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Welcome to Chesapeake Developmental Support Services, Inc.

Serving individuals to assist them with maximum impact and growth to support their overall independence.

Chesapeake Developmental Support Services, Inc.
is a for profit organization incorporated in the State of Maryland under the Developmental Disabilities Administration. We provide community and residentially supported services to individuals with “unique abilities”. We assist individuals to integrate meaningfully into neighborhoods or communities of choice. CDSS provides different levels of assistance and structure that allows individuals to live in the least restrictive environment. In collaboration with the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), CDSS assists the State of Maryland in its community integration efforts. CDSS is also committed to working closely with the families or proponents of individuals. Individuals are afforded a wide array of services from which they may choose.

About Us

Since 2010, Chesapeake Developmental Support Services (CDSS) has helped people with differing abilities build better lives one person at a time. CDSS supports individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities from birth through the end of life. Our programs include:

• Community Living: Empowering people to live as independently as possible in a home of their own.
• Personal Supports: Connecting people with the community to achieve their personal goals.
• Respite Services: Providing short-term care intended for a caregiver to support individuals in their daily routines.
• Nursing Support Services: Supporting individuals in their medication management by providing Nurse Care Management and Delegation Services.
• Transportation Services: Providing access to activities within the community.

Mission

CDSS empowers people with varying abilities to live, work and thrive within the community.  We do this by providing care, opportunity and guidance for people with developmental disabilities in Maryland.

Vision

To deliver outstanding and comprehensive services to enrich lives where people with varying abilities lead personally valued lives.

Values

Each individual served by CDSS will have the opportunity to experience a meaningful day based on their needs.

Our Core Values

Respect

We believe all people have the right to be and feel respected. We show honor and esteem to all people we come in contact with. This is done with appreciation and dedication to their right and privilege to be treated as someone with worth.

Self-determination

We implement the principles of self-determination; Freedom to make choices; Authority over services & support; Responsibility for organizing resources; Supports necessary to live in the community.

Inclusion

We believe everyone should have supports that assist them to be involved in real life opportunities in places with others to the benefit of all.

Responsiveness

We are responsive to our internal and external customers, resource contributors, community and each other.

Community Building

We deliver on customers’ needs through new and existing community partnerships and creative use of resources.

CDSS supports people with varying abilities to create lives that mirror yours and mine, such as: students attending neighborhood schools, adults going to work and living in their own homes and individuals enjoying the social and recreational opportunities in their communities. We are devoted exclusively to improving the quality of life for all adults and children with developmental disabilities.

Services

At CDSS, we offer supporting services that include:

Community Living

  • Live, work, thrive.
  • Empowering adults with varying abilities to thrive in accessible and affordable housing throughout the community, providing personalized support to help with independent living skills and achieving personal goals.

Respite Services

  • Providing a home-like residence where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families can be assured that quality support is provided during short-term stays.

Personal Supports

  • Individuals will have comprehensive supports that assist them to live in their own homes or with family by acquiring and maintaining the skills necessary to maximize their independence.

Nursing Support

  • Providing Nursing Support Services / Nurse Case Management and Delegation Services as a service of nursing supports to unlicensed staff who are certified to administer medication and treatments to support individuals who elect to receive the service.

Transportation Services

  • This service is provided in response to the needs identified through the individual’s Person-Centered Plan and to promote community inclusion.

Day Habilitation Services

Our day habilitation programs are designed to maximize each client's independence in activities of daily living, personal health and safety, socialization, decision making, communication, recreation, community inclusion, and leisure skill building. Services are person-centered and driven by each individual’s needs and desired support. All programming is individualized, based on the needs and interests of the individuals served. Our professional service teams work cooperatively with families and providers to create an integrated approach to providing quality day habilitation programming. Our activites include, but are not limited to:

  • Activities at the YMCA
  • Out-to-lunch programas
  • Equine Therapy (horseback riding)
  • Horticultural programs
  • Yoga
  • Art Therapy
  • Music

Resources

Connecting through technology during this time of physical distance. Learn about how you can participate today!

FAQ

A developmental disability is defined in federal laws as a severe, chronic, often lifelong physical and/or mental impairments that becomes apparent before the age of 22 including epilepsy, autism and cerebral palsy.

We serve people in the Central Maryland area.

Yes, we provide respite care services in the family’s homes. Our respite services are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

We provide daytime support based on the individual needs and desires.

Yes, we provide residential services in a home or an apartment depending on the needs and wishes of the individual and his/her family.

Yes, as long as you live within our service area; we can help.

