Direct Support Professional

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Sycamore Services is looking for Direct Support Professionals who want to make a difference in others' lives and your own by providing training in daily living skills and promoting community involvement for people with disabilities. 

Supervises: None

Work Environment: 10% Office; 90% Community/Residential.

Reports To: Director, Program Coordinator, and Team Lead.

Location: 

Purpose:

• Direct Support Professionals support the emotional, physical, and personal well-being of individuals with disabilities, encouraging growth.  
• Direct Support Professionals enhance the ability of consumers to lead self-determining lives by providing the support and information necessary to build self-esteem, and assertiveness and to make decisions.
• Direct Support Professionals use effective communication strategies and skills to establish collaborative relationships with consumers.
• Provide opportunities and support that help the individuals supported to be viewed with respect and as integral members of their communities. 

Responsibilities:

• Assist and support consumers to develop strategies, make informed choices and follow through on responsibilities.
• Promote consumer partnership in the design of support services.
• Provide opportunities for consumers to be self-advocates by encouraging and assisting the consumer to speak on his or her behalf.
• Honor the choices and preferences of consumers.
• Safeguard and respect the confidentiality and privacy of individuals supported.
• Promote human, legal and civil rights of all people and assist others to understand these rights.
• Use effective communication skills to build rapport and channels of communication by recognizing and adapting to the range of consumer communication styles.
• Keep knowledge of and use modes of communication appropriate to consumers' communication needs.
• Use terminology appropriately, explaining as necessary to ensure consumer understanding.
• Maintain collaborative professional relationships with the consumer and all support team members (including family/friends) and follow ethical standards of practice.
• Assist in the development of an individualized plan based on participant preferences, needs, and interests.
• Assist in the implementation of an individualized plan to achieve specific outcomes derived from consumers’ specific preferences, needs, and interests.
• Assist in the review of the achievement of individualized consumer outcomes. 

Supports & Instruction:

• Assist the consumer in meeting his or her physical and personal management needs by teaching skills, providing support, and building on individual strengths and capabilities.
• Assist consumers with household management and transportation needs to maximize his or her skills, abilities, and independence. 
• Support consumers in the development of friendships and other relationships. 

• High school diploma or demonstrated equivalent competency required.
• 18 Years of age or older.
• Experience working with persons with disabilities in the community preferred.
• Excellent people and communication skills are required.
• Ability to work flexible/non-standard hours.
• Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation.
• Ability to keep accurate documentation.
• Knowledge of community and community activities preferred. 
• Promote and uphold the agency’s mission statement.
• Promote a sense of team through mutual respect and assisting co-workers as needed.
• Work with a variety of individuals in different settings.
• Work a flexible schedule with non-standard hours.
• Maintain all required documentation and needed data.
• Maintain accurate time/billing records and submit them as supervisor requests.
• Perform other duties as needed. 

Physical Requirements:

1. Ability to lift, transfer, and reposition individuals, including use of mechanical lifting devices such as Hoyer lifts.  
2. Work a flexible schedule with non-standard hours.? 
3. Physical stamina to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and reach throughout the work shift.  
4. Ability to assist with mobility needs, including pushing wheelchairs and supporting ambulation and transfers.  
5. Ability to respond effectively in emergency situations, including performing CPR.  
6. Sufficient strength, coordination, and dexterity to assist with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and toileting.  
7. Ability to safely operate adaptive equipment and assistive devices.  
8. Visual and auditory ability to monitor safety and recognize changes in condition.  
9. Ability to work in residential and community environments with varying conditions. 

Sycamore Services, Inc. Benefits:

• Job Advancement Opportunities: We are committed to supporting your professional growth and career development through various advancement opportunities within the organization.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Health coverage to ensure you and your family stay healthy and well-cared-for. 
• Life Insurance: Financial security for you and your loved ones in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
• 401(k) Profit Sharing Program: Build your financial future with our 401(k) plan that includes a profit-sharing component, helping you save for retirement while benefiting from the company’s success.
• Credit Union Access: Enjoy the convenience and benefits of membership with the Indiana Members Credit Union, offering a range of financial services and products.
• Transportation: Assistance with transportation needs to support your commute and reduce travel-related stress.