Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Make a Difference Every Day!
Location: Spokane, WA
Job Type: Full-time & Part-time
At Excel Supported Living, our DSP's, provide rehabilitative support by helping individuals learn, practice, and maintain everyday life skills that promote independence, safety, and quality of life. This support is based on each person’s goals and abilities and is not related to substance-use rehabilitation.
In the Direct Support Professional (DSP) role, rehabilitatemeans:
Supporting individuals to regain, learn, or strengthen everyday life skills that may have been lost, delayed, or impacted by disability, injury, or changes in health or environment.
Rehabilitative Support in Daily DSP Care is not drug or substance related.
DSPs provide rehabilitative support by teaching, modeling, prompting, and reinforcing basic and functional skills, including but not limited to:
- Personal hygiene and self-care routines
- Meal preparation and safe food handling
- Household tasks (cleaning, laundry, organization)
- Communication and social interaction skills
- Money handling and basic budgeting
- Community navigation and transportation skills
- Time management and daily scheduling
- Health and wellness routines
- Coping strategies and emotional regulation
The goal is to increase independence, not create dependence.
Our Direct Support Professional are responsible for:
- Following each individual’s Person-Centered Support Plan
- Encouraging participation rather than doing tasks for the individual
- Breaking tasks into manageable steps
- Using consistent prompts and supports
- Documenting progress, challenges, and changes accurately
- Assisting with daily chores, bathing, toileting, and cleanup
- Maintaining dignity, choice, and respect at all times
- Help clients with daily living activities (meal prep, hygiene, medication reminders, etc.) Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming home environment for the clients
- Provide emotional support, encouragement, and companionship
- Support clients in social and community activities
- Monitor health and behavior changes and report observations
- Follow individualized support plans that promote independence and growth
- Celebrate small wins and big achievements every day
Rehabilitative vs. Caretaking (Key Distinction)
Caretaking:
Doing tasks for the individual
Rehabilitative Support:
Teaching and supporting the individual to do tasks with increasing independence
DSPs are expected to focus on skill-building and maintenance, not just task completion.
What We’re Looking For:
- 1year of experience in direct support, or behavioral health
- 75 Hour Certificate Required
- Nurse Delegation Certified
- CP Certification
- De-escalation skills
- Behavioral Support Experience
- CPR/First Aid Certified
- Active Food Handler Permit
- Blood Borne Pathogens Certified
- Infection control knowledge and experience
- Reliable transportation to and from client locations
If you’re looking for a rewarding job where you make a real difference — Excel Supported Living is the place for you!
Apply today and start making an impact tomorrow.