Coach/ Lead Coach (Direct Support Professional)

Cornerstone Day Services | Mechanicsville, VA

Full-Time | Monday–Friday | Daytime Hours
Pay: $17.00–$19.00 per hour, based on position and experience

Join Our Team

Are you looking for a Direct Support Professional (DSP) role where you can do more than simply supervise a day program?

Cornerstone Day Services is hiring Coaches and Lead Coaches to help us build an engaging, innovative Day Support program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

We’re looking for people who enjoy building relationships, getting involved in activities, exploring the community, and helping others develop skills, confidence, independence, and meaningful connections.

We don’t just run programs — we build community.

About Cornerstone Day Services

Cornerstone is a mission-driven organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling, confident, and connected lives.

Our Day Services program creates meaningful experiences through four signature program areas:

• Sports Club – recreation, fitness, teamwork, and healthy living
• Tech Lab – technology, digital skills, communication, and exploration
• Creative Outlet / Town Stage – art, music, performance, games, and creative expression
• Around Town – community engagement, volunteering, exploration, and relationship building

Participants are encouraged to make choices, explore their interests, build skills, and become active members of their communities.

Two Roles. One Mission.

Coach – Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Coaches are the heart of the day-to-day participant experience.

You’ll work directly alongside participants and Lead Coaches, providing individualized support while actively participating in activities, outings, skill-building opportunities, and community experiences.

This is a hands-on DSP position for someone who enjoys being involved, building relationships, and helping people succeed.

Lead Coach – Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Lead Coaches combine direct support with program leadership and creativity.

In addition to supporting participants, you’ll take the lead in one of our signature program areas, develop engaging activities, mentor Coaches, and help create opportunities for participants both within Cornerstone and throughout the community.

What You’ll Do

Participant Support & Experience

• Build genuine, positive relationships with participants
• Encourage choice, independence, self-advocacy, and personal growth
• Support social, communication, recreational, and daily living skills
• Adapt activities and supports to each participant’s individual needs and interests
• Provide personal care and assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), as needed
• Celebrate individual accomplishments and progress
• Support participants in achieving goals identified in their individual service plans

Programs & Community

• Actively participate in recreational, educational, creative, and skill-building activities
• Accompany and support participants during community outings and activities
• Help participants build meaningful connections and become active members of their community
• Prepare program materials and maintain organized, welcoming program spaces
• Help identify new activities and experiences based on participant interests

Safety, Documentation & Teamwork

• Maintain a safe, respectful, and person-centered environment
• Complete required daily documentation accurately and on time
• Report incidents, participant concerns, and changes promptly
• Participate in team meetings, training, and professional development
• Work collaboratively with other team members to provide consistent, high-quality support

Additional Lead Coach Responsibilities

Lead Coaches will also:

• Take ownership of an assigned program area
• Develop monthly activity calendars and engaging program experiences
• Mentor Coaches and model strong person-centered practices
• Assist with training and onboarding new team members
• Communicate participant successes, needs, and concerns to leadership
• Collaborate with the Success Coordinator regarding participant progress and goals
• Develop relationships with local businesses and community organizations
• Coordinate outings, volunteer opportunities, guest speakers, demonstrations, and other community experiences

Who We’re Looking For

You may be a great fit if you are:

• Positive and energetic
• Creative and willing to try new things
• Patient and person-centered
• Dependable and responsible
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable
• Comfortable participating in activities and community outings
• Passionate about helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities succeed

Experience as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), Day Support staff member, caregiver, behavioral support professional, recreation professional, teacher/teaching assistant, or in another human services role is valuable.

Most importantly, we’re looking for people who believe that meaningful support is about more than being present — it’s about helping people connect, participate, grow, and belong.