Direct Support Professional - Entry Level

Alls Well • Pasadena, CA

6d • $18 - $20

About The Position

This internship introduces participants to career opportunities as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and provides skills for delivering high-quality services and supports that help people live their best lives and feel empowered. For up to three months and up to 30 hours per week, the DSP Intern learns about the role and performs entry-level duties under a qualified DSP.

Duties are tailored to each person served and may include supporting empowerment, communication, community and service networking, service facilitation, community living skills, education and self-development, advocacy, vocational and career support, organizational participation, documentation, healthy relationships, person-centered support, and health and wellness, including assistance with daily tasks. DSPs recognize each person’s gifts, preferences, and needs; partner with people in informed decisions and everyday choices; respect privacy; and promote physical and emotional well-being, meaningful relationships, integration, and inclusion. They use the NADSP Code of Ethics and other competencies to guide their work, continue learning through training and education, and act as mentors and facilitators.

The stated pay is $17.80 per hour, with possible conversion to $18.04–$20 per hour. Pay is weekly, and incentives are offered. Multiple shift openings are listed: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. or 7:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, or a Certificate of Completion.
• Must have a driver’s license.
• Must pass a background check and other required health screenings.

Responsibilities

• Learn about the DSP role and perform entry-level duties under a qualified DSP for up to three months and up to 30 hours per week.
• Provide individualized, person-centered support tailored to each participant.
• Support participant empowerment, communication, informed decision-making, and everyday choices.
• Assist with community and service networking, service facilitation, and community living skills.
• Support education, training, self-development, and vocational, educational, and career goals.
• Advocate with participants and support their valued roles in society and organizational participation.
• Document services and support provided.
• Help participants build and maintain healthy friendships and other relationships, and promote integration and inclusion in the community.
• Support participants’ health and wellness, including assistance with daily tasks when needed.
• Respect participants’ privacy and promote their physical and emotional well-being.
• Continue developing professional abilities through in-service and self-directed education and training.
• Act as a mentor and facilitator in interactions with people supported.

Benefits

• Weekly pay.
• Employment retention payments at six and twelve months.
• Free interactive training.
• A variety of schedules available.
• The opportunity to play an integral role in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their community.
• The internship may lead to a long-term career path.
• Incentives offered.

What This Job Offers

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