Reports To
House Manager / Quality Assurance Manager (as assigned)
Position Summary
The DSP Lead is the model Direct Support Professional (DSP) and serves as a reliable, competent, and positive
presence across residential services. The DSP Lead is expected to perform all duties a DSP can perform and may
perform any House Manager task when asked—except the DSP Lead is not responsible for supervising DSP staff.
The DSP Lead’s first priority is to ensure coverage for open DSP shifts due to call-offs or no-shows. When coverage
is stable, the DSP Lead supports home operations and quality of care by ensuring PCSP services are implemented
and documentation is completed.
Primary Coverage Responsibility
- Serve as the first responder to DSP staffing gaps by covering open shifts when a DSP does not report to work.
- Coordinate promptly with the House Manager regarding coverage needs and shift changes.
- Maintain readiness to work in any home, at any time, with any client, regardless of complexity.
Core DSP Responsibilities (Model DSP Standard)
- Provide person-centered supports aligned with each individual’s preferences, rights, and goals.
- Implement the person’s PCSP and support plan strategies consistently, documenting services accurately.
- Promote independence, community inclusion, dignity, and informed choice in daily activities.
- Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical conduct at all times.
House Operations Support (When All DSP Shifts Are Covered)
- Support House Managers by assisting with tasks within the realm of home operations as requested (e.g., supplies,
routines, documentation checks, program support).
- Help ensure PCSP services are being met by verifying follow-through on scheduled supports, activities, and
required documentation.
- Monitor attendance of individuals staying in the home and report concerns or discrepancies to the House Manager.
- Support incident reporting, communication, and follow-through as directed.
Professional Expectations & Culture
- Serve as a visible positive representative of the agency at all times—capable of being the face of the
organization when needed.
- Demonstrate patience, empathy, and leadership through actions and example (without formal supervision
authority).
- “Look for work” by proactively identifying needs and taking initiative, rather than looking for reasons not to do tasks.
- Maintain a consistently positive attitude, flexibility, and willingness to support any home/team as needed.
- Communicate with diplomacy and tact with clients, families, staff, and leadership.
Safety, Compliance & Reporting
- Follow all policies related to abuse, neglect, exploitation, health/safety, and documentation.
- Report concerns immediately and accurately per policy and regulatory expectations.
- Support a safe environment through attentive care, risk awareness, and respectful interventions.
The House Leader at L’Arche Heartland is a full-time, salaried position responsible for
integrating the mission of L’Arche into the daily life of the home while overseeing high-
quality, person-centered support for individuals with intellectual disabilities known in
L’Arche as “core members.” As a member of the Leadership Team, the House Leader
supervises, supports, trains, and forms assistants in the home. The House Leader works
alongside the household, fostering a home culture rooted in inclusion, mutual care, and the
spiritual values of L’Arche core members.
Supervisor: Executive Director | Director of Quality Assurance
Classification: Full-Time, Salaried, Exempt
Schedule: Includes 30 hours per week of Direct Support, on-call responsibilities for the
home, and up to 10-15 hours of training, development, and paperwork.
Key Responsibilities
Mission Integration & Home Life
Foster an inclusive, safe, and welcoming home based on the gifts, wants, and needs of
each household member
Lead and participate in daily rhythms of shared life, cultivating mutual relationships
with and among core members and assistants
Promote L’Arche values through presence, hospitality, and spirituality
Represent the L’Arche mission both within the household and in the wider community
Quality Support & Core Member Advocacy
Provide at least 30 hours of weekly Direct Support to core members, including personal
care, medication administration, community outings, and daily routines
Oversee and help implement Person-Centered Plans that reflect the unique goals and
dreams of each core member
Serve as a liaison and advocate with families, guardians, case managers, medical
providers, and L’Arche Heartland’s nursing team
Ensure that core members’ medical, financial, emotional, and spiritual needs are met
Team Leadership & Oversight
Supervise and accompany assistants.
Work alongside DSP to support in the homes
Conduct regular 1-on-1 check-ins w your house, provide coaching, and work alongside
leadership team to complete 90-day and annual evaluations
Facilitate team meetings and positive communication amongst team members.
Collaborate with the Leadership Team on staffing, training, team-building initiatives,
Assistant meeting & formations.
