Special Olympics Specialist DSP: Lewiston

Special Olympics Specialist Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Monday-Friday 8am-4pm = 40 hours, with an occasional weekend for special events

Payrate: $19.75/hour

Since 1967, Creative Works has pioneered exceptional Community Services that provide critical community-based daytime activities for adults with disabilities and autism. Our locations are shared spaces full of rich resources like art studios, fully-equipped kitchens where delicious meals are prepared jointly, bountiful gardens, technology centers, and exercise rooms.

We are hiring a full time Special Olympics Specialist DSP for our Community Services Day Program in Lewiston. We offer 11 paid holidays, 14 days paid time off, and a comprehensive benefits package options, including but not limited to: health, dental, and vision insurance, short term disability, long term disability, life insurance and 403b retirement plan with company match!

Job Description Summary

Responsible for the Creative Works' Special Olympics Curriculum, which provides individuals with Special Olympics activities that promote personal growth through the development of self-esteem, self-confidence, and independence. The Special Olympics Specialist is responsible for preparing and directing all Special Olympics events in the surrounding community. The Special Olympics Specialist will work closely with the Team Leader when planning events to ensure proper scheduling is being adhered to. This program is designed to help adults develop confidence, motivation and communication skills to identify and pursue their goals and aspirations.

Essential Functions

• Advocate for assigned individual(s), i.e., attend all meetings, assist in developing and maintaining family and community relationships.
• Attend to individuals' personal care needs. (This may include lifting and assisting individuals in and out of wheelchairs, use of Hoyer lift and maintaining good hygiene.)
• Transport individuals, as needed, using company vehicle or personal vehicle when necessary (or needed).
• Transfer from one assignment to another as requested
• Create and implement Special Olympics events calendar and practice schedule.
• Ensure all medical forms are up to date for participants.
• Ensure staff are up to date on all needed trainings to assist participants.
• Build community relationships to ensure needed space for practicing.
• Communicate regularly with guardians and case managers to schedule participants for events.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate records including daily logs, individual files, and accident and incident reports.
• Maintain open and focused communication with team members regarding goals and progress of program participants.
• Be sure any facility where individuals use CW services are kept clean and safe.
• Ability to remain flexible and quickly adapt to changing circumstances
• Ability to remain patient and empathetic.
• Must be able to problem solve and offer solutions.
• Teamwork oriented, but also able to work independently.
• Ability to adapt communication methods according to the individual's need.

Physical Tolerances

This position is very active and requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, and crouching.

Must be able to work in an outdoor setting in varied weather conditions for extended periods of time.

Must frequently assist in lifting non-living loads up to 50 lbs.

Must frequently assists participants' with transfers.

While performing this job the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and see to the extent necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid US Driver's License
• Satisfactory driving record per agency's insurance company standards.
• Prior experience with Special Olympics related service position preferred.
• Experience supporting people with disabilities a plus.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English to the extent necessary to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Must be able to perform basic math skills to the extent necessary to perform the job.
• Must have, or be willing to obtain the following certifications: DSP, CPR and WELLE within four months of hire.