Direct Support Professional - Agawam CBDS

Now Hiring: Direct Support Professional (Agawam, CBDS)

Hours: 35 hrs/week - Monday - Friday 8:30am - 3:30pm

Salary: $21.50/hr

Benefits:  We offer generous Paid Time Off, including 11 Paid Holidays and Snow Days. We pay 70% of Health and Dental insurances. You are 100% vested with your contributions to 401K with up to a 4% match after 1 year. We offer Vision, LTD, $25,000 Life Insurance Policy, EAP and more!

Job Summary: Provide training and support to individuals with Developmental Disabilities and Autism to promote successful outcomes while engaging in purposeful activities, including volunteer and paid work opportunities.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None
• Instruct individuals in positive life & social etiquette skills, money management skills, coping mechanisms and work habits & ongoing professional development.
• Ensure Client Focus Group/Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) /Business Etiquette meetings are held at least once per month and document meeting minutes.
• Identify area of interests with individuals and design a schedule-including community activities as appropriate- based upon individualized interests and abilities.
• Act as a positive role model and mentor to individuals by exhibiting professional and respectful interactions in-person and virtually.
• Always represent the organization in a positive and respectful fashion while on location and in community.
• Facilitate appropriate relationships between individuals we support and community members.
• Become familiar with individuals assigned by reviewing case records and emergency information. Be aware of all safety, medical and behavioral concerns.
• Respond appropriately to the unique components of a variety of settings, including dress codes, behavior, jargon, and culture.
• Cross train and lead a variety of volunteering opportunities within the community.
• Some supported employment/vocational placements require the Covid 19 vaccination.

GENERAL STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES

Teamwork

Participate in teams, communicate effectively, use positive problem solving and decision making techniques.

  Stewardship

Be responsible for effective use of agency resources. Support agency fundraising efforts.

Accountability

Regular and reliable attendance. Complete assigned training on time. Respond quickly to all client/customer needs and to adjust services and products to accommodate those needs. Measure and assess feedback from clients/customers regarding the quality of agency products and the effectiveness of its services and to help make necessary improvements in those services. Follow all policies and procedures including implementation of the COVID19 Control Plan.

  Respect

Provide clients with the opportunity for individual control, community membership, developing relationships, personal growth of their rights and dignity, and treat every person with dignity and respect. Keep confidential data in a professional manner.

  Duties/Responsibilities:

• Implement and document the day habilitation support plan (DHSP) and individual support plan (ISP) including the daily activity schedule.
• Act as a member of the interdisciplinary team
• Provide direct service in an individual and group setting to all individuals in a thoughtful and respectful manner with respect to human rights and dignity in the following areas:

• Self-Help Development
• Independent Living Development
• Sensorimotor Development
• Communication Development
• Social Development
• Affective Development
• Behavior Development

 Assist in educating individuals regarding their rights and responsibilities.

• Document as ISP/DHSP requires in the electronic health record-eHana- and time & attendance software-ETS -to include but not be limited to attendance, daily data collection, progress notes, and incident reports.

• Be accountable for client money and petty cash transactions and maintain accurate records.

• Provide support and training at work sites, volunteer opportunities and various memberships to assist participants to gradually assume more responsibilities and independence.
• Serve as a customer service representative to area vendors, businesses and funding sources.

• Use technology to engage clients and attend meetings or trainings remotely.
• Use personal vehicle for community-based outings and commitments and keep automobile safe and clean.

• Use Cell Phone to keep in contact with the program while on community outings and for emergency communication.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings.

• Keep program area and restrooms clean, sanitized, fully stocked, and organized.

• Safely and securely transport and administer medications under MAP regulations, as applicable. 

  Note regarding Supported Employment/Vocational Placements;

• Some supported employment/vocational placements require work hours that vary from the standard Direct Support Professional schedule. The holiday schedule may vary.

  Required Skills/Abilities:

Excellent communication and advocacy skills.

Patience and understanding in dealing with people in a variety of situations.

Ability to work cooperatively and effectively in a team.

Ability to act appropriately under stress and exercise good judgment and common sense.

Complete tasks with minimal supervision.

Must be able to work in a fast paced, hectic, noisy environment and prioritize tasks.

Be able to work well independently with very little supervision, use good judgment, remain calm in crisis situations, always keep participants safe. 

  Education, Experience, Licensure:

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Valid driver’s license and vehicle

CPR/First Aid

Safety Care

Recertify MAP license biannually if designated as a MAP provider

  Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods of sitting, walking, standing.

Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.

EOE. Sunshine Village is a great place to work!