Full-Time
Direct Support Professional
Posted on 9/10/2026
Charles Lea Center
201-500 employees
Provides person-centered disability support services
No salary listed
Wilmington, NC, USA
In Person
May require work at other Charles Lea Center sites based on staffing and operational needs.
 Social & Community Services (1) |
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- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Have a valid driver's license and Social Security number.
- Have basic computer and documentation skills.
- Pass required background and reference checks.
- Be able to regularly stand, walk, lift up to 50 pounds, and provide hands-on support.
- Assist clients with daily living skills, grooming, meals, personal care, and medication administration.
- Support individuals in activities, community outings, and skill-building.
- Promote independence and dignity in every interaction.
- Document daily notes, training steps, and updates in Therap.
- Communicate important information to supervisors and team members.
- Follow safety, infection control, and agency policies.
- Work in residential client homes and at other Charles Lea Center sites as needed based on staffing and operational needs.
- Two to four years of relevant experience, such as experience as a Direct Support Professional, Certified Nursing Assistant, Personal Care Aide, Registered Behavior Technician, Medication Technician, or Caregiver.
The Charles Lea Center supports people with disabilities by providing individualized services and supports to help them live, work, and participate in their communities. For over 50 years, the center has focused on person-centered thinking, planning and collaboration with each person, their families, and staff to meet unique needs. Their programs cover life skills, employment support, housing assistance, and recreational activities, delivered by trained staff who work closely with each individual. What sets them apart is a long-standing commitment to placing the person at the center of planning, emphasizing meaningful community participation, and supporting staff who see the difference their work makes in people’s lives. The center’s goal is to empower people with disabilities to be active, valued members of their communities through tailored supports and inclusive opportunities in living, working, and playing.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Drayton, South Carolina
Founded
1971
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- March 2026 Smithfield brought 10 new inclusive homes with service partnerships.
- May 2026 job fairs show active hiring and ongoing demand across Spartanburg County.
- 2026 employee recognition posts suggest retention efforts and internal morale investment.
What critics are saying
- Direct-support staffing remains hard; 2026 job fairs signal persistent labor pressure.
- Multi-state expansion into Clarksville and Smithfield stretches management and quality control.
- An abuse or neglect scandal in residential care would trigger contract losses quickly.
What makes Charles Lea Center unique
- Charles Lea Center serves South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
- Its model combines disability services, supportive housing, and employment programs.
- Long-tenured leadership, like Lois Durrah's 35 years, signals deep operational continuity.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off
Sick Leave
Tuition Reimbursement
Wellness Program
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 3%1 year growth
↑ 3%2 year growth
↑ 0%CLC presents at the Techwave SC Assistive Technology Conference. Charles Lea Center August 18, 2026 The Charles Lea Center was proud to participate in the Techwave SC Assistive Technology Conference, an event focused on innovative technologies and approaches that help people with disabilities live more independently and achieve their goals. CLC CEO Jerry Bernard led a session on person-centered planning and assessment, sharing insights into the importance of placing each person's goals, preferences, strengths, and needs at the center of planning and support. Theresa Robbins, CLC Board member and service recipient, also represented CLC during the conference, sharing her perspective and lived experience as part of a panel discussion. Her voice offered attendees an important firsthand look at the impact of person-centered services and assistive technology. A special thank you goes to Omar Chirinos, Senior Director of Information Technology & Innovative Services, for his work behind the scenes helping coordinate the conference and make the day a success. Omar's efforts helped bring together people, technology, and ideas for a meaningful day of learning and collaboration. The conference provided a valuable opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and learn alongside professionals, advocates, and individuals from across South Carolina. The CLC is grateful to the organizers, presenters, and participants who made the conference such an informative and inspiring experience. The Charles Lea Center Inc is especially proud of Jerry, Theresa, and Omar for representing CLC and demonstrating its continued commitment to innovation, collaboration, and person-centered support. The Charles Lea Center Inc look forward to continuing to explore new ideas and technologies that create greater independence, choice, and opportunity for the people The Charles Lea Center Inc serve.
CLC receives national 2026 IMPACT Award for Precision in Care. Charles Lea Center August 10, 2026 Award recognizes excellence in medication administration and reflects the organization's unwavering commitment to the people it serves. The Charles Lea Center has been recognized with the 2026 Impruvon IMPACT Award for Precision in Care - Best Medication Rate, a national honor that celebrates provider organizations demonstrating exceptional excellence in medication administration, compliance, and quality care. Presented by Impruvon, the IMPACT Awards recognize providers and direct support professionals who set the standard for operational excellence while delivering safe, person-centered services. The Precision in Care Award acknowledges organizations that achieve outstanding medication administration performance, reflecting a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement. For the Charles Lea Center, the award represents much more than a performance metric - it is a reflection of the dedication and compassion demonstrated every day by employees across the organization. "This recognition belongs to every member of Team CLC," said Shannon Childress, Chief Program Officer for the Charles Lea Center. The organization credits its success to a culture where quality, accountability, and person-centered care remain at the heart of every decision. "While we are honored to receive this national recognition" Childress said. "Our greatest achievement continues to be earning the trust of the individuals and families we serve," Childress added. "This award inspires us to continue raising the bar, strengthening our practices, and ensuring every person supported by the Charles Lea Center receives the highest level of care." The award also reflects the Charles Lea Center's ongoing investment in clinical excellence, staff training, and best practices that promote the health, safety, and well-being of those it supports. As the organization celebrates this achievement, leadership extends its gratitude to every employee whose dedication made this recognition possible. "This honor is a celebration of our people," Childress said... "Their passion for serving others, commitment to excellence, and belief in our mission are what make awards like this possible. We couldn't be more proud of what Team CLC has accomplished together."