Residential Direct Support Specialist

Damar Services, Inc. • Richmond, IN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Damar is seeking a Residential Direct Support Specialist to provide direct support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism who reside at Damar Services. The role involves natural environment training, skills-based treatment, data collection, intensive intervention services, client supervision and care, crisis management, promoting appropriate social behaviors, and helping clients achieve their maximum potential. The specialist also assists the treatment team in evaluating clinical services and serves on Damar Services’ interdisciplinary team.

This position is based at Damar’s Richmond campus in Richmond, Indiana. Available schedules include day shift (7:00 AM–7:30 PM, with weekend rotation), night shift (7:00 PM–7:30 AM, with weekend rotation), and weekend shift (7:00 AM–11:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday only). Damar provides comprehensive training, and prior direct support experience is not required.

The role requires the physical ability to stand or sit for prolonged periods; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; and lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds. Employees must respond appropriately to client behaviors, staff instructions, safety concerns, and emergencies in an environment where individuals may display aggressive, self-injurious, sexually maladaptive, elopement, or other unpredictable behaviors. Regular and acceptable attendance is an essential function. Essential functions must be performed satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 to work in the Children’s Residential program; applicants aged 18–20 are encouraged to apply for other Direct Support Professional roles.
• Formal proof of a high school diploma or GED.
• For positions requiring driving, a valid Indiana driver’s license and driving record that meets Damar’s insurance carrier eligibility requirements.
• No felony convictions, substantiated charges of neglect, or other disqualifying criminal convictions.
• Successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen and physical.
• Favorably meet and maintain Damar’s background screening.
• Ability to perform the essential physical functions, including lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to client behaviors, staff instructions, safety concerns, and emergencies.
• Regular and acceptable attendance.
• No prior direct support experience is required; applicants must have a passion for helping others.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to individuals residing at Damar Services.
• Perform natural environment training, skills-based treatment, data collection, and intensive intervention services.
• Provide client supervision and care, manage crises, promote appropriate social behaviors, and support clients in reaching their maximum potential.
• Assist the treatment team, including the Manager, Supervisor, Director, and other designated members, in evaluating clinical services.
• Make in-the-moment decisions regarding skills-based treatment.
• Complete and update mandatory training and licensure-related items in a timely manner.
• Attend mandatory staff meetings and other assigned meetings, as well as meetings, conferences, and workshops recommended by the Enhanced Acuity leadership team.
• Provide direct services to children.
• Support clients in completing programming goals, activities of daily living, and independent living goals.
• Operate Damar or personal vehicles to transport clients or perform other work-related duties, where required.
• Complete incident reports, including reports of suspected client exploitation, abuse, or neglect.
• Serve as a member of Damar Services’ interdisciplinary team.
• Maintain regular and acceptable attendance.
• Respond appropriately to client behaviors, instructions, safety concerns, and emergencies.

Benefits

• Damar Advantage discounts at Damar Health Services and Damar Pharmacy.
• Comprehensive training in verbal intervention and physical management techniques.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Up to $3,000 per year in tuition assistance.
• 401(k) plan participation.
• Damar-provided life insurance and additional voluntary options.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance options.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid time off (PTO).

What This Job Offers

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