Lead Direct Support Professional

Do you have a heart for helping others and a passion for making a meaningful impact? At the Charles Lea Center in Spartanburg, SC, we’re looking for compassionate, energetic individuals to join our team as a Lead Direct Support Professionals—where every day is an opportunity to support people with disabilities in living full, independent lives.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Pay: $19.01/hour + weekend shift differential
• Sign-On Bonus: $1,250 (paid in two installments)
• Consistent schedule: 2nd shift with rotating weekends
• Paid training and growth opportunities

Outstanding Benefits: 

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Sick Leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free onsite wellness clinic

Second Shift Availability Required

• Monday–Friday: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Every Other Weekend (Saturday & Sunday): 8:00 AM/9:00 AM – 8:00 PM/9:00 PM
• Flexibility to work second-shift and weekend hours is essential.

About the Role:

The Lead Direct Support Professional provides enhanced communication, training, and operational support to Program Managers, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), and people supported. This role includes day‑to‑day direct support duties while offering leadership, mentorship, and administrative assistance to ensure high‑quality services and efficient program operations.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Administrative Support
  • Assist Program Managers with the Performance Development Process by providing required information.
  • Support completion of On‑the‑Job Training (OJT) for new hires and provide follow‑up as needed.
  • Mentor new employees and assist with ongoing training.
  • Participate in pre‑admission meetings and communicate needs for incoming individuals.
  • Monitor training data for people supported and provide corrective training.
  • Complete monthly quality assurance audits.
  • Provide emergency transportation and support as needed.
  • Coordinate with internal departments to ensure supplies and resources are available.
  • Assist with documentation for critical incidents and follow‑up recommendations.
  • Attend routine meetings with the Program Manager to review updates and needs.
  Training & Development
  • Support DSPs with daily operations, active treatment, and skill development.
  • Assist with assessments, monthly packets, and job process protocols.
  • Document services in Therap using required modules.
  • Submit maintenance needs through UpKeep.
  • Provide training on new procedures, initiatives, and licensing requirements.
  Program & Services Support
  • Ensure adherence to Behavior Support Plans and guidelines.
  • Serve as Medication Technician and document medication administration in Therap.
  • Ensure meals meet dietary and health requirements.
  • Advocate for the needs and preferences of people supported.
  • Serve as backup for the Program Manager when assigned.
  • Ensure daily activities reflect the needs and desires of people supported.
  • Maintain documentation to meet licensing, compliance, and support standards.
  • Assist with scheduling and coverage when available.
  • Perform routine DSP duties, including transportation, meal preparation, medical support, and daily living skills.
  • Conduct monthly council meetings with people supported and upload documentation to Teams.
  Program Specific – Supportive Living
  • Review and report key information to the Program Manager, including daily census, training objectives, appointment documentation, T‑Logs, vehicle logs, and monthly required items.
  • Monitor medication supply, expiration dates, and refills; communicate with pharmacy, physicians, or families as needed.
  • Support health‑related needs by coordinating with medical providers and ensuring Therap documentation is complete.
  • Serve as liaison for communication between shifts.
  
  
• What You’ll Need:

• Minimum age: 18
• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2–4 years of relevant experience preferred (DSP, CNA, PCA, RBT, Med Tech, Caregiver)
• Minimum 1 year of Direct Support Professional experience preferred.
  
• Valid driver’s license and Social Security number
• Basic computer and documentation skills
• Ability to pass required background and reference checks
  

Work Location Flexibility: While this position is assigned to our Lee St location, All Direct Support Professionals may be required to work at other Charles Lea Center sites as needed based on staffing and operational needs. 

Physical Requirements: This role involves regular standing, walking, lifting (up to 50 lbs), and hands-on support. Reasonable accommodations are available.

Ready to Apply?

If you're ready to make a difference and grow in a meaningful career, we’d love to meet you! Fill out our quick, mobile-friendly application today and take the first step toward joining a team that’s changing lives.

Charles Lea Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application process.