Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional

Pine Tree Society is urgently hiring positive and energetic people interested in helping adults diagnosed with autism and intellectual disabilities develop the skills necessary to live healthy, socially connected lives. Our program provides a stimulating environment with a focus on opportunities that promote independence and personal enjoyment for individuals who have disabilities.

As a Direct Support Professional at Pine Tree Society, you will assist and encourage participants to functional life skills and exercise-related goals while gaining independence in our day center as well as community-based settings. We emphasize the use of leisure time and participation in community or group activities of the individual's choice. Some of these activities include picnics in the summer, bowling, and visits to the local libraries and museums. These activities are designed to provide socialization for the individuals.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Works on identifying needs while collaborating with other staff.
• Implements program and individual goals as prescribed by the Individual Service Plan (ISP).
• Tracks progress towards goals using standard data collecting procedures.
• Communicates pertinent information to home staff, guardians, and case managers.
• Attends meetings; writes daily documentation, meeting minutes, monthly progress reports, ISP, PCPs and oversees the upkeep of the individual's clinical file.
• Assists with toileting and helps with personal care as needed.
• Transports persons served using either an agency vehicle or own personal vehicle.

Provides Support:

• Acts as a positive role model for persons served.
• Supports with personal care and activities of daily living.
• Supports and encourages increased levels of achievement to individual's potential.
• Reduces behaviors which interfere with achievement of established goals as prescribed by the ISP.
• Supervises persons served during fire drills or other such events.
• Abides by and enforces all safety rules. Works to ensure a clean, hazard-free environment.
• Supports the persons served while in community settings.
• Supports and provides individuals served with meaningful community activities that are of interest to them.
• Transports individuals and ensures their safety in the community.

Rate of pay: $17.50/hour without DSP certificate or starting at $18.00/hour with DSP certificate, $18.25/hour with PSS, $18.50/hour with CNA.

Schedule: Full time position of 37.5 hours a week is available. Shift hours would be 7:30 am- 3:00 pm. Monday-Friday (NO weekends or overnight shifts)

Location: In-person (Auburn, Maine)

Some qualifications; knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Should be computer literate.
• Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Exhibits compassion and patience and an understanding of diverse needs.
• Should role model a positive and enthusiastic attitude.
• Possess a valid driver's license with a clear driving record, have a reliable vehicle with at least the state minimum automobile insurance coverage and the ability and willingness to travel and to off-site locations.

Education/Experience:

• Possess high school diploma or equivalent.
• Direct Support Professional (DSP) or College of Direct Support (CDS) certified or possess ability to become certified through online training.
• Personal Support Specialist (PSS) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training preferred, but not required.

Employee Benefits: In addition to being a part of a supportive and impact focused team, our team members also enjoy a competitive benefit package that includes the following offerings:

• Comprehensive health, and vision insurance options for you and your family, as well as employer paid dental insurance.
• Paid life insurance and short-term disability
• A generous paid time off (PTO) accrual policy that includes 15 days/year to start, 12 paid holidays (including 2 floating holidays of your choice)
• Retirement plan with employer match and annual discretionary contributions
• Paid training, certifications, and career development opportunities
• Tuition advancement program of up to $5,250 a year for degree programs at an accredited college or university
• An extensive Employee Assistance Program (includes free counseling, mental health support, wellness resources, financial education support, and more!)
• Access to discounted rates on voluntary insurances (includes accident, illness, cancer, additional life, and disability insurances)

About Pine Tree Society: Since 1936, Pine Tree Society has been proudly supporting Mainers with disabilities breakdown barriers and lead active, socially connected lives. Our services include Pine Tree Camp, two Community Support Programs, Case Management Services, Sign Language Interpreting, Audiology, Speech/Language Services, and our Early Learning Center.