Join the Difference 2-17 Staff
Make a Difference Every Day
At The Difference 2-17, our team members do more than provide support — they help individuals discover their abilities, build independence, and participate fully in their communities.
We are seeking compassionate, dependable, and dedicated individuals who are passionate about empowering people with developmental disabilities to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Direct Support Professionals are the foundation of our organization and play an essential role in supporting individuals through skill development, community participation, employment opportunities, personal growth, and daily living activities.
If you are looking for meaningful work where you can create a lasting impact, we invite you to Join the Difference.
Current Career Opportunity
Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Position Type: Full-Time / Part-Time Opportunities Available
Department: Direct Support Services
Reports To: Program Manager / Assistant Program Manager
Position Overview
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide person-centered support to individuals with developmental disabilities. DSPs assist individuals in achieving their personal goals, increasing independence, developing life skills, participating in their communities, and building meaningful relationships.
At The Difference 2-17, all employees begin as DSPs. While some DSPs may have additional responsibilities related to transportation, personal supports, community activities, or other areas of interest, the primary responsibility of every team member is providing quality direct support.
Areas of Interest
Community-Based Support
Supporting individuals in developing skills and participating in meaningful community activities.
Personal Support Services
Providing individualized support with daily living skills, independence, and personal goals.
Transportation Support
Assisting individuals with safe transportation to appointments, activities, employment opportunities, and community experiences.
All areas of interest are part of the Direct Support Professional role.
Why Work With The Difference 2-17?
At The Difference 2-17, we believe every individual has unique abilities, strengths, and potential. Our team members help create opportunities for people to:
Build greater independence.
Develop meaningful relationships.
Learn new skills.
Participate in their communities.
Explore employment and volunteer opportunities.
Achieve personal goals.
When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven
organization dedicated to making a difference every day.
Essential Job Functions
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are responsible for providing person-centered support to individuals with developmental disabilities while promoting dignity, independence, choice, and self-determination. Essential responsibilities include:
Providing direct support services that promote individual goals, personal growth, and independence as identified through person-centered planning.
Assisting individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs), personal support needs, skill development, and daily routines as needed.
Supporting community integration, inclusion, employment readiness, vocational activities, and meaningful participation in community settings.
Safely transporting individuals to community activities, appointments, employment sites, and other destinations when required.
Completing accurate service documentation, progress notes, and required reports in accordance with company policies and DDA requirements.
Maintaining confidentiality, protecting individual rights, and promoting respectful, ethical, and professional interactions.
Following all company policies, DDA regulations, safety procedures, and best practices for quality support.
DSPs must be willing and able to provide direct support, assist with personal support needs, participate in community-based activities, and support individuals in achieving their personal goals.
Direct Support Professional Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must have:
Minimum age of 18 years old
High school diploma or GED preferred
Passion for supporting individuals with developmental disabilities
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Reliable transportation
Ability to support individuals with:
Activities of daily living (ADLs)
Community integration
Employment support
Skill development
Person-centered goals and services
Preferred Qualifications
Preference may be given to applicants with:
Previous experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities or in human services
CPR and First Aid Certification
MANDT Certification
Certified Medication Technician (CMT) Certification
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
Experience safely transporting individuals receiving services
Pre-Employment Requirements
All selected candidates must successfully complete:
Employment application process
Interview process
Background check
Verification of authorization to work in the United States
Required DDA training requirements
Required company onboarding requirements
CJIS screening, when applicable.
Additional required certifications will include:
CPR and First Aid Certification
Certified Medication Technician (CMT)
MANDT Certification
Other required DDA-approved training modules.
Our Hiring Process
We want applicants to know what to expect:
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Submit your application through our online employment portal.
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Qualified applicants will participate in an interview to discuss experience, availability, and alignment with our mission.
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Candidates must successfully complete required background screenings.
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New team members complete employment paperwork and orientation.
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DSPs complete required training and certifications before providing services independently.
Apply Today
Ready to make a difference?
Click below to begin your application for a Direct Support Professional position with The Difference 2-17.
Additional Employment Opportunities
From time to time, The Difference 2-17 LLC may recruit for specialized positions, including administrative, leadership, or program-specific roles.
Available specialty positions will be posted below when openings are available.
Current Specialized Openings:
[List available positions here]
[List available positions here]
[List available positions here]
Contact Employment
All employment inquiries and completed applications are coordinated through:
The Difference 2-17 Employment Team
(888) THE- D217 Ext. 5