Direct Support Professional, Lead

About the Role

The DSP Lead plays a vital role in supporting individuals with disabilities across SOAR365's center-based and community programs, including Day Support, After-School, and Respite services. This position helps coordinate daily activities while ensuring participants receive meaningful, engaging support that promotes independence, skill-building, and inclusion. By guiding staff and fostering a positive, supportive environment, the DSP Lead directly impacts the quality of care and experiences for those served. This role is essential to advancing SOAR365's mission-empowering individuals to live full, productive lives-by creating opportunities for growth, connection, and community involvement every day.

Who We Are: SOAR365

For more than 70 years, SOAR365 has been dedicated to supporting individuals and families living with disabilities. Our innovative programs and compassionate services are thoughtfully designed to meet real-world needs at every stage of life. Today, SOAR365 has a profound impact on more than 2,000 people and their families across the Greater Richmond area. Whether through employment, therapy, respite, or recreation, we're proud to help people of all abilities thrive.

We are also proud to be recognized as an Employer of Choice, offering competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and connected to meaningful work.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

In this role, you will be responsible for hands-on support to participants by delivering purposeful, age-appropriate activities that promote independence, social interaction, personal care, and skill development. This role serves as a mentor to direct support professionals, offering coaching on effective participant engagement, activity implementation, and positive behavioral support strategies. In the absence of the Supervisor, the DSP Lead assists with assigning and monitoring staff documentation to ensure timely and accurate completion. The position also includes supporting participants with personal care needs, accompanying them on community outings, and providing transportation when required. Additionally, the DSP Lead identifies program improvement opportunities, ensures compliance with agency policies and regulations, participates in trainings and meetings, and collaborates with volunteers and interns to support overall program success and organizational mission.

Requirements & Qualifications

The DSP Lead role requires strong programming and leadership skills, including the ability to supervise participants and guide staff while implementing individualized training plans and facilitating both group and one-on-one activities. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the needs of individuals with disabilities and be able to apply positive behavioral support strategies effectively. The role also demands accurate and timely documentation. Additional requirements include obtaining and maintaining Medication Administration certification, holding a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record, and meeting eligibility to operate agency vehicles. The DSP Lead must demonstrate the ability to mentor staff, complete all required trainings (including those requiring travel), and promptly report any changes to driving status, as maintaining these qualifications is essential to continued employment.

High School / GED graduation required. One year of experience working with persons with disabilities required. Job-related college course work, disability-specific training, or medical training such as CNA license may be combined with related work experience and substituted for the 1 year of required experience. Team leadership experience a plus.

Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to, personal computer, calculator, copier and fax machine. Significant standing, walking, lifting, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, handling, pushing and pulling required in the delivery of services and supports. Must be able to travel to the field (outside of the office) in order to deliver services.

Hours & Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Total Rewards & Benefits

Our market-competitive total rewards package includes:

• Merit increases

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

• 12 paid holidays

• Sick and vacation leave

• Immediate access to your paycheck through ZayZoon

• Short- and long-term disability benefits

• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)

• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match and immediate vesting

• Life insurance

• Employee development and training programs

• Wellness programs

• Discounted tuition to South University

How to Apply

To apply for this position, a completed SOAR365 application is required.

Equal Opportunity & Workplace Commitment

SOAR365 is an EO/AA Employer and welcomes applicants who are Veterans, individuals with disabilities, and those from other protected categories.

We are a Drug-Free Workplace.

Reasonable Accommodations

If you need reasonable accommodation when applying for a position on our website, please contact us at (804) 358-1874 and ask for Human Resources.