking for people who are compassionate, reliable, and motivated to help others succeed.
• Experience in direct care, personal assistance, or support services.
• Comfort with personal care needs including feeding, hygiene, and mobility support.
• A team player who leads with patience, compassion, and consistency
• Experience in these roles is a plus:
• Direct Support Professional (DSP), Caregiver, Behavioral Technician, Paraprofessional, Teacher, Instructional Aide, Behavioral Therapist, CNA, Home Health Aide, or similar.
• No experience? No problem. This is an entry-level role, and we welcome candidates who are new to the field. If you have the right attitude and willingness to learn, we’ll provide the training and support you need.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A High School diploma or equivalent is required.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or equivalent experience is preferred.
• 12 ECE (Early Childhood Education) college units in any related field may be required for childcare programs.
• 1-2 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is preferred.
• Must be able to provide physical assistance including lifting or transferring participants is required.
• Strong understanding of person-centered practices, goal setting, and community integration is preferred.
• Willingness to participate in swimming and community activities to assist participants in the pool or in community is required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills is required.
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities, and sexual orientations in a multicultural environment is required.
• Proficient in documentation systems such as ProCare, Microsoft Office, and data management programs is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data management tools is preferred.
• Must be able to work evenings/weekends as needed.
• Valid Driver’s License is preferred.
• Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR certification.
• Successful completion of background (LiveScan) check.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.
• Physical effort/lifting up to 50 pounds at times.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

Senate Bill No. 792 amended Sections 1597.055 and 1597.54 of, and added Sections 1596.7995 and 1597.622 to, the Health and Safety Code, relating to day care facilities. This requires that all employees working in day care facilities be vaccinated for Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Measles and Influenza. On an annual basis you are required to show proof that you have received the flu vaccine or complete the Employee Certification of Declining Vaccination. AbilityFirst encourages all employees to get vaccinated against the flu, if a doctor has said it is safe for you to do so.

Candidates selected for this position will be required to successfully complete the following as a condition of employment:

• TB Test
• Live Scan (fingerprinting/background check)
• Drug Screening
• Required vaccinations: Hepatitis B, TDaP, and MMR
• Physical / fitness-for-duty clearance

Driver Positions:

Applicants are required to provide a copy of their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, along with a copy of their valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory driving record. Examples of an unsatisfactory driving record include:

• Suspended or revoked license
• Three or more moving violations in the past 36 months
• Any violations, including drugs, alcohol, controlled substances, within the past 24 months
• Reckless driving, including hit and runs, within the past 24 months
• At fault accidents, resulting in fatality or serious injury, within the past 5 years

The motor vehicle record will need to include a review of all states listed on the individual's employment application and resume. See instructions on obtaining your driving record below:

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/customer-service/request-vehicle-or-driver-records/online-driver-record-request/

For driver positions, driving is an essential job function and cannot be reasonably accommodated, employment may be discontinued.

NOTE: All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment and will not be considered regular employees until the conclusion of this period. Ability First reserves the right to extend an employee’s introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will. It is the supervisor’s responsibility to orient the employee and to communicate the expectations of the supervisor and Ability First, as well as to evaluate whether the employee has the necessary level of skill, job knowledge, motivation, and attitude to become a regular member of the Ability First staff. New employees are also encouraged to seek guidance and assistance during this period. Employees who fail to demonstrate the expected commitment, performance and attitude may be terminated at any time during the introductory period. However, completion of the introductory period does not change or alter the “at-will” employment status. Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment/business relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and Ability First has the same right. The organization, in its sole discretion, may change the job duties, responsibilities and assignments of any position, at any time.

BENEFITS & PERKS:

AbilityFirst offers a competitive benefit package through Kaiser, Dental and Vision Insurance, Generous Paid Time Off and 12 Paid Holidays, Employee Discount Program, and reimbursement for Mileage and Cellphone (where applicable).

EEO STATEMENT:

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Ability First does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.

AbilityFirst is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Please include references in your application