Direct Support Professional Personal Support Program

Company: Target Community & Educational Services
Location: Gaithersburg
Posted on: February 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Description: Position Summary : Assist in the supervision and training of individuals in the Personal Support setting where they are living ESSENTIAL DUTIES : A. AGENCY Performs essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodations. Knows and complies with all required policies, procedures, regulations, and guidelines of Target and has a clear understanding of the specific regulations used in their department. Follows regulations and guidelines when carrying out duties and responsibilities. Successfully completes all required in-service trainings and completes re-certifications as required; demonstrates a clear understanding of the issues presented in trainings; is eager to expand knowledge; keeps current with relevant changes and take appropriate steps to obtain needed information. Performs duties in accordance with the philosophy, mission, and goals of the agency. Works as a professional collaborative with all internal and external stakeholders in modeling a safe, supportive, and respectful demeanor, ensuring the highest quality services to all Target participants. Takes appropriate action based on circumstances; provides pertinent and comprehensive information to supervisory personnel. Demonstrates the ability to manage personal time by being punctual and gives sufficient notice to immediate supervisor in case of tardiness or absenteeism per Target’s Attendance Policy. Acts as an appropriate role model and representative of Target as an agency as well as those employed by Target and those served. Choose appropriate personal attire based on the circumstances. Maintains appropriate overall appearance and demonstrates proper personal hygiene per Target’s Attire and Grooming Policy. Demonstrates a willingness to perform all essential duties and job functions with the safety of the participants and self as a top priority; adheres to and complies with all safety guidelines taught in trainings. B. DIRECT CARE Provide direct care services and training to individuals. a) As needed, assist individuals in their activities of daily living (ADL’s) daily personal care and grooming, including care of body, hair, teeth, and clothing, etc. b) Assist individuals in the development of leisure time activities and recreation by encouraging participation in these activities or if need be, attending these activities with the individual. Leisure and recreation include activities that are done outside of what is on the Person-Centered Plan (PCP). This can include but is not limited to; Special Olympics practices and competitions, meeting up with friends, gym membership and attendance, class participation, volunteering opportunities. c) Assist with the learning of new skills, in the home and in the community. This may include but is not limited to, situational awareness, laundry completion, meal preparation, fitness class attendance. d) When applicable assist with virtual experiences and supports. There may be times when virtual support is needed. These will be provided via Google Meets. e) Maintain a family, individual or group-type atmosphere for individuals to live in. f) Assist individuals in maintaining contact with family and friends using the telephone, and/or mail. g) Encourage individuals to share their daytime experiences with others. The transportation of individuals in DSP’s personal vehicle to community events. This always includes the maintenance of a valid driver’s license and proper insurance. Maintain close contact with Program Coordinator to ensure a unified, consistent training program for supported individuals. Maintains physical ability to restrain participants as needed according to their behavioral program plans. The position also requires the ability to stand, bend, reach, lift 50 pounds, maneuver wheelchairs, and perform safe transfers of individuals. Be able to communicate instructions and directions to the clients in a manner that is easily understandable. This requires fluency in speaking the primary language of the clients. Demonstrate a willingness to perform essential job functions and duties with the safety of the clients and self being a top priority and adhere to and comply with all safety guidelines taught in trainings. Must complete all required documentation, including but not limited to; Clocking in and out of shift utilizing the Maryland ISAS EVV system, Communication logs on CIMS, and filling out timesheet on Paylocity. OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES : Other duties as assigned by Supervisors. SUPERVISION : The position is supervised by Program Coordinators and the Director of Personal Supports. EVALUATION : After an initial three-month period, then annually during term of employment. Requirements: Qualifications : Minimum high school diploma; experience working with intellectual disabilities preferred; excellent driving record, clear background check. TERMS : This is a Class 2, part-time/full-time, hourly, non-exempt position based on needed coverage. This position is considered “essential” to maintain operations and services to participants. Benefits : All full-time employees working at least Sixty hours per pay period are eligible for health, vision, and dental benefits in addition to paid time off. Both full and part-time employees are eligible for retirement and Sick & Safe Leave.

Keywords: Target Community & Educational Services, Harrisburg , Direct Support Professional Personal Support Program, Healthcare , Gaithersburg, Pennsylvania