Direct Support Professional - Day Program

Direct Support Professional - Day Program

Are you looking for meaningful experience supporting adults with disabilities? Keshet is seeking caring, energetic individuals who have a passion for helping adults lead meaningful, independent lives within their communities. We have several Direct Service Professionals (DSP) openings in Keshet's Adult Services, a community-based program located in Highland Park. Hours are 8am-3:30pm or 8:30am-4:00pm. Benefits for eligible employees. Free on the job training!

POSITION SUMMARY: The Direct Support Professional is responsible for delivering direct services to adults in Keshet's Community Day Services Program in a manner that respects the person's needs as well as enhances their independence and dignity within their environment and community. These services provide opportunities to experience a meaningful life while also promoting independence and respecting choice. Keshet's core values are the driving force behind the culture and impact of this organization and consist of positivity, patience, integrity, communication, respect and teamwork.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support adults to achieve his/her desires outlined in their individualized Personal Plan- Be their champion!
• Teach new daily living skills and help maintain current skills.
• Assist with personal care needs.
• Safely Drive daily carpool, as well as, to and from field trips and community outings.
• Contribute towards providing a stable environment that promotes respect and dignity, individual choice and input, and health and safety at all times.
• Participate in tracking progress towards Personal Plan outcomes and ensure this is recorded timely, consistent, and accurately.
• Assist individuals with food prep, personal health and hygiene needs, banking, laundry, grocery shopping, purchasing of personal items and clothing, housekeeping, personal hygiene, recreation and other appropriate skills related to increased independent living and life skills while maintaining their privacy and dignity.
• Apply interventions and use techniques learned during Keshet training in emergency and/or crisis situations.
• Communicate with co-workers and work as a team.
• Be reliable and punctual in reporting for scheduled work.
• Be respectful and follow Jewish culture and guidelines set forth in the personnel manual.
• Complete DSP required training- CPR, First Aid, Safety Care, Rule 50, Fire Safety, Bloodborne Pathogens and continuing professional development assigned by Program Managers or Directors.
• Adhere to Keshet policies and procedures outlined in the policy manual, Employee Handbook, and other employee policies.
• Other job duties as assigned

Skills Required:

• Ability to relate to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with others.
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 21 years old
• Valid Driver's License and safe driving record
• Self-directed but willing to work in a team orientation setting.
• Understands and demonstrates ethical behavior and practices.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Patient, reliable, compassionate, able to work independently, and adaptable.
• Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Good problem-solving skill
• Ability to prepare written reports using proper punctuation, spelling and grammar.
• Problem Solving – assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.
• Adaptability – demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile and/or tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Exceptional teaching and organizational skills.
• Be respectful and follow Jewish culture and guidelines set forth in personnel manual.
• Proficient computer skills (e.g. email, word processing, basic data entry).
• Ability to represent program participants and program services in a professional manner.
• Physically assist people to perform various tasks (e.g. mobility, daily living skills).
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs.

Preferred:

• Experience with people with disabilities in the community or in a relevant field
• DSP or CNA training and experience a plus!
• CPR and First Aid Certification *Will provide FREE training if not already certified

Keshet offers a robust Employee Benefit Program which includes:

• Affordable healthcare plans
• Dental
• Vision
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Life insurance
• 401k plan with employer matching contributions
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Sick Time
• PTO
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

ABOUT KESHET: Keshet is a one-of-a-kind organization that brings classroom experiences, camps, sports, social and vocational activities, and residential opportunities to 600 people with disabilities and special needs each year.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Keshet's Adult Community Day Services Program is designed to support and promote choice, independence, employment and meaningful days for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Community-based programming is paramount and activities include a balance of vocational/life