101-19 Direct Support Professional

Venture Community Services Inc • Spencer, 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 older with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The role empowers individuals to participate as fully as possible in their own lives and communities, while supporting their independence, well-being, and personal goals.

DSPs assist with household maintenance, meal preparation, shopping, bathing, toileting, dressing, and oral hygiene. They may also provide transportation or assistance for medical appointments, banking, community activities, and outings; administer medications; follow Behavior Support Plans and Individual Support Plans; and comply with applicable medical guidelines. Employees must be able to safely evacuate individuals from the home during an emergency, maintain required certifications, and perform duties in accordance with agency policies and DDS regulations.

Venture provides paid New Employee Orientation and paid training in CPR/First Aid, Safety Care, Defensive Driving, and the Medication Administration Program (MAP), as well as training specific to the program and individuals supported. The listed schedule is Friday 3 p.m.–11 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.–3 p.m., and Saturday 3 p.m.–11 p.m. The posting describes the position as full-time and lists 23 hours. Pay is $17.50–$19 per hour, and a sign-on bonus is offered.

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.
• Demonstrate a commitment to helping people with varying disabilities participate fully in their communities and 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 creatively, engage, and contribute as a dedicated team member.
• Be willing to work a flexible schedule as program and individual needs require, potentially including holidays, overnights, or double shifts.
• Be able to perform the essential functions of the job and safely evacuate individuals from the home in an emergency.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for and support adults age 22 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities, encouraging them to be active in their lives.
• Assist with household maintenance, meal preparation, shopping, bathing, toileting, dressing, and teeth brushing.
• Assist individuals with medical appointments and banking, and support their participation in community activities and outings.
• Administer medications as needed.
• Follow Behavior Support Plans, Individual Support Plans and goals, and established medical guidelines.
• Safely evacuate individuals from the home in an emergency.
• Maintain certifications and perform job duties in compliance with agency policies and DDS regulations.

Benefits

• Sign-on bonus: $1,000 for full-time 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.
• Paid New Employee Orientation and training, including CPR/First Aid, Safety Care, Defensive Driving, MAP, and program- and person-specific training.
• Supportive and encouraging working environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED