6006-16 Direct Support Professional

Venture Community Services Inc • Gardner, MA

2d • $18 - $19

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) advocates for and supports adults age 22 and over 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, help individuals participate in their communities and attend outings, administer medications, follow Behavior Support Plans and Individual Support Plans and goals, and follow established medical guidelines.

DSPs receive paid New Employee Orientation, CPR/First Aid, Safety Care, Defensive Driving, and Medication Administration Program (MAP) training, as well as program-specific and person-specific training in the individual's home. DSPs must maintain certifications, perform duties in compliance with agency policies and DDS regulations and policies, and be able to safely evacuate individuals from the home during an emergency.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience working in a residential setting with highly behavioral individuals.
• 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.
• Ability to speak, read, and write fluent English.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule to meet program and individual needs, potentially including holidays, overnights, or double shifts.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job and safely evacuate individuals from the home.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for and support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Empower individuals to be active in their lives and communities.
• Assist with household maintenance, meal preparation, shopping, bathing, toileting, dressing, and teeth brushing.
• Assist individuals with medical appointments, banking, and community activities and outings.
• Administer medications and follow Behavior Support Plans, Individual Support Plans and 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

• Paid training, including New Employee Orientation, CPR/First Aid, Safety Care, Defensive Driving, and Medication Administration Program training.
• Sign-on bonus of $1,000 for full-time employees and $500 for part-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.
• Supportive and encouraging working environment.

What This Job Offers

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