Direct Support Professional

Vacancy No
VN1154

Vacancy Name
Direct Support Professional

Work Location
Starkville Skills/Pre-voc

Application Post Date
Jul 15, 2026

Location Notes

Employment Type
Full Time

Work Schedule
Monday-Friday 7:30am-4pm

Description
TJob Duties:
1. Participates as a team member to provide a nurturing and consistent program environment. Maintains appropriate staff to client ratio based on individual needs.
2. Develops a rapport with individuals and cultivate a safe and supportive relationship.
3. Supervises participant's activity in structured program setting. Provides guidance and support for individuals during skill building activities.
4. Assists individuals with fine and gross motor coordination activities. Provides positive reinforcement and support.
5. Monitors individuals at all times to ensure activities and tasks are within the scope of an individual's capabilities.
6. Assists individuals with activities of daily living and use of adaptive equipment (i.e., communication, mobility devices). Provides personal care assistance when requested and/or needed.
7. Assists in other areas of IDD service provision when assigned.
8. Maintains confidentiality at all times.
9. Transports individuals as assigned in a safe and timely manner. Signs vehicle in and out per agency policy. Completes inspection and documentation prior to driving. Ensures that the vehicle is clean and in good repair.
10. Reports any unusual incidents, safety concerns, or changes in an individual's behavior indicating that the individual may be a danger to self or others immediately to supervisor or designee.


Pre-vocational/Work Activity specific:
11. Supervises client work and activity in a structured work activity setting.
12. Performs job tasks assigned to ensure timely completion of contract work.
13. Teaches and models job skills such as a) effective communication, b) appropriate workplace attire, c) problem solving skills, d) workplace safety, e) acceptable workplace conduct, and f) positive interpersonal relations.
14. Assists individuals in building skills necessary to perform work in a competitive, integrated employment setting. Provides positive reinforcement and encouragement.
15. Monitors individuals at all times to ensure activities are within the scope of an individual's capabilities. Provide assistance and support when needed.
16. Assists individual in identifying jobs that match individual's interests, strengths, priorities, abilities, and capabilities. Assists with monthly community job exploration activities.

Day Services - Adult/Day Habilitation specific:
17. Assists with activities to foster meaningful day activities to include the acquisition and maintenance of skills, building positive group, individual, and interpersonal skills, greater independence, and personal choice.
18. Assists in the development of activities in daily living and other skills that enhance community participation and meaningful days for each individual.
19. Participates and provides supervision for community participation activities based upon the choices of each individual.

Documentation and Quality Improvement:
20. Assists in the development and implementation of Plan of Services and Supports and the IDD Activity Support Plan. Documents individual's daily activities and progress as assigned.
21. Records attendance and daily participation. Documents activities that take place during the provision of service.

Interpersonal and Leadership Skills:
22. Responds to individuals needs in an appropriate and timely manner.
23. Demonstrates appropriate interactions with coworkers that promote a pleasant work environment.

Support Duties:
24. Completes additional job duties as assigned by supervisor.
25. Notifies an appropriate designated supervisor a minimum of two hours in advance of any program absence so that the supervisor can arrange program coverage if necessary.
26. Identifies and reports to supervisor in a timely manner any safety concern in the work environment.
27. Completes housekeeping duties assigned by supervisor in a timely manner.
28. Monitors the physical environment of the facility ensuring the cleanliness and safety of the environment at all times.

Key Responsibilities
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Compassionate about the care and well-being of others
Satisfactory completion of CPR and CPI within 30 days for employment.
Requires ability to be covered under company insurance to drive a company vehicle for client transportation.
Requires valid driver's license and current auto liability insurance.
Requires completion of annual training in compliance with DMH standards.
Previous experience working with and providing care to the IDD population.

Minimum Education
HS

Minimum Requirements
High School Diploma or GED; college work in behavioral science preferred

Licensure/Certification
N/A

Applications Close Date