Direct Support Professional I
Company : Seven Hills Foundation
Location : North Smithfield, RI, 02896
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 2 January 2026
Overview
$21/ Hr
$1000 sign-on bonus
Are you looking to make a difference and promote healthy and happy lives? Do you have a passion for working with individuals with disabilities and significant life challenges helping them to achieve their fullest potential? If so, consider joining us at Seven Hills Rhode Island where our CORE VALUES include Respect & Kindness, Integrity, Teamwork, Innovation, and Service to Others.
Direct Support Professionals provide assistance to adults with varying disabilities living in one of our residential homes in the community. In this role you will offer each person the maximum level of independence while ensuring that they are living a safe, healthy, and fulfilled life. Community memberships through personal interests and beliefs are encouraged. This position supports continued development of skills and abilities while respecting and celebrating the individuals’ culture, talents, and contributions. The goal is to provide each individual with a comfortable, safe home, keeping them closely connected to family members, friends, and their community.
Benefits for Full-Time Employees:
- Health and Dental Insurance: With generous company contribution
- Generous Accrued Paid Vacation
- Vacation Cash-Out Option
- Paid Personal Days, Holidays and Sick Time
- Enhanced Retirement Plan: With generous Employer match
- Student Loan Assistance: Consolidation, counseling, & limited employer contribution
- Tuition Assistance: Reimbursed or prepaid college coursework
*Benefits are based on position and scheduled hours
Responsibilities
Direct Support Professionals are responsible for providing day-to-day services to our program participants. This includes assisting and teaching individuals with personal care and activities of daily living, so individuals always look and feel their best. In this position, you may also provide assistance and teach individuals with household maintenance, laundry, meal preparation, shopping, and budgeting while continually promoting independence. Direct Support Professionals may provide transportation and accompany individuals on appointments, using personal and agency vehicles. Administering medications in accordance with residential guidelines is also required. This position works within a multidisciplinary team following all support plans, including behavior plans, and is responsible for accurate documentation.
Direct Support Professionals are provided a paid New Employee Orientation and receive training on CPR/First Aid, Safety Care, Defensive Driving, and Medication Administration. Comprehensive program-specific training at the work site is also provided.
You can also see an overview of the amazing work our organization does with this video:
https://vimeo.com/344648526
The mission of Seven Hills Foundation is to promote and encourage the empowerment of people with significant challenges so that each may pursue their highest possible degree of personal well-being and independence.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Valid Driver’s License & Good Driving Record
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Physical demands: sitting, pushing, pulling, carrying, grasping, speaking, listening, stooping, crouching, bending, standing, twisting, crawling, walking, and climbing. Requires a normal degree of flexibility; ability to walk, run or shuffle, kneel on one or two knees and then stand up; to utilize upper and lower body strength within weight restrictions; may be required to lift up to seventy-five (75) pounds or up to two hundred (200) pounds with assistance. Ability, with training, to perform appropriate physical restraint as needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Commitment to assisting people with varying disabilities to participate fully in their community and in their own lives.
- Varied interests and personal connections in the local community.
- Ability to work as a creative, engaged, dedicated member of your team.
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Frequently asked questions
North Smithfield's demand for Direct Support Professional I roles is growing steadily due to increased community programs supporting adults with disabilities. While competition exists, Seven Hills Foundation’s attractive benefits and $1000 sign-on bonus make their openings particularly appealing to candidates seeking a meaningful career.
While Rhode Island doesn’t mandate specialized certifications beyond a high school diploma and valid driver’s license for Direct Support Professionals, having CPR/First Aid and Medication Administration training can greatly improve your prospects, especially with employers like Seven Hills Foundation who emphasize comprehensive training.
A Direct Support Professional I typically assists individuals with disabilities in personal care, meal preparation, community engagement, and medication management. The role emphasizes fostering independence and ensuring a safe, nurturing environment, often requiring physical activity and teamwork within a multidisciplinary framework.
Success in this role hinges on strong communication abilities, empathy for individuals with disabilities, physical stamina, and adaptability. Skills in behavior support, medication administration, and driving safely within the community are also highly valued to provide comprehensive care and promote independence.
Starting as a Direct Support Professional I opens doors to roles like senior support specialist, residential coordinator, or program manager over time. Gaining certifications, deepening community ties, and demonstrating leadership can accelerate progression within organizations such as Seven Hills Foundation.
Seven Hills Foundation integrates core values like respect and innovation into daily work, offering robust training, a supportive team environment, and benefits like student loan assistance. Their focus on community connection and individualized care sets them apart from typical residential support roles.
Employees enjoy competitive pay at $21/hr, a $1000 sign-on bonus, and comprehensive benefits including health and dental insurance, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. Additionally, full-time staff receive retirement matching and student loan assistance, reflecting Seven Hills’ commitment to workforce well-being.
Positions like Direct Support Professional I at Seven Hills Foundation offer around $21 per hour, which aligns with regional market rates. Benefits and bonuses enhance overall compensation, making it a compelling option for those passionate about community-based support roles in Rhode Island.
This role requires moderate to high physical activity, including lifting up to 75 pounds, assisting with mobility, and performing tasks like bending or standing for extended periods. Candidates should be prepared for an active workday and capable of safely handling physical challenges.
Yes, transporting individuals to appointments is common, requiring a valid driver's license and good driving record. Seven Hills Foundation provides training in defensive driving and allows use of agency or personal vehicles, emphasizing safety and responsibility on the road.