128-09 Direct Support Professional

Venture Community Services Inc•Sturbridge, MA

6d•$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 organization emphasizes ongoing education and innovative training, work-life balance, inclusion, and equity. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) advocates for and supports adults aged 22 and over with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them to be as active in their lives as possible. Support may include household maintenance, meal preparation, shopping, and assistance with bathing, toileting, dressing, and teeth brushing. DSPs may also assist with medical appointments and banking, support community participation and outings, administer medications, follow Behavior Support Plans and Individual Support Plans and goals, and follow established medical guidelines. The position includes paid new employee orientation, CPR/First Aid, Safety Care, Defensive Driving, and Medication Administration Program (MAP) training, as well as program- and person-specific training in the individuals’ home. DSPs must be able to safely evacuate individuals from the home during an emergency, maintain certifications, and carry out job duties in compliance with agency policies and DDS regulations and policies. The listed part-time schedule is Saturday 9 p.m.–8 a.m. and Sunday and Monday 10 p.m.–8 a.m., totaling 31 hours. Pay is $17.50–$19 per hour. A sign-on bonus is listed as $500 for part-time employees and $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 able to safely evacuate individuals from the home in an emergency.
Maintain required certifications and comply with agency policies and DDS regulations and policies.
Be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet program and individual needs, which may include holidays, overnights, or double shifts.
Demonstrate commitment 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.
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 job functions.

Responsibilities

Advocate for and support adults aged 22 and over with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them to participate actively in their lives.
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 community and accompany them on outings.
Administer medications.
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 perform job 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.
Company-paid life insurance for full-time employees.
Health insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Earned paid time off.
40 hours of sick time.
Employee referral bonus program.
Tuition remission.
Paid new employee orientation and paid training, including CPR/First Aid, Safety Care, Defensive Driving, Medication Administration Program (MAP), and program- and person-specific training.