Direct Support Professional - Community Supports

United Counseling Service of Bennington County Inc•Bennington, VT

About The Position

United Counseling Service (UCS) is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) for Community Supports. Under the direction of the Program Coordinator - Connections, the DSP instructs and monitors individuals’ skills to help them develop maximum independence and inclusion in the community. The role provides direct support to people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder during community activities and enhanced integration. The DSP develops meaningful community-based activities, supports individuals in pursuing goals and making choices, provides transportation, assists with personal care as needed, and helps maintain safety across settings. The position also involves following support plans and schedules, documenting services and progress, and communicating and collaborating with staff, professionals, families, and community partners. UCS describes itself as a community-based provider serving Bennington County and an affiliate of Vermont Care Partners. It offers a range of programs and services in mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental services.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Relevant experience in the human services field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Facilitate individuals’ inclusion in the community through meaningful community-based activities.
Provide transportation to and from community activities using a privately owned vehicle or an agency vehicle.
Ensure quality programming in community settings.
Facilitate personal relationships with community members.
Assist with developing client community support goals.
Encourage individuals to pursue goals, make choices about community activities and integration, and build positive engagement and social skills.
Act as a role model for the individual and the community.
Attend assigned trainings.
Provide personal care assistance as needed.
Implement methods that teach and build skills.
Keep individuals safe across settings.
Follow schedules created by the Administrator and Coordinators.
Make decisions concerning individuals and programming to support high-quality services.
Advocate for clients across settings.
Use each person’s primary mode of communication, including translators, sign-language interpreters, or facilitated communication when applicable, and respond to individual communication styles and developmental needs.
Follow support plans in accordance with Developmental Services policy.
Collect data required by each individual’s Individual Support Agreement (ISA).
Complete Developmental Services and agency paperwork, including timesheets, progress notes, monthly summaries, and expense vouchers, accurately and on time.
Construct task analysis or job assessment forms for applicable jobs so performance can be measured.
Provide needed information to staff, professionals, and families; serve as an advocate or liaison for the individual, the Developmental Services Division, and UCS.
Participate as a member of the individual’s, Developmental Services’, and UCS teams.
Encourage and advocate for positive relationships with community entities.
Participate in treatment plan meetings as requested.
Encourage and ensure ongoing communication among team members.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Competitive pay
Generous paid time off
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement plan with employer match
Employer-paid life insurance
Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Career development opportunities
Free clinical supervision toward licensure
Loan repayment and tuition assistance program
Award-winning worksite wellness program
Inclusive workplace supported by an active Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging committee
Rewarding experience making a difference in the community