CHOICES Direct Support Professional

Job Description

**This position is eligible for a $19.50/hour starting wage!**

Department: Choices

Job Status: Full Time

Reports To: Residential Supervisor

Work Schedule: Full-time/part time & relief position requiring flexible schedule. Shifts can include Day, Evening and/or Overnight. Every other weekend availability is required.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Direct Support Professional for the CHOICES residential program plays a vital role in providing individualized support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as behavioral, emotional, or psychiatric disorders. This role is focused on empowering individuals to live successful, self-directed lives by assisting them in achieving their personal goals and outcomes. The Direct Support Professional works closely with individuals to build on their unique strengths, gifts, and talents, fostering a sense of independence and self-confidence.

In this position, the Direct Support Professional is responsible for maintaining professionalism and upholding the agency’s code of ethics while providing care and support. This includes expanding their skills and knowledge to ensure that they offer the highest quality of service, always prioritizing the well-being and personal growth of the individuals they support. The role also requires a strong sense of empathy, patience, and integrity, with the ability to be sensitive to the needs and feelings of others and respond with understanding and helpfulness.

By maintaining a caring and supportive environment, the Direct Support Professional serves as a positive role model and advocate for those in their care. The individual in this role must also represent Volunteers of America, Dakotas, in a professional and respectful manner, ensuring that the agency’s values of compassion, commitment, and empowerment are reflected in their daily actions. Working in collaboration with individuals, families, and other staff, the Direct Support Professional helps create a safe, nurturing space where individuals can thrive, reach their goals, and lead fulfilling lives.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS STATEMENT(S)

Individual Services

A. Read, understand and follow Individual Support Plans (ISP).

B. Ensure safety for all people in all environments.

C. Maintain safe and healthy living environments for people supported.

D. Provide transportation as needed based on availability.

E. Assist people supported in accessing and participating in community activities.

F. Follow VOA policies and procedures at all times.

Documentation and Communication

A. Ensure data is documented daily.

B. Maintain a high level of communication with supervisor and support team.

C. Utilize agency email, EMAR and agency documentation systems as needed for communication

Support Services

A. Follow individual support plans and document daily.

B. Recognize and support mutually respectful partnerships among individuals, their families, communities, providers, and professionals.

C. Attend meetings, to include but not limited to: DSP meetings, house meetings and agency trainings.

Facility

A. Maintain a high standard of cleanliness in facility and report all maintenance issues.

B. Maintain safe working conditions.

C. Ensure vehicle safety and maintenance.

Responsible to carry out other duties as assigned to support program operations and goals.

POSITIONS QUALIFICATIONS SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education: High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED) is required. Bachelor’s Degree (four-year college or technical school) Preferred, field of study: Counseling, Social Work, or related Human Services field.

Experience: Prior experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental health issues and challenging behavior is preferred

Skills: General computer skills knowledge preferred

Certifications & Licenses: Individuals must possess a valid driver’s license and proof in insurance. Ability to pass the agency’s driving test

Other Requirements: Interest in assisting people supported to achieve personal outcomes and to provide person centered support. Must possess good verbal, reading and written communication in English and basic math skills. Ability and willingness to successfully complete and apply training.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

A. Ability to Stand, Walk, sit, manually manipulate, reach outward and above shoulders, speak, climb, crawl, squat, kneel, and bend on a daily basis.

B. Capability to Lift, carry, push or pull up to 50 lbs on a daily basis.