Direct Support Professional - FT and PT Opportunities Available

The Direct Support Professional assures the mission of Friendship Home, which is to enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families by providing quality care and support services in a safe and caring environment, is maintained through the highest level of service delivery.

Summary: Friendship Home’s Bridges to Work community-based day support and employment services program empowers people with developmental disabilities to explore their goals for self-actualization through personal growth and to build skills to further their independence and, for some, to explore and obtain employment. The Direct Support Professional team facilitates structured learning opportunities each day for participants to build skills and have access to beneficial experiences.

Essential Job Functions

• Develops and facilitates classes and hands-on learning opportunities that are creative and responsive to the individual needs and goals;
• Works creatively with individuals and the BTW team to continually build skills through enriching activities and opportunities.
• Provides both individual and group training for program participants at the work site and BTW program
• Provides 1:1 coaching at job sites in the community; works with Case Managers and the BTW Job Developer when assigned to job coaching to assure that both the employee and employer are satisfied with the employment experience.
• Transports clients as needed to job sites and community trips following driving policies using agency vehicles.

Performance Expectations

• Treats all participants, their families, caregivers and DDS support team in an open and respectful manner that builds upon strengths; maintains an atmosphere that promotes cultural competence and celebrates diversity.
• Completes incident reports, task analysis, attendance and other required documentation as required/requested.
• Addresses problematic behavioral issues in a positive and proactive manner following PBS strategies; responds to crises in a calm, effective and supportive manner following all SafetyCare techniques and strategies; informs the supervisor of incidents and situations following protocol and utilizing appropriate judgment
• Participates as a strong team player with Friendship Home colleagues through active participation in weekly staff meetings, and demonstration of flexibility and collaboration.
• Maintains a positive program presence in the community while representing Friendship Home and supporting our participants.
• Participates in all required training and maintains up to date certifications – PBS, SafetyCare, CPR/FirstAid, Fire Safety, Human Rights, and all participant medical and nutrition protocols, etc.