Direct Support Professional Lead - (DSP Lead)

At Aspire Living & Learning, we don't just talk about making an impact, we live it. For more than 40 years, we've supported neurodiverse children and adults across New England and Maryland as they discover their passions, unlock their potential, and live more independently in their communities. Our person-centered services evolve with people's needs, from education and behavioral health to residential and community-based supports. We empower people to live lives shaped by their own interests, choices, and strengths. Join our collaborative, mission-driven team and bring your skills to work that makes a real difference every day. Aspire Living & Learning is currently  seeking a Lead Direct Support Professionals (DSP)   to play  a vital role in  providing person - centered services to supported  individuals .   The DSP Lead coordinates schedules, assigns responsibilities, monitors activities and ensures that program employees complete their responsibilities and  comply with   all   of   Aspires  policies,  procedures  and state specific requirements. This DSP Lead role is available in Baltimore County - Catonsville, MD. & Harford County - Bel Air, MD Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday 3:00p -11:00p - Baltimore County or Monday - Friday 3:00p - 11:00p in Harford County Compensation:  $20.20 hourly Key Responsibilities:   The DSP  Lead  job requires a myriad of roles to  assist  in behavioral and personal care services that will enable individuals to reach their fullest potential and improve behavior, academic, social, and functional skills while treating individuals supported with respect and dignity. Below are key aspects of the position:   Relationships and Communication :   Cultivate a positive and productive workplace atmosphere to enhance team morale and productivity.   Through ongoing communication, support the individuals  live  to their fullest potential.    Communication with other employees, guardians and others involved  on  the team is essential.    Ensure all communication is  timely  and occurs professionally,  clear  and concisely.   Supporting Individuals :   Assist  supported individuals with learning valuable life skills while exploring ways in which to integrate with their community.   Provide ongoing support  regarding  daily activities including menu planning and meal preparation,  cleaning  and other household tasks.    Other instances of support could include teaching and aiding with self-care tasks .   Ensure the individuals live in a  safe  inclusive environment by performing tasks such as documentation, medication administration and personal hygiene.   Support ing  the Program Manager   Therap  uploads,  documentation  and support; support of program finances and meal planning    S cheduling of medical appointments.   C onducting environmental checks.   O versight of maintenance needs and fleet management  (if applicable)   Under the guidance of the Program Manager, support  financial management  for the program.   Perform any  additional  job responsibilities assigned by supervisors or team leaders to support the organization's smooth operation.   Leadership and Coordination:   Support an environment where the dignity, decisions and rights of  the individuals  are valued.   Foster a positive work environment while championing a culture of teamwork, growth,  collaboration  and communication.    Coordinate with other departments such as Quality Assurance/Quality Enhancement, nursing, clinical and other administrative departments.   Provide leadership and guidance to the day-to-day operations of the shift including but limited to data collection and documentation, ISP/IEP goals, community inclusion activities, aids to daily living.   Participate in and complete training sessions as delegated by management to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to the role.   Communicates feedback to manager to  assist  with the supervisory process of DSPs as they develop their own skills   Perform any additional job responsibilities assigned by supervisors or team leaders to support the organization's smooth operation.   Conduct training as required and assigned.      Accept reassignment as required   Qualifications:   Excellent Verbal and written communication skills.    Must have demonstrated computer literacy to complete required electronic documentation   18 years of age or older    Organizational skills and attention to detail.     Ability to pass and maintain required trainings and certifications    High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required, Degree in Human Services, Psychology, or related field preferred   Must have satisfactory background checks    Valid driver’s license and safe driving record   Working Conditions:   Ability to handle physical aspects of job, including bending, stooping, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, and walking for periods of time     Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times      Must be able to perform all physical management techniques required for position   May be required to transport individuals and travel     This position requires flexibility to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as the role supports 24/7 operations   Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable qualified people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of this position.   Employees at Aspire enjoy working with a collaborative and dedicated team that values a culture of belonging and care. We take pride in offering a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including: Comprehensive Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance - Choose from multiple medical plans, with vision coverage included at no extra cost. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Saving Account (HSA) options - Use pre-tax dollars for medical and dependent care expenses. Lifestyle Spending Ac