As a Direct Support Professional, you care about the health and well-being of the people you support. And, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region cares about you.
That’s why we invest in the tools and resources you need to be successful in doing the work you love – and the benefits you need to care for yourself and your family.
We are here to support you, so you can provide the best support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
When you join The Arc Central Chesapeake Region as a Direct Support Professional, you have access to:
• Helpful technology to make recording activities and completing reports easier
• A vehicle to provide safe and reliable transportation throughout the community that doesn’t put wear and tear on your car
• Supportive managers who are there for you every step of the way
• All the training you need to be confident in your skills and obtain the certifications you need
When you join The Arc, you have access to great benefits that support you and your family. We offer our employees:
• Starting Pay $18.25 – $20.25 an Hour*
• Zero-deductible healthcare
• Generous PTO with 12 paid holidays
• A 403b retirement plan with a corporate match from day one
• Tuition and certification reimbursement – The Arc will help you pay for your education as you seek your degree or other professional certifications related to your job
• Paid training – we are invested in your growth and give you the skills you need to be successful as a Direct Support Professional
• Weekend shift differential – you earn up to $2/hour more for shifts worked from Saturday at 12:00am to Sunday at 11:59pm*
Join The Arc as a Direct Support Professional today.
Hiring Fair
Wed., October 4, 2023
From 12pm – 4pm
999 Corporate Blvd., Suite 300 Linthicum, MD 21090
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 $18.25 – $20.25* per hour.
*Weekend Differential (Saturday 12:00am – Sunday 11:59pm)
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 $18.25 – $20.25* per hour.
*Weekend Differential (Saturday 12:00am – Sunday 11:59pm)
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 $18.25 – $20.25* per hour.
*Weekend Differential (Saturday 12:00am – Sunday 11:59pm)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a Direct Support Professional who provides a person-centered level of care to align with the person’s nursing plan and ensure all efforts are documented appropriately. The LPN will assist in coordinating appropriate medical-related services. They will facilitate building self-esteem and confidence through positive interactions and communication with the person supported and their family. The LPN will hold a State of Maryland LPN license from the Board of Nursing, have a minimum of one year of experience providing nursing services for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, and have a valid driver’s license issued in the state in which they reside. The salary for this position is $32.75/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.