200-12 Direct Support Professional

Venture Community Services Inc • Leominster, MA

2d • $18 - $19

About The Position

Venture Community Services provides support to individuals facing diverse challenges through a compassionate and dedicated workforce using innovative practices that encourage independence, empowerment, and opportunity. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) advocates for and supports adults age 22 and over with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them to participate as actively as possible in their lives and communities.

The DSP assists with household maintenance, meal preparation, shopping, personal care, and daily living activities. The role may also include accompanying individuals to medical appointments, assisting with banking and community activities, attending outings, administering medications, following Behavior Support Plans and Individual Support Plans, supporting individual goals, and following applicable medical guidelines.

DSPs receive paid new-employee orientation and paid CPR/First Aid, Safety Care, Defensive Driving, Medication Administration Program (MAP), program-specific, and person-specific training. Employees must maintain certifications, comply with agency policies and DDS regulations, and be able to safely evacuate individuals from the home in an emergency. The posted schedule is Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., for 8 hours; the employer notes that scheduling may be flexible to meet program and individual needs, including holidays, overnights, or double shifts.

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 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.
• Demonstrate a conscientious and responsible history through work, volunteer, or school experience.
• Be able to work creatively, actively, and dependably as a team member.
• Be willing to work a flexible schedule, potentially including holidays, overnights, or double shifts.
• Be able to safely evacuate individuals from the home in an emergency.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for and support adults age 22 and over with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Empower individuals to be active in their 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 support participation in community activities and outings.
• Administer medications as required.
• Follow Behavior Support Plans, Individual Support Plans, individual goals, and applicable 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.

Benefits

• Paid new-employee orientation and training, including CPR/First Aid, Safety Care, Defensive Driving, MAP, and program- and person-specific training.
• Sign-on bonus: $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