6006-14 Direct Support Professional

Venture Community Services Inc • Gardner, MA

3d • $18 - $19

About The Position

Venture Community Services is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to advocate for and support adults aged 22 and over with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The DSP empowers individuals to be active in their own lives and supports their independence, well-being, and participation in the community.

Support may include household maintenance, meal preparation, shopping, bathing, toileting, dressing, and teeth brushing. The DSP may also assist individuals with medical appointments and banking, accompany them on outings, support community involvement, administer medications, follow Behavior Support Plans and Individual Support Plans and goals, and adhere to established medical guidelines.

The role includes paid new-employee orientation and paid CPR/First Aid, PABC, Defensive Driving, and Medication Administration Program (MAP) training, as well as training specific to the program and individuals in their home. DSPs must be able to safely evacuate individuals from the home during an emergency, maintain certifications, and perform duties in compliance with agency policies and DDS regulations and policies.

This is a part-time position scheduled for 31 hours: Sunday 2 p.m.–11 p.m., Friday 3 p.m.–11 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.–3 p.m. and 3 p.m.–11 p.m. Pay is $17.50–$19 per hour. A $500 sign-on bonus is listed for part-time employees.

Requirements

• Be at least 21 years old, have reliable transportation, and hold a valid driver's license.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Have experience working in a residential setting with highly behavioral individuals.
• Demonstrate a commitment to helping people with varying disabilities participate fully in their communities and 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 creatively, actively, and dependably as a member of a team.
• 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 able to safely evacuate individuals from the home during an emergency.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for and support adults aged 22 and over with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Empower individuals to be as active as possible in their own lives and participate in their communities.
• Assist with household maintenance, meal preparation, shopping, bathing, toileting, dressing, and teeth brushing.
• Assist individuals with medical appointments and banking, and accompany them on outings and community activities.
• Administer medications and follow Behavior Support Plans, Individual Support Plans and goals, and applicable medical guidelines.
• Safely evacuate individuals from the home in an emergency.
• Maintain required certifications and carry out job-related duties in compliance with agency policies and DDS regulations and policies.

Benefits

• Sign-on bonus: $500 for part-time employees; $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 CPR/First Aid, PABC, Defensive Driving, and MAP training.
• Supportive and encouraging working environment.

What This Job Offers

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