Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Community

Company: Rock Creek Foundation
Location: Silver Spring
Posted on: February 19, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Community Development Counselor - Direct Support Professional (DSP) Passionate Direct Support Professional Wanted! Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with co-occurring disorders? Join our team at Rock Creek where passion drives everything we do! About Us: At Rock Creek, we believe in empowering individuals to live fulfilling and independent lives. We provide comprehensive support services to individuals with intellectual, developmental disabilities and co-occurring disorders, fostering their growth, independence, and happiness. At Rock Creek, we're not just a team – we're a family driven by love, compassion, and the unwavering belief that everyone deserves to live a life filled with purpose and joy. Your Mission: As a Community Development Counselor (DSP) at Rock Creek you'll be at the heart of our mission. You'll have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of our consumers every single day. From exploring our local community, to working on volunteer or employment activities, you will help in improving our consumers' daily life skills. You will also be responsible for providing direct-care and person-centered instruction in a community-based setting in order to develop, enhance and maintain daily living, social, and community skills. Why Join Us: Make a Difference: Experience the joy of knowing that your work directly improves the lives of others. Rewarding Work: Be part of a supportive team environment where your contributions are valued and recognized. Personal Growth: Receive ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career. Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible scheduling options that allow you to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Passionate Community: Join a passionate community of like-minded individuals who are dedicated to making a positive impact in the world. What You'll Do: Assists in planning daily meaningful day activities Counsels' clients in identifying and resolving social or other problems Compiles records of daily activities of client Writes and submits incident reports as needed Monitors and maintains client records Supervises group-sponsored trips and social functions Escorts individuals on trips outside establishment for recreational activities Transports individual in personal vehicle Ensures compliance with COMAR, MHP and company regulations Implement Individualized Plan goals and outcomes Updates client goals, contact notes accurately and in a timely manner; completing all required documentation to maintain accuracy of client records Accompanies or transports consumers in the assigned program to and from day program and to all activities including work; modifies day program activities to accommodate consumer’s needs; and monitors consumer’s progress toward goals Depending on assignment, monitors, corrects, and instructs consumer’s behavior, de-escalates anger and frustration, assists consumer in conflict resolution from harming self or others; keeps consumer attention focused on activities or work duties Maintains daily communication with house staff, usually through written progress reports; and meeting with staff one time per week; maintains consumer’s chart Models' appropriate behavior for consumer; demonstrates and discusses behavior, reactions, and feelings to assist consumer in proper work and/or social behavior Depending on assignment may supervise consumer at a job site on Rock Creek contracts or outside premises; instructs and encourages consumer Assists consumer in planning and adapting materials and activities to enhance their day; ensures consumer’s safety and to ensure least restrictive environment and maximum participation Participates in department staff meetings; provides information regarding consumer Attends mandatory meetings Check work email at the beginning and end of each shift Participates in and successfully completes all required trainings What We Require: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must possess a valid driver’s license with no more than 3 points and have access to a vehicle for work purposes. Must have proof of car insurance. High School Diploma (or equivalent) and a minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with adults diagnosed with varying intellectual disabilities and or developmental disabilities. Must be able to work individually as well as within a team. Must be able to multi-task. Must be able to work with “high-risk” consumers who have mental illnesses as well as development or intellectual disabilities as well as physical. We expect all staff to have a strong desire to provide excellent customer service. We expect all staff to have a strong desire to provide excellent customer service; to comply with the rules and regulations of those organizations to which we are accountable; to have high ethical and professional standards of conduct; and to have an attitude of wanting to continuously improve their own professional performance. Must be able to effectively and professionally communicate with other staff and individuals served. Qualifications: Compassionate and caring nature Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Experience working with individuals with disabilities (preferred). Ability to pass background checks and FBI fingerprinting. What We Offer At The Rock Creek Foundation, you’re not just an employee — you’re a valued change agent . Here’s what you can expect: Schedule: M-F, 8:00AM to 4:00PM Hourly Rate Range: $20.00 - $20.75 Robust Retirement Plan – 403(b) with company match to support your future. Health Coverage That Cares – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance. Time to Recharge – Generous paid time off. Celebrate You – Enjoy your birthday off every year! Training & Growth – Ongoing development programs and career advancement opportunities. Culture of Purpose – A welcoming, inclusive environment where you belong. Tuition Reimbursement – Invest in your education, and we’ll support you. Employee Assistance Program – Confidential support for life's challenges. Wellness Perks – Annual wellness initiatives and access to the Calm App . Recognition & Rewards – Through our Awardco platform and referral program . Exclusive Discounts – Enjoy deals through FunEx and more. Comprehensive Insurance – Life and AD&D insurance provided at no cost Short- and long-term disability coverage Optional legal assistance and transferable life insurance Pet insurance for your furry family Ancillary plans like critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity Financial Flexibility – Flexible spending accounts (FSA) to help with healthcare and dependent care expenses. Disclaimers: Rock Creek Foundation aspires to create an organization that places value on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and inclusivity. To achieve this success, it is essential that all members of our organization feel secure, welcomed, and respected. All members of our organization have a responsibility to uphold these values. Rock Creek Foundation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. Rock Creek Foundation participates in E-Verify. http://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf

Keywords: Rock Creek Foundation, Annandale , Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Community, Social Services , Silver Spring, Virginia