Rewarding Work.
Positive Outcomes.
Are You The Missing Link?
Is your strength connecting people to the community? Or maybe you love creating lasting relationships with a diverse group of people?
If that sounds like you – you should apply today to become a Direct Support Professional at The Arc Central Chesapeake Region.
Direct Support Professionals support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live the lives they choose for themselves. They connect on a deeper level and build relationships and skills at home and in the community.
No matter your role, The Arc has a variety of shifts to fit your schedule.
Wages start at $17.25 per hour, and The Arc offers a competitive rewards package – including health insurance with no deductible, 11 paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and more.
You are the missing link – join The Arc today.
Schedule Your Interview Today!
1332 Donald Ave, Severn, MD 21144
What is a Direct Support Professional?
A Direct Support Professional, also known as a DSP, actively supports person(s) with intellectual and developmental disabilities in maximizing their independence, self-advocacy, and decision-making in the community, at home, or at work. This is not just a caregiver position; DSPs lead others to accomplish daily tasks themselves and live independently on a day-to-day basis.
Community Support Assistant
The Community Support Assistant is a Direct Support Professional who works in one of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region’s group homes supporting up to four people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Community Support Assistant will help advocate for and connect people to various community resources that will ensure wellness and wholeness for each person. This position can be both part-time and full-time with a pay rate of $17.25 per hour.
Personal Support Assistant
The Personal Support Assistant is a Direct Support Professional who supports one or more people living in their own home. The Personal Support Assistant will support each person’s life choices and facilitate opportunities to build relationships within their local community. This position can be both part-time and full-time with schedules determined by the needs of those supported. The pay rate is $17.25 per hour.
Community Coach
The Community Coach is a Direct Support Professional who facilitates community-based activities and provides support for The Arc’s Day Services program. The Community Coach will work with one to five people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. With the people supported, Community Coaches develop a daily schedule of a variety of activities including fitness, art, cooking, volunteering, etc., based on the interest of the people in their assigned group. Community Coaches generally work daytime hours between 8 am to 4 pm, but hours vary, generally 28-32 hours a week, depending on the needs of the people supported. The pay rate is $17.25 per hour.
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent, such as GED
- Valid Maryland Driver’s License with 2 or fewer points
- Must have reliable transportation. Ability to transport people with a personal vehicle may be a requirement for some positions
- Prior experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is beneficial but not required
- All candidates must pass a background check
Training and Support
New employees will attend orientation and training at The Arc. Below is a sample of trainings all DSPs will receive, schedule will be customized based on position.
- Welcome to The Arc Orientation
- CPR / First Aid / AED Certification
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- Behavioral Support Training (Mandt)
- Medication Technician (for certain DSP positions only)
- Choking Prevention & Dysphagia Diets (for certain DSP positions only)
- Online Training Courses (related to supporting people with disabilities)
Benefits
All part-time and full-time employees receive PTO, accrue sick leave, and are eligible for direct deposit and the employee referral program.
Benefits available to full-time employees include:
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits packages with coverage beginning 30 days after the date of hire
- Paid holidays, vacation time, family leave, and bereavement leave
- Basic life insurance and long-term disability provided by The Arc with numerous other voluntary insurance options available
- A retirement savings plan with matching contributions by The Arc
- Ongoing employee appreciation events and training opportunities
- Membership to The Arc and the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP)
FAQs
Where are positions located?
The Arc supports people throughout Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
What are the typical hours or shifts available?
Typical shifts include:
- Weekday Evenings
- Awake Overnight
- Every Weekend
- Every Other Weekend
For a full list of available positions and specific hours, please see our current job openings.
Do you offer any weekday daytime positions?
Positions in our Workforce Development division are frequently Monday through Friday during the day.
Some limited positions may be available in Living Options & Services (Community Living and Personal Supports) during the day; however, no guarantee is made to the availability of any shift or position.
Do you offer any on-call positions?
At this time, we do not have any PRN / on-call roles available. Candidates with open availability 24/7 who are interested are encouraged to apply to any open Community Support Specialist positions.
What is the difference between a Community Support Assistant and a Personal Support Assistant? Which should I apply to?
Community Support Assistants (CSAs) work in homes owned by The Arc with one to four people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. CSAs typically work a set shift each week in one location under a Team Leader. You should apply to this position if you are looking to build a relationship with a few people and work as a member of a team, with a consistent schedule.
Personal Support Assistants (PSAs) work one-on-one with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, usually living in their own home or their family’s home. While a PSA works a set schedule each week, the schedule is determined by the needs if the person supported and may range from a few hours a week to a full-time role. You should apply to this position if you are looking to work closely with one person as a part of their support network, and are looking for a role with a non-traditional schedule.
For more information, please read the full job description for each role in our current job openings.
Are there opportunities for growth and advancement?
The Arc believes strongly in the continued growth of its employees and seeks to support anyone who is interested in moving into a new role. Following six months of successful employment, all employees are encouraged to apply for any open positions which interest them.
SO, WHAT’S YOUR NEXT MOVE?
Redefine your potential through a career that changes lives and expands opportunities. If you are highly motivated, compassionate and eager to give back to others, apply for a DSP position today! We cannot wait to add to our team here at The Arc.