Many of those we serve, receive full or partial financial support from governmental funding sources. We also serve individuals who are privately funded. We accept private pay for any services we provide. Private pay rates vary based on the specific needs of the individual and their family.

CDSS has an outstanding team of skilled professionals. We have one of the most extensive screening processes within the field – after a thorough interview, a potential employee is required to do a drug screening, and background check, and written and mathematical exams. After this extensive screening, an employee is required to go through approximately 100 hours of training’s that may include specialty Certified Nursing Assistant Training, Behavior Principles and Strategies, and Choking Prevention.

Absolutely! Navigating the system can be difficult and cumbersome. We are very knowledgeable on the State of Maryland’s eligibility process and would be more than willing to assist you with this process.

You may call us at 443-838-6184 and we can send you an application packet.

Disability Statistics

“841 citizens with developmental disabilities in Harford County currently receive or are on the waiting list to receive services from the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). 168 people receive DDA funded residential services. 131 live in homes with 3 or fewer people with developmental disabilities. 37 live in homes with 4 or more people with developmental disabilities.”

Reference:  Harford County Service Coordination Report

Bureau of Labor Statistics Data on Employment of People with Disabilities

U.S. Census Bureau’s “Disability” Page

DD Council’s 5-Year Plan 2012-2016

2010 Census: Disability Stats

2010 Census: Disability Employment Stats

“Still In The Shadows With Their Future Uncertain” Key Findings,
A Report on Family and Individual Needs for Disability Supports (FINDS), 2011

Careers

Thank you for your interest in starting a career at CDSS! We are dedicated to providing a supportive and engaging environment for everyone who enters our programs and homes. We are regularly looking for professionals to be our next best team member. Our team strives daily to live out our mission of supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and achieving their dreams and personal

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

CDSS’s philosophy is that every person needs the support of others. We hire special people to support the individuals we serve. As a DSP you will build positive relationships with the individuals we support. You will provide the level of care needed to support our program participants as written in their plans. CDSS DSPs also provide a fun, supportive and engaging environment where everyone feels safe and happy to participate. All DSPs are expected to work as part of the CDSS Team to fulfill our mission. We hire DSPs for both our Day Habilitation programs and Residential Services.
Current Openings:
Multiple Positions Available.

Team Leader (TL)

CDSS’s philosophy is that every person needs the support of others. We hire special people to support the individuals we serve. As a TL, you will build positive relationships with the individuals we support and the DSPs that you will lead. TLs participate in communicating pertinent information to DSPs regarding programs, schedules, individuals, and their care plans, and more. You will assist with professional development and making sure the DSPs are supported to carry out the activities of the day. You will be a liaison between DSPs and the Leadership Team to relay information and to advocate for program participants or residents and DSPs. We hire TLs for both our Day Habilitation programs and Residential Services.
Current Openings:
Multiple Positions Available.

Program Coordinator (PC)

CDSS’s philosophy is that every person needs the support of others. We hire special people to support the individuals we serve. As a PC, you will build positive relationships with the individuals we support, the TLs and DSPs that you will lead. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the day program or home/s you are responsible for. You will be responsible for planning, coordination and monitoring the program/home to ensure safe, efficient, and effective services are being delivered to program participants/residents. We hire PCs for both our Day Habilitation programs and Residential Services.
Current Openings:
Positions Available.

Administrative

CDSS’s philosophy is that every person needs the support of others. We hire special people to support the individuals we serve. As an administrative staff member, you will work with the Leadership Team to ensure various administrative tasks are attended to and running smoothly. All employees of Point of Hope, work on behalf of the individuals we support in our programs. You will have the opportunity to get to know and interact with our program participants throughout the day.
Current Openings:
None at this time.

If you are interested in joining our team, please send us your resume.

Apply

Thank you for your interest in starting a career at CDSS Maryland!

Fill out the form below to submit your resume.

For Day Program Positions Only
For Residential Positions Only

Contact Us

Business Hours
Monday – Saturday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Mailing Address
11400 Cronridge Drive, Suite H
Owings Mills, Maryland 21117
(410) 363-0959
(703) 935-0783

Contact Us

Business Hours

Monday – Saturday

8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Mailing Address

11400 Cronridge Drive, Suite H Owings Mills, Maryland 21117

 (410) 363-0959

 (703) 935-0783

fill out this contact form

    Responding to COVID-19

    We are getting through this together.

    The health and safety of supported individuals, team members, and the community is our highest priority. We must work collaboratively and do our part to ensure we minimize the effects of this virus on our community.

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