104-17 Direct Support Professional

Venture Community Services Inc • Southbridge, MA

2d • $18 - $19

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) advocates for and supports adults aged 22 and over with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them to be as active in their lives as possible. Support may include household maintenance, meal preparation, shopping, and assistance with bathing, toileting, dressing, and teeth brushing.

The DSP may assist individuals with medical appointments and banking, help them participate in their community and attend outings, administer medications, follow Behavior Support Plans and Individual Support Plans and goals, and adhere to applicable medical guidelines. DSPs receive paid new employee orientation and paid training in CPR/First Aid, Safety Care, Defensive Driving, and the Medication Administration Program (MAP), along with program- and person-specific training in the individual's home. The role requires safely evacuating individuals from the home in an emergency, maintaining certifications, and performing duties in compliance with agency policies and DDS regulations and policies.

Requirements

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Have reliable transportation and a valid driver's license.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Be able to speak, read, and write fluent English.
• Be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet program and individual needs, potentially including holidays, overnights, or double shifts.
• Be committed 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, dedicated member of a team.
• Possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the essential functions of the job.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for and support adults 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 and follow Behavior Support Plans, Individual Support Plans and goals, and medical guidelines.
• Safely evacuate individuals from the home in an emergency.
• Maintain certifications and perform job duties in accordance with agency policies and DDS regulations and policies.

Benefits

• Sign-on bonus: $1,000 for full-time employees and $500 for part-time employees.
• Paid new employee orientation and paid training, including CPR/First Aid, Safety Care, Defensive Driving, and Medication Administration Program (MAP).
• 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