Direct Support Professional - Community/Respite - Hendricks County

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Day/Community provides structured programming within a Sycamore Services facility and facilitates community integration through educational programs, recreational activities, and life skills training. Unlike residential DSPs who provide in-home support, this role focuses on engaging individuals in a dynamic day program environment, helping them develop independence, build social connections, and access community resources. Responsibilities include assisting with daily living skills, leading group activities, and ensuring a safe, supportive setting where individuals can achieve their personal goals. Through effective communication, positive reinforcement, and individualized support, Day/Community DSPs empower individuals with disabilities to enhance their quality of life and participate fully in their communities. This position requires patience, creativity, and a strong commitment to supporting and uplifting others in a structured and community-centered setting.

Duties/Responsibilities

Consumer Focus

• 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 own behalf.
• Honor the choices and preferences of consumers.
• Observing and reporting on consumers health, behavioral changes, ensuring medical needs are met.
• 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.
• Assist individuals served with navigating life transitions, whether into employment, further education, etc.

Communication

• Use effective communication skills to build rapport and channels of communication by recognizing and adapting to the range of consumer communication styles.
• Maintain knowledge of and use modes of communication appropriate to the communication needs of consumers.
• Collaborate with other Direct Support Professionals, therapists, social workers, and families to provide cohesive support.
• Use terminology appropriately, explaining as necessary to ensure consumer understanding.

Facilitation

• 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.
• Plan and lead various activities that promote skill development and social interaction.
• 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 to meet 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.

Sycamore Services Team

• 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.
• Maintain all required documentation and needed data.
• Maintain accurate time/billing records and submit as supervisor requests.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Requirements

• 18 Years of age or older.
• Excellent people and communication skills required.
• Ability to work flexible/non-standard hours.
• Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation.
• Ability to keep accurate documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple individuals served while simultaneously, ensuring that each individual receives appropriate attention.
• Ability to effectively communicate with consumers, families, and team members as needed.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or demonstrated equivalent competency required.
• Experience working with persons with disabilities in the community preferred.
• Knowledge of community and community activities preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift a minimum of 35 pounds; upper body leverage strength required.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to travel to Sycamore Services locations, events, and into the community as needed.