207-11 Direct Support Professional

Venture Community Services Inc • Fitchburg, MA

3d • $18 - $19

About The Position

Venture Community Services seeks a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to advocate for and support adults age 22 and over with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The role empowers individuals to be as active as possible in their own lives and communities, while providing caregiving support in a group home. Duties may include household maintenance, meal preparation, shopping, personal care, assistance with medical appointments and banking, community activities and outings, medication administration, and following behavior support plans, individual support plans, goals, and medical guidelines.

DSPs receive paid new employee orientation, CPR/First Aid, PABC, defensive driving, Medication Administration Program (MAP), and program- and person-specific training at the individual’s home. The role requires maintaining certifications, complying with agency policies and DDS regulations, and being able to safely evacuate individuals from the home in an emergency.

The posted schedule is Saturday, 9 a.m.–11 p.m., for 14 hours. The position pays $17.50–$19.00 per hour and includes paid training. A sign-on bonus is offered: $500 for part-time employees. This is a part-time role.

Requirements

• High school degree or GED.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be available by telephone for daily contact.
• Commitment to helping people with varying disabilities participate fully in their communities and their own 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.

Nice To Haves

• Daily use of a car on site is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for and support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them to participate in their own lives.
• Provide caregiving support in a group home.
• 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 communities and attend outings with them.
• Administer medications as needed.
• Follow Behavior Support Plans, Individual Support Plans, individual goals, and applicable medical guidelines.
• Maintain required certifications and perform job duties in compliance with agency policies and DDS regulations.
• Safely evacuate individuals from the home in an emergency.

Benefits

• Sign-on bonus: $500 for part-time employees; $1,000 for full-time employees.
• Health insurance.
• Dental and vision benefits.
• 403(b).
• Parental leave.
• Paid time off and sick time.
• Flexible spending account.
• Paid new employee orientation and training, including CPR/First Aid, PABC, defensive driving, MAP, and program- and person-specific training.

What This Job Offers

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