Description:
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Day/Community provides structured programming within a Sycamore Services facility and facilitates community integration through educational programs, recreational activities, and life skills training. Unlike residential DSPs who provide in-home support, this role focuses on engaging individuals in a dynamic day program environment, helping them develop independence, build social connections, and access community resources. Responsibilities include assisting with daily living skills, leading group activities, and ensuring a safe, supportive setting where individuals can achieve their personal goals. Through effective communication, positive reinforcement, and individualized support, Day/Community DSPs empower individuals with disabilities to enhance their quality of life and participate fully in their communities. This position requires patience, creativity, and a strong commitment to supporting and uplifting others in a structured and community-centered setting.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Consumer Focus
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Assist and support consumers to develop strategies, make informed choices and follow through on responsibilities.
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Promote consumer partnership in the design of support services.
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Provide opportunities for consumers to be self-advocates by encouraging and assisting the consumer to speak on his or her own behalf.
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Honor the choices and preferences of consumers.
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Observing and reporting on consumers health, behavioral changes, ensuring medical needs are met.
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Safeguard and respect the confidentiality and privacy of individuals supported.
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Promote human, legal and civil rights of all people and assist others to understand these rights.
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Assist individuals served with navigating life transitions, whether into employment, further education, etc.
Communication
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Use effective communication skills to build rapport and channels of communication by recognizing and adapting to the range of consumer communication styles.
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Maintain knowledge of and use modes of communication appropriate to the communication needs of consumers.
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Collaborate with other Direct Support Professionals, therapists, social workers, and families to provide cohesive support.
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Use terminology appropriately, explaining as necessary to ensure consumer understanding.
Facilitation
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Maintain collaborative professional relationships with the consumer and all support team members (including family/friends) and follow ethical standards of practice.
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Assist in the development of an individualized plan based on participant preferences, needs and interests.
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Plan and lead various activities that promote skill development and social interaction.
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Assist in the implementation of an individualized plan to achieve specific outcomes derived from consumers’ specific preferences, needs and interests.
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Assist in the review of the achievement of individualized consumer outcomes.
Supports & Instruction
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Assist the consumer to meet his or her physical and personal management needs by teaching skills, providing support, and building on individual strengths and capabilities.
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Assist consumers with household management and transportation needs to maximize his or her skills, abilities and independence.
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Support consumers in the development of friendships and other relationships.
Sycamore Services Team
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Promote and uphold the agency’s mission statement.
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Promote a sense of team through mutual respect and assisting co-workers as needed.
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Work with a variety of individuals in different settings.
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Maintain all required documentation and needed data.
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Maintain accurate time/billing records and submit as supervisor requests.
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Perform other duties as needed.
Requirements:
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18 Years of age or older.
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Excellent people and communication skills required.
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Ability to work flexible/non-standard hours.
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Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation.
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Ability to keep accurate documentation.
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Ability to manage multiple individuals served while simultaneously, ensuring that each individual receives appropriate attention.
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Ability to effectively communicate with consumers, families, and team members as needed.
Education and Experience:
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High school diploma or demonstrated equivalent competency required.
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Experience working with persons with disabilities in the community preferred.
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Knowledge of community and community activities preferred.
Physical Requirements:
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Ability to lift a minimum of 35 pounds; upper body leverage strength required.
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Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time.
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Ability to travel to Sycamore Services locations, events, and into the community as needed.
