109-03 Direct Support Professional

Venture Community Services Inc • Sturbridge, 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 includes household maintenance, meal preparation, shopping, and personal care such as 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.

DSPs receive paid New Employee Orientation, CPR/First Aid, PABC, Defensive Driving, and Medication Administration Program (MAP) training, along with program- and person-specific training at the individuals’ home. The role requires being able to safely evacuate individuals from the home during an emergency. Employees must maintain certifications and comply with Agency policies and DDS regulations and policies.

The schedule is Thursday through Saturday, 11 p.m. to 9 a.m., for 30 part-time hours per week. The pay rate is $17.50–$19.00 per hour. A sign-on bonus is offered: $500 for part-time employees and $1,000 for full-time employees.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Must speak, read, and write fluent English.
• Commitment to helping people with varying disabilities participate fully in their communities and lives.
• Varied interests and personal connections in the local community.
• A proven record of conscientious, responsible behavior through work, volunteer, or school history.
• Ability to work as a creative, engaged, and dedicated team member.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule to meet program and individual needs, which may include holidays, overnights, or double shifts.
• Ability to safely evacuate individuals from the home in an emergency.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for and support adults aged 22 and over with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them to participate actively in their lives.
• Assist with household maintenance, meal preparation, shopping, and personal care, including bathing, toileting, dressing, and teeth brushing.
• Assist individuals with medical appointments, banking, community participation, and outings.
• Administer medications and follow Behavior Support Plans, Individual Support Plans, individual goals, and medical guidelines.
• 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.

Benefits

• Sign-on bonus: $500 for part-time employees and $1,000 for full-time employees.
• 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.
• Paid New Employee Orientation and paid training, including CPR/First Aid, PABC, Defensive Driving, MAP, and program- and person-specific training.

What This Job Offers

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