104-10 Direct Support Professional

Venture Community Services Inc•Southbridge, MA

3d•$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 as possible in their lives. Support may include household maintenance, meal preparation, shopping, bathing, toileting, dressing, and teeth brushing. DSPs may also assist with medical appointments and banking, community participation and outings, medication administration, and following Behavior Support Plans, Individual Support Plans, individual goals, and medical guidelines. The role requires safely evacuating individuals from the home during an emergency. Venture provides paid New Employee Orientation, CPR/First Aid, Safety Care, Defensive Driving, and Medication Administration Program (MAP) training, along with program-specific and person-specific training in the individual’s home. DSPs must maintain certifications and perform job duties in compliance with Agency policies and DDS regulations and policies. The listed schedule is Sunday 4 p.m.–11 p.m., Thursday 3 p.m.–11 p.m., Friday 1:30 p.m.–11 p.m., and Saturday 3 p.m.–11 p.m., for 32.5 hours per week. The pay rate 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 18 years old.
Have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Demonstrate a commitment to helping people with varying disabilities participate fully in their community and their own lives.
Have varied interests and personal connections in the local community.
Have a proven record of conscientious, responsible behavior through work, volunteer, or school history.
Be able to work as a creative, engaged, and dedicated member of a team.
Be able to speak, read, and write fluent English.
Be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet program and individual needs, which may include holidays, overnights, or double shifts.
Be able to perform the essential functions of the job and possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Responsibilities

Advocate for and support adults age 22 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them to participate actively in their lives.
Assist with household maintenance, meal preparation, shopping, bathing, toileting, dressing, and teeth brushing.
Assist individuals with medical appointments and banking.
Support individuals in becoming active members of their community and attending outings.
Administer medications as needed.
Follow Behavior Support Plans, Individual Support Plans, individual goals, and established 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: $1,000 for full-time and $500 for part-time employees.
Company-paid life insurance for full-time employees.
Health insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Earned paid time off.
40 hours of sick time.
Employee referral bonus program.
Tuition remission.
Paid New Employee Orientation and paid training, including CPR/First Aid, Safety Care, Defensive Driving, MAP, and program-specific and person-specific training.
Supportive and encouraging working environment.