101-17 Direct Support Professional

Venture Community Services Inc•Spencer, MA

16h•$18 - $19

About The Position

Venture Community Services is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to advocate for and support adults age 22 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The DSP empowers individuals to be as active and independent in their lives as possible, providing support with household maintenance, meal preparation, shopping, bathing, toileting, dressing, and personal hygiene. The role may also include accompanying individuals to medical appointments and banking, supporting community participation and outings, administering medications, following Behavior Support Plans and Individual Support Plans and goals, and adhering to established medical guidelines. The DSP receives paid New Employee Orientation and paid CPR/First Aid, Safety Care, Defensive Driving, and Medication Administration Program (MAP) training, along with program- and person-specific training at the individual's home. The DSP must be able to safely evacuate individuals from the home in an emergency, maintain certifications, and perform job duties in compliance with Agency policies and DDS regulations and policies. The posted schedule is Monday 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Tuesday 8 a.m.–2 p.m., and Wednesday through Friday 9 a.m.–3 p.m., for 30 hours per week. Pay is $17.50–$19 per hour. A sign-on bonus is offered: $1,000 for full-time employees and $500 for part-time employees.

Requirements

Be at least 21 years old.
Have reliable transportation and a valid driver's license.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Speak, read, and write fluent English.
Commit to assisting people with varying disabilities to participate fully in their community and their own lives.
Have varied interests and personal connections in the local community.
Demonstrate a conscientious and responsible history through work, volunteer, or school experience.
Be able to work creatively, actively, and dependably as a team member.
Be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet program and individual needs, potentially including holidays, overnights, or double shifts.
Be able to perform the essential functions of the job, including safely evacuating individuals from a home.

Responsibilities

Advocate for and support adults age 22 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Empower individuals to be as active in their lives as possible.
Assist with household maintenance, meal preparation, shopping, bathing, toileting, dressing, and personal hygiene.
Accompany individuals to medical appointments and banking as needed.
Support individuals in becoming active members of their community and attending outings.
Administer medications as needed.
Follow Behavior Support Plans, Individual Support Plans and goals, and established medical guidelines.
Safely evacuate individuals from the home in an emergency.
Maintain certifications and follow Agency policies and DDS regulations and policies.