101-17 Direct Support Professional

Venture Community Services Inc • Spencer, MA

6d • $18 - $19

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) advocates for and supports adults age 22 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them to be as active and independent in their lives as possible. Support may include household maintenance; meal preparation; shopping; assistance with bathing, toileting, dressing, and teeth brushing; transportation or accompaniment to medical appointments and banking; helping individuals participate in their community and attend outings; medication administration; and following Behavior Support Plans, Individual Support Plans, goals, and medical guidelines.

DSPs receive paid new-employee orientation and paid training in CPR/First Aid, Safety Care, Defensive Driving, the Medication Administration Program (MAP), and program- and person-specific procedures in the individual's home. The DSP must be able to safely evacuate individuals from the home in an emergency, maintain required certifications, and perform job duties in compliance with agency policies and DDS regulations and policies.

The position is listed as full-time for 30 hours per week, with a schedule of Monday 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Tuesday 8 a.m.–2 p.m., and Wednesday through Friday 9 a.m.–3 p.m. The posting notes that employees may need to work a flexible schedule, which may include holidays, overnights, or double shifts.

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.
• Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet program and individual needs, which may include holidays, overnights, or double shifts.
• Show commitment to helping people with varying disabilities participate fully in their community and their own lives.
• Have a conscientious and responsible record through work, volunteer, or school history.
• Be able to work creatively and collaboratively as an engaged, dedicated team member.

Nice To Haves

• Varied interests and personal connections in the local community.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for and support adults age 22 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Empower individuals to participate actively in their lives and communities.
• Assist with household maintenance, meal preparation, shopping, bathing, toileting, dressing, and teeth brushing.
• Assist individuals with medical appointments, banking, community participation, and outings.
• Administer medications as needed.
• Follow Behavior Support Plans, Individual Support Plans, individual goals, and applicable medical guidelines.
• Safely evacuate individuals from the home in an emergency.
• Maintain required certifications and comply with agency policies and DDS regulations and policies.

Benefits

• Sign-on bonus of $1,000 for full-time employees and $500 for part-time employees.
• Paid training, including new-employee orientation and role-specific training.
• Company-paid life insurance for full-time employees.
• Health insurance.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Earned paid time off and 40 hours of sick time.
• Employee referral bonus program.
• Tuition remission.
• Supportive and encouraging working environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED