Direct Support Professional I (Homes)
About The Position
Direct Support Professionals provide Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) to people with functional, cognitive, physical, or mental health needs, supporting them to live in ways that honor their abilities. As part of the care team, the employee collaborates with other Direct Support Professionals, Programmers, Supervisors, individuals served, and their families. The role involves carrying out behavioral care plans and developing creative strategies to help individuals achieve personal goals and build skills, independence, and community participation. The position provides hands-on support in homes and community settings, including assistance with daily living, transportation, mobility, safety, and medication. The employee documents services and individual responses in Setworks, follows agency and service-plan requirements, completes required training, and communicates relevant concerns and updates. This is an entry-level role with comprehensive training. The base pay is $17 per hour, with potential for a higher starting wage based on education and experience. A sign-on bonus is available, paid in three equal installments after 3, 6, and 9 months of employment. Scheduling options vary based on program needs for this 24/7 service provider.
Requirements
- Mission-oriented and committed to empowering people to achieve individual goals.
- Adaptable and willing to learn new approaches to caregiving and support.
- Strong communication abilities.
- Confidence and self-awareness to advocate for others and follow leadership appropriately.
- Minimum age depends on setting: at least 16 for Supported Community Living (SCL) settings and at least 18 for Habilitation (HAB) settings.
- Valid ability to drive safely; the role may involve transporting individuals.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
- Must remain awake during working hours.
- Must be able to assist with transfers; lifting may be required up to 35 pounds. Lifting more than 35 pounds requires a two-person lift, mechanical lift, or assistive equipment.
- Must be able to participate in activities chosen by individuals served, potentially including church services, swimming, and bowling.
- May need to walk and stand for up to eight hours, bend, stoop, and stretch frequently, and drive for up to eight hours.
- Must be able to work in various climatic conditions and with challenging emotional and physical behaviors, such as seizures or physical aggression.
- Must be able to see objects and people at a distance and see close work such as typed or handwritten material.
- Must be able to hear conversations in quiet and noisy environments, determine where sounds originate, and distinguish among bells, buzzers, beeps, horns, and similar sounds.
- Must be able to communicate through speech and drive and transport individuals as needed for service provision.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the HCBS Supervisor and Programmer to develop individualized goals.
- Provide direct, person-centered support that teaches skills, promotes independence, and encourages recreational and community participation.
- Use approved behavioral strategies to support individuals with challenging behaviors, respecting rights restrictions only as set out by the interdisciplinary team and individual service plans.
- Complete accurate, timely, and Iowa Code–compliant documentation in Setworks, recording required service details, interventions, and individual responses and submitting documentation daily.
- Provide hands-on support in home and community settings, including daily living assistance, transportation, mobility support, safety monitoring, and respect for property.
- Encourage individuals’ choice and independence.
- Administer and document medications according to the six rights.
- Follow agency policies and procedures and complete required training.
- Maintain reliable attendance, including weekends and holidays.
- Communicate concerns and updates through appropriate channels.
Benefits
- Sign-on bonus paid in three equal installments after 3, 6, and 9 months of employment.
- Paid time off (PTO).
- 401(k) retirement plan.
- Medical insurance.
- Dental insurance.
- Vision insurance.
- Life insurance.
- Pre-paid legal services.
- Discounted Costco or Sam’s Club memberships.
- Leadership development and advancement opportunities.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Comprehensive training.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