House Management & Operations
Oversee and maintain the household schedule, ensuring 24/7 coverage and thoughtful
planning
Work with the bookkeeper and Community Leader to manage and reconcile the
household budget
Assign and oversee completion of house chores, vehicle upkeep, and property
responsibilities
Facilitate weekly house meetings to promote community decision-making,
communication, and spiritual sharing
Correspond with pharmacies to order med replacements/replenish loose meds
Community Engagement & Spiritual Life
Support the integration of the home into the broader L’Arche and local community
through service, visibility, and hospitality
Coordinate welcoming of guests, interns, assistant prospects, live-in assistants, and
volunteers
Partner with the Spiritual Life Committee to nurture a shared spiritual life in the home,
respecting diverse faith traditions
Help plan and lead holidays, house retreats, outings, b-day celebrations, and
anniversary’s
Leadership Emergency Rotation
All House Leaders participate in their house On-Call system:
Responsible for handling emergency calls, callouts, and staffing coverage across their
homes.
Will require in-person support and guidance in critical situations
Supported by the Executive Director and the L’arche Leadership for high-level or
emergency decisions
Qualifications & Expectations
Desire to work in an intentional community
At least 2 years of experience supporting people with intellectual/developmental
disabilities preferred
Bachelor’s degree preferred
Previous supervisory or team leadership experience preferred
Demonstrated ability to build community, lead with compassion, and hold others
accountable
Strong organizational and communication skills
Previous L’Arche or community living experience strongly preferred
Willingness to commit for at least one year
Valid driver’s license and legal ability to work in the U.S.
Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination
Physical Requirements
Annual physical exam required before employment
May include lifting up to 25 lbs., extended periods of walking/standing, and long periods
of driving
Participation in hands-on caregiving and household tasks is essential
This role description outlines the major areas of responsibility and is subject to change as
community needs evolve. Flexibility, presence, and servant leadership are at the heart of
this role.
Read LessReports To
House Manager / Quality Assurance Manager (as assigned)
Position Summary
The DSP Lead is the model Direct Support Professional (DSP) and serves as a reliable, competent, and positive
presence across residential services. The DSP Lead is expected to perform all duties a DSP can perform and may
perform any House Manager task when asked—except the DSP Lead is not responsible for supervising DSP staff.
The DSP Lead’s first priority is to ensure coverage for open DSP shifts due to call-offs or no-shows. When coverage
is stable, the DSP Lead supports home operations and quality of care by ensuring PCSP services are implemented
and documentation is completed.
Primary Coverage Responsibility
- Serve as the first responder to DSP staffing gaps by covering open shifts when a DSP does not report to work.
- Coordinate promptly with the House Manager regarding coverage needs and shift changes.
- Maintain readiness to work in any home, at any time, with any client, regardless of complexity.
Core DSP Responsibilities (Model DSP Standard)
- Provide person-centered supports aligned with each individual’s preferences, rights, and goals.
- Implement the person’s PCSP and support plan strategies consistently, documenting services accurately.
- Promote independence, community inclusion, dignity, and informed choice in daily activities.
- Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical conduct at all times.
House Operations Support (When All DSP Shifts Are Covered)
- Support House Managers by assisting with tasks within the realm of home operations as requested (e.g., supplies,
routines, documentation checks, program support).
- Help ensure PCSP services are being met by verifying follow-through on scheduled supports, activities, and
required documentation.
- Monitor attendance of individuals staying in the home and report concerns or discrepancies to the House Manager.
- Support incident reporting, communication, and follow-through as directed.
Professional Expectations & Culture
- Serve as a visible positive representative of the agency at all times—capable of being the face of the
organization when needed.
- Demonstrate patience, empathy, and leadership through actions and example (without formal supervision
authority).
- “Look for work” by proactively identifying needs and taking initiative, rather than looking for reasons not to do tasks.
- Maintain a consistently positive attitude, flexibility, and willingness to support any home/team as needed.
- Communicate with diplomacy and tact with clients, families, staff, and leadership.
Safety, Compliance & Reporting
- Follow all policies related to abuse, neglect, exploitation, health/safety, and documentation.
- Report concerns immediately and accurately per policy and regulatory expectations.
- Support a safe environment through attentive care, risk awareness, and respectful interventions.
Read Less