CLS Direct Support Professional

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Mission Statement

The Mission of Dreams with Wings is to empower children and adults with intellectual and

developmental disabilities and autism to enhance their strengths, contribute to their community

and live a lifetime of purpose.

Vision Statement

The Vision of Dreams with Wings is to be innovative in person centered support to enable

individuals to live their best life through creating a sense of belonging and value. The vision is

supported by staff who are unwavering in compassion for those we are privileged to support.

Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides one-on-one support to individuals with intellectual

and/or developmental disabilities and autism. The DSP enhances community involvement,

cultivates friendships, supports daily independence skills, and assists individuals in achieving

personal goals identified through their person-centered plan of care.

This position is considered an Essential Worker Role and is responsible for the care, training, safety,

and supervision of individuals receiving services through the Community Living Supports program.

The DSP functions as a member of the Dreams With Wings team and may provide supplementary

services to any individual served by the organization.

Key Responsibilities

- Fully embraces and models the mission, philosophy, vision, and core values of Dreams With Wings.

- Acts professionally at all times and treats individuals, families, and team members with respect.

- Follows agency policies, maintains honesty and transparency, and communicates clearly.

- Demonstrates reliability by arriving on time, keeping commitments, and following through on responsibilities.

- Helps create an environment that respects dignity, culture, and individual choice.

Person-Centered Support & Community

- Ensures individuals have meaningful community opportunities aligned with their interests and goals.

- Uses personal vehicles to transport individuals or assists them in navigating public or rideshare transportation.

- Assists in the development and implementation of person-centered goals.

- Encourages decreased dependency and increased self-reliance whenever possible.

- Enhances community participation and supports the cultivation of friendships.

- Encourages natural support and healthy social relationships.

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- Encourages and assists individuals in exercising and understanding their rights.

- Promotes constructive conflict resolution strategies that benefit all parties.

- Prioritizes dignity and autonomy by:

- Providing power of choice

- Not speaking for individuals without permission

- Adjusting support levels based on actual needs

Daily Living & Personal Care

- Assists with daily living skills including:

- Ambulation

- Dressing and grooming

- Feeding

- Toileting and bathing

- Meal planning and preparation

- Laundry and home care

- Supports self-administration of medication (only if medication administration training is completed).

- Assists with personal financial responsibilities as needed.

- Provides physical assistance when required.

Health & Safety

- Responsible for the health and safety of individuals served.

- Encourages healthy lifestyle choices including exercise and nutrition.

- Understands that individuals may:

- Have behavior disorders or physical disabilities

- Require lifting or crisis management

- Require medical procedures (e.g., feeding tubes, oxygen)

- Responds appropriately to changing needs, including potential aggressive behaviors.

- Completes Incident/Critical Incident Reports as required.

- Trained in prevention, identification, and reporting of suspected abuse or neglect.

Documentation & Compliance

- Maintains required records in compliance with state regulations and Dreams With Wings standards.

- Completes all required DWW tracking sheets and documentation reflecting progress and concerns.

- Completes required DDID and agency-mandated training.

- Attends all required meetings and training.

Essential Worker

- Maintains schedule continuity for clients/residents.

- In the event of a community emergency, scheduled services continue as required.

- May be required to work at different locations.

Events & Additional Duties

- May participate in individual vacations and Dreams With Wings sponsored events.

- Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

- High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.

- At least 21 years of age; OR at least 18 years of age with one year of experience as a direct-contact staff supporting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities or Autism.

- Current CPR and First Aid certification required.

- Annual TB test required.

- Valid driver’s license and proof of current automobile insurance required.

- Ability to lift, transfer, and assist individuals as needed (minimum 50 lbs).

Preferred Experience

- Experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and/or autism.

Work Schedule

- Full-time or part-time.

- Evening, weekend, and additional hours may be required based on program needs.

- Maintain schedule continuity for individuals served

- Be available to support services during community emergencies, including working at alternate locations when required

Employment Status

- Non-Exempt

- Hourly

Occupational Exposure

- This position may involve routine exposure to blood or bodily fluids.