{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"ae80f69d2802bbcf12e8ff1f","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/ae80f69d2802bbcf12e8ff1f","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/ae80f69d2802bbcf12e8ff1f","title":"Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP)","description":"Position Title: Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Adult Services Residential Program\nReports To: Residential Program Manager\nPosition Overview: The Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Waves, Inc. plays a pivotal role in ensuring high-quality care, support, and assistance to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities residing in our residential program located in Franklin and Spring Hill, TN. In addition to the core responsibilities of a DSP, the Lead DSP will take on enhanced duties to support the Residential Program Manager, including filling open shifts, participating in the on-call rotation, and providing leadership and guidance to fellow DSPs.\nPrimary Functions: The Lead DSP, under the supervision of the Residential Program Manager, is responsible for maintaining the well-being, safety, and quality of life of residents while fostering an environment conducive to independence, community integration, and personal growth.\nMajor Responsibilities:\nDevelop a comprehensive understanding of each resident's unique abilities, needs, preferences, and goals.\nProvide personalized assistance and support with activities of daily living (ADLs), including dressing, bathing, grooming, eating, and mobility.\nAdminister medication and implement therapy plans according to established protocols.\nFoster positive and meaningful relationships with residents, promoting social interactions and companionship.\nOrganize and engage residents in recreational and leisure activities that align with their interests and abilities.\nOffer residents emotional support, active listening, and guidance during stress or emotional challenges.\nCollaborate with residents to identify areas for skill development, such as communication, self-care, cooking, budgeting, and household chores.\nDesign and implement training plans and activities to enhance residents' independence and functional abilities.\nMaintain a safe and clean living environment, promptly addressing any hazards or concerns.\nImplement and follow established safety protocols to prevent accidents and emergencies.\nMonitor residents' physical and mental health, promptly reporting any changes or concerns to appropriate medical personnel.\nAccurately document daily activities, progress, incidents, and significant interactions with residents.\nMaintain accurate records of medications administered, medical appointments, and health-related observations.\nCommunicate effectively with fellow DSPs, supervisors, medical professionals, and other support staff to ensure a holistic approach to resident care.\nParticipate in team meetings, training sessions, and circle of support meetings to share insights, discuss strategies, and ensure coordinated care.\nPromote residents' active participation in community activities, events, and social outings.\nAdvocate for residents' rights, choices, and inclusion within the community while respecting their cultural, religious, and personal beliefs.\nFill open shifts as needed to ensure adequate staffing levels.\nParticipate in the on-call rotation to address emergent staffing needs and provide support outside regular working hours.\nProvide leadership and guidance to DSPs, including mentoring new staff, conducting training sessions, and facilitating team collaboration.\nSkills & Experience:\nExperience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is preferred.\nStrong communication, interpersonal, and empathy skills.\nStrong computer skills are required.\nAbility to handle challenging situations with patience, compassion, and problem-solving skills.\nReliable, responsible, and organized, able to manage time effectively.\nAbility to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.\nPhysical stamina to assist with lifting, transferring, and providing personal care to residents.\nJob Qualifications:\nA high school diploma or GED is required for this position.\nMust obtain a Tennessee Class D license, medication administration certification, and CPR/First Aid certification.\nMust possess and maintain a valid Tennessee driver’s license.\nRequires good oral and written communication skills.\nMust possess flexibility in scheduling.\nMust meet and maintain all training requirements.\nNote: The Lead DSP position entails additional responsibilities beyond those of a standard DSP and requires strong leadership skills, flexibility, and a commitment to promoting the well-being and independence of residents in our program.\nWaves, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. Waves, Inc. also operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, and national origin in accordance with Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. To file a complaint, please copy and paste this link into your browser to complete this form (https://wavesinc.com/SITE/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Title_VI_Complaint_Form_English.pdf).","company":"Waves","rawCompany":"waves","city":"Franklin","state":"TN","isRemote":false,"isActive":true,"createdAt":"2026-04-14T10:31:24.252Z","occupations":[{"code":"39-9041.00","title":"Residential Advisors","slug":"residential-advisors"},{"code":"25-9043.00","title":"Teaching Assistants, Special Education","slug":"teaching-assistants-special-education"},{"code":"21-1093.00","title":"Social and Human Service