Turn your lived experience into a rewarding career! The Arc Montgomery County invites you to join our Direct Support Professional (DSP) Fellowship program, where your personal journey becomes your professional strength.
Why Join Our Fellowship?
As someone with lived experience of disability, you bring unique insights and understanding that make you an invaluable asset in supporting others. Our fellowship transforms your experiences into professional expertise, opening doors to a fulfilling career while making a real difference in your community.
As a DSP Fellow, you'll help others achieve their goals, make independent choices, and become active members of their community. You'll provide valuable guidance while working in an inclusive environment that celebrates unique perspectives and abilities
This program recognizes that your lived experience is a powerful asset. We've designed every aspect of the fellowship to be accessible and empowering, by focusing on:
- Universal Design: Tasks and training adapted to your needs
- Inclusive Workspace: A welcoming environment where everyone belongs
- Professional Growth: Clear path to long-term career success
- Community Impact: Opportunity to make a real difference
What You'll Gain:
- Full Professional Training of over 80 classroom hours with an accessible, customized curriculum
- Payment for holding a position with competitive salary and health benefits
- One-on-One Mentoring of 160 hours from experienced DSPs
- Career Development to learn and train for job opportunities in a growing field
- Supportive Community of people to help you in your career exploration, with ongoing support and mentorship
- Professional Certifications
- Program Benefits:
- Flexible scheduling options
- Professional certifications
- Career advancement opportunities
You can apply, if you...
- Are 18 years or older
- Live in Montgomery County, Maryland
- Have a High School Diploma, GED, or High School Certificate
- Have lived experience with disability
- Are COVID-19 vaccinated
- Are US citizens
How to Apply
Step 1: Submit Your Complete Application including:
- DSP Fellow Application form (online here or by email submission here)
- Resume or CV (we'll help you create one if needed)
- One professional reference
- Signed participant agreement
- Your Essay Question
- Tell us: How will your unique experiences help you connect with and support others in the community? (Don't worry about length – we want to hear your authentic voice!)
Step 2: Join Our Open House where you will meet current DSPs, learn more about the program, and get your questions answered. Dates will be announced soon!
Application Instructions
The DSP Fellowship application can be accessed two ways. Online here or by filling out the pdf version here and submitting via email. This website is where you will complete and submit your application. It will allow you to directly upload supplemental materials and request accommodation. Instructions on how to use the form, save your change, and submit your application are provided within the application. It is not necessary to complete your application in one sitting. You will be able to intermittently save your work.
- Submitting Your Application Online to submit your online application, you must press the "Submit" button on the last page. If you do not press the Submit button, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be considered for selection. You will receive a confirmation email once your form has been submitted. You will not be allowed to make any changes to your application after you submit it. All applications must be submitted by the application deadline.
- Submitting Your Application via Email to submit your application via email, you must print and complete the pdf version of the application and submit it via email as an attachment along with all the other necessary documents. You will not be allowed to make any changes to your application after you submit it. You will receive a confirmation email once your form has been submitted. All applications must be submitted by the application deadline. Submit your pdf version of the application to Nicole.Lindsay@TheArcMoCo.org.
