Why become a Direct Support Professional or Counselor?
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Counselors play the most important role in the overall development and care of each person Lifehouse serves. Your primary duty is to follow each resident’s Individual Service Plan (ISP) and provide active support.
Supported Living Services (SLS)
Direct Support Professionals or DSPs work directly with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), assisting them to become independent and integrated into their community. This includes helping them make meaningful choices towards their personal goals while assisting with various abilities and daily living activities like bathing, eating, administering medications, hygiene, grooming, and recreational activities.
Independent Living Skills (ILS)
ILS staff work with individuals living in non-licensed group homes or apartments to assist them in acquiring skills that will enhance their ability to live more independently. ILS DSPs help to educate and train the people we support on developing practical life skills and important steps to independent living. Life skills training includes helping them with meal planning, cooking, nutrition, grocery shopping, house cleaning, money management, home safety and socialization.
Intermediate Care Facility (ICF)
Our Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF) program provides 24-hour continuous skilled nursing care under the care of a physician in licensed homes in community-based residential settings to people with developmental disabilities who are medically fragile. Your care of the people we support in these settings helps them to live in the community and avoid institutionalization.
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You are a collaborative, strong communicator, putting people first and fostering independence in others while maintaining positive professional relationships. You have a strong sense of responsibility and look out for the health and safety of the people we support, while ensuring continuous and accurate documentation for each resident’s progress and special incidents. You’re an analytical thinker and an observant, creative problem solver.
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Direct Support Professional (DSP) careers can be incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally. You make a difference by providing essential care and support to individuals with I/DD, getting to know them, their families, and other supporting agencies while helping them have the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives and participate in their communities.
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As a Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) you will learn new skills every day as you navigate real-world scenarios such as helping people build relationships or work towards leading a healthier lifestyle. You have the opportunity to develop strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills through helping the people you support navigate the world and build relationships towards leading a healthier lifestyle.
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No two days are the same and every day brings new experiences. DSPs get out and about escorting individuals supported on outings and to appointments. You will help the people we support integrate into their community and develop social skills through recreational activities. Whether you are supporting a person with taking care of their home, assisting with personal care, or going out to the movies, DSPs are always on the move.
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Lifehouse supports people throughout Marin and Sonoma County on a 24/7 basis, leaving many shifts and geographic locations available. In most cases, your hours are very flexible and you can work as much or a little as you wish.