Assistants","slug":"social-and-human-service-assistants"}],"industries":[{"code":"624120","title":"Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities","slug":"services-for-the-elderly-and-persons-with-disabilities"},{"code":"623990","title":"Other Residential Care Facilities","slug":"other-residential-care-facilities"},{"code":"623210","title":"Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities","slug":"residential-intellectual-and-developmental-disability-facilities"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP)","description":"Position Title: Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Adult Services Residential Program\nReports To: Residential Program Manager\nPosition Overview: The Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Waves, Inc. plays a pivotal role in ensuring high-quality care, support, and assistance to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities residing in our residential program located in Franklin and Spring Hill, TN. In addition to the core responsibilities of a DSP, the Lead DSP will take on enhanced duties to support the Residential Program Manager, including filling open shifts, participating in the on-call rotation, and providing leadership and guidance to fellow DSPs.\nPrimary Functions: The Lead DSP, under the supervision of the Residential Program Manager, is responsible for maintaining the well-being, safety, and quality of life of residents while fostering an environment conducive to independence, community integration, and personal growth.\nMajor Responsibilities:\nDevelop a comprehensive understanding of each resident's unique abilities, needs, preferences, and goals.\nProvide personalized assistance and support with activities of daily living (ADLs), including dressing, bathing, grooming, eating, and mobility.\nAdminister medication and implement therapy plans according to established protocols.\nFoster positive and meaningful relationships with residents, promoting social interactions and companionship.\nOrganize and engage residents in recreational and leisure activities that align with their interests and abilities.\nOffer residents emotional support, active listening, and guidance during stress or emotional challenges.\nCollaborate with residents to identify areas for skill development, such as communication, self-care, cooking, budgeting, and household chores.\nDesign and implement training plans and activities to enhance residents' independence and functional abilities.\nMaintain a safe and clean living environment, promptly addressing any hazards or concerns.\nImplement and follow established safety protocols to prevent accidents and emergencies.\nMonitor residents' physical and mental health, promptly reporting any changes or concerns to appropriate medical personnel.\nAccurately document daily activities, progress, incidents, and significant interactions with residents.\nMaintain accurate records of medications administered, medical appointments, and health-related observations.\nCommunicate effectively with fellow DSPs, supervisors, medical professionals, and other support staff to ensure a holistic approach to resident care.\nParticipate in team meetings, training sessions, and circle of support meetings to share insights, discuss strategies, and ensure coordinated care.\nPromote residents' active participation in community activities, events, and social outings.\nAdvocate for residents' rights, choices, and inclusion within the community while respecting their cultural, religious, and personal beliefs.\nFill open shifts as needed to ensure adequate staffing levels.\nParticipate in the on-call rotation to address emergent staffing needs and provide support outside regular working hours.\nProvide leadership and guidance to DSPs, including mentoring new staff, conducting training sessions, and facilitating team collaboration.\nSkills & Experience:\nExperience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is preferred.\nStrong communication, interpersonal, and empathy skills.\nStrong computer skills are required.\nAbility to handle challenging situations with patience, compassion, and problem-solving skills.\nReliable, responsible, and organized, able to manage time effectively.\nAbility to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.\nPhysical stamina to assist with lifting, transferring, and providing personal care to residents.\nJob Qualifications:\nA high school diploma or GED is required for this position.\nMust obtain a Tennessee Class D license, medication administration certification, and CPR/First Aid certification.\nMust possess and maintain a valid Tennessee driver’s license.\nRequires good oral and written communication skills.\nMust possess flexibility in scheduling.\nMust meet and maintain all training requirements.\nNote: The Lead DSP position entails additional responsibilities beyond those of a standard DSP and requires strong leadership skills, flexibility, and a commitment to promoting the well-being and independence of residents in our program.\nWaves, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. Waves, Inc. also operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, and national origin in accordance with Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. To file a complaint, please copy and paste this link into your browser to complete this form (https://wavesinc.com/SITE/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Title_VI_Complaint_Form_English.pdf).","datePosted":"2026-04-14T10:31:24.252Z","dateModified":"2026-04-14T10:31:24.252Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Waves","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Franklin","addressRegion":"TN","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"ae80f69d2802bbcf12e8ff1f"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/ae80f69d2802bbcf12e8ff1f"}}