202-04 Direct Support Professional

Venture Community Services Inc • Fitchburg, MA

1d • $18 - $19

About The Position

Venture Community Services seeks a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to advocate for and support adults aged 22 and over with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The role empowers individuals to be as active in their own lives as possible and supports independence, inclusion, and community participation.

DSPs assist with household maintenance, meal preparation, shopping, personal care such as bathing, toileting, dressing, and teeth brushing, and other needs that help individuals look and feel their best. They may also accompany individuals to medical appointments, support banking and community activities, attend outings, administer medications, follow Behavior Support Plans and Individual Support Plans and goals, and follow established medical guidelines.

Venture provides paid new-employee orientation and paid CPR/First Aid, Safety Care, Defensive Driving, Medication Administration Program (MAP), and program- and person-specific training in the individual's home. Employees must maintain certifications, comply with Agency policies and DDS regulations and policies, and be able to safely evacuate individuals from the home during an emergency.

The listed schedule is Sunday 9 a.m.–11 p.m., Monday 2 p.m.–10 p.m., and Thursday 9 a.m.–11 a.m., for 24 hours per week. The position pays $17.50–$19.00 per hour and offers a sign-on bonus of $500 for part-time employees or $1,000 for full-time employees.

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 willing to work a flexible schedule to meet program and individual needs, which may include holidays, overnights, or double shifts.
• Demonstrate a commitment to helping people with varying disabilities participate fully in their communities and their own 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 as a creative, engaged, and dedicated team member.
• Possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the essential functions of the job.

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 communities.
• Assist with household maintenance, meal preparation, shopping, and personal care, including bathing, toileting, dressing, and teeth brushing.
• Assist individuals with medical appointments and banking, community participation, and outings.
• Administer medications and follow Behavior Support Plans, Individual Support Plans and goals, and medical guidelines.
• Safely evacuate individuals from the home in an emergency.
• Maintain required certifications and perform 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.
• Paid training, including new-employee orientation and CPR/First Aid, Safety Care, Defensive Driving, MAP, and program- and person-specific training.
• 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
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED