Job Title: Direct Support Professional
Program: Career Solutions, Inc.
Departments: Education, Employment, and/or Independent Living
Reports to: Departmental Program Director or Departmental Program Manager
Schedule: Varied hours between Monday - Saturday, 7:30am - 6:30pm
Compensation dependent on experience.
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for supporting the individuals they serve throughout the various stages of employment, education or independent living services in which they participate. The DSP supports the individual with training (habilitation) and is constantly looking for ways to increase and improve the individual’s independence and interdependence within each setting.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Professional Relationships
- Represent the agency in a professional manner at all times with solid interpersonal skills and integrity
- Work well independently, but also as a team in providing support, guidance, and/or information to other staff; communicate regularly with supervisor
- Establish effective professional relationships with referral sources, employers, parents, and appropriate others
- Arrive to work on-time and in attendance on scheduled working days
- Sensitivity to people with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and their families
Professional Skills
- Verbal and written communication skills - including the ability to communicate ideas and information concise and clearly as well as understand and follow verbal and written instructions
- Effective decision-making and problem-solving skills
- Set priorities for simultaneously managing a variety of assignments and activities; meet deadlines
- Detail-oriented as shown through organizational and record-keeping skills
- Analytical skills
- Maintain confidentiality of agency and participant information
Habilitation
- Knowledge of sociological, behavioral, and cultural factors influencing behavior, attitudes and needs of people with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families
- Knowledge of professional principles, practices, and methods pertaining to the delivery of independent living, education, and supported employment services
- Creativity
- Develop and implement person-centered habilitation goals for each program participant
- Maintain a caseload of program participants
- Attend Individual Support Plan (ISP) meetings, as needed
- Empower program participants
- Influence, motivate, and persuade others through teaching and modeling of appropriate social and life skills
- Instruct, train, and provide coaching support to program participants to enhance their employment skills, community integration and independence
- Utilize various techniques when teaching skills and concepts to participants of varying abilities
Administration
- Complete accurate and thorough reports, assessments (situational and annual), evaluations, and additional information for participants
- Complete accurate and thorough documentation of person-centered habilitation goals and objectives as identified in the Individualized Support Plan
- Gather and/or distribute forms to/from the program participant and/or their family/guardians
- Maintain regular contact with employers and/or parents/guardians regarding participant progress and needs
- Attend monthly departmental meeting, agency trainings, and professional development as applicable
Computer Skills
- Access to a personal computer and cell phone
- Experience with Microsoft Office
- Type 25 words per minute
Physical Prerequisites
- Lift (under 25 lbs) and carry equipment/material
Other Duties as Assigned
- Provide independent living, education and employment services as determined
Qualifications
- 19 years of age - High school diploma or equivalent
- Reliable transportation with valid driver’s license and auto insurance
- Preferred: 2 years of experience working with individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD)
- Comply with and meet all annual certification and training set forth by the agency.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $15.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
