Direct Support Professional (DSP)

The Garden Foundation's Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Part- Time and Full Time available (20-40 hours per week)

• Salary (Full time at 40k) and Hourly ($18 per hour+) positions available 
• Room for growth within the organization

The Garden Foundation is a non-profit organization serving those with disabilities in the city of Las Vegas. Our goal is to support and enhance the lives of people with different abilities by providing a place of education, inspiration, independence and inclusion. The Garden Foundation is not a one-size-fits-all program. We believe and practice person-centered-planning and therefore provide a customized experience to meet the needs of each client and their family. Every person we serve has their own interests, skills, needs and goals and should have choices in what they do. We strive to help each individual reach their full potential, whatever that may be! 

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) will provide direct support to individuals with developmental disabilities. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) will assist in the development and implementation of individual support plans as part of our GROW Program which includes activities such as movement, music, dance, art, taekwondo, cooking, education, socialization, life- skill training, etc. 

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) will embrace The Garden Foundation's core values and vision while representing the organization and our mission.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Coordinate with other program staff on daily lesson plans including activities of art, music, movement, life skills, goal planning, etc. Modifications for various level groups will be necessary.
• Coordinate with other program staff to send finalized weekly lesson plans to management.
• Work with staff on filing all activities (activity binders) 
• Provide active engagement, routine health and personal care support (i.e. eating, toileting, and exercising) and assistance with daily activities 
• Utilize positive, uplifting and encouraging communication with all clients and staff 
• Assist program staff in implementation of daily activities and individual program plans
• Ensure equipment and environment is clean, safe and functioning. 
• Clean up facility as part of closing every day.
• Assist in completing all documentation (i.e. Daily checklists, communication logs, schedules and incident reports). 
• Comply with all Federal, State and local regulations and requirements and company policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with other staff and volunteers to ensure that all adults with disabilities have the opportunity to: 
  • Gain knowledge of self management and behavioral skills that will enhance their independence, contribution and integration into the community. 
  • Promote an abuse and neglect free environment. 

• Assist and guide clients through creative activities and expressions of talents while reinforcing the positive, encouraging environment. 
• Take initiative in creatively planning a weekly schedule as well as leading daily classes
• Work at special events if available/applicable outside of weekly hours
• Report suspected Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation (ANE) within 24 hours as mandated by state law. 
• Be prompt and on time. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

SKILLS REQUIRED 

• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals, co-workers and supervisors (verbal and written). 
• Ability to care, respond and work with individuals with developmental disabilities. 
• Must encompass professional demeanor.
  • Ability to define problems and draw valid conclusions.
  • Ability to lesson plan and give instruction within classes to students.
• Ability to interpret instructions, utilize or find resources and take initiative. 
• Must possess social discernment to assess and understand other's reactions and behaviors. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Preferred: Office/administrative assistant experience 
• Required: Must be 18 years and older
• Required: GED or High School Diploma
• Required: Proficient in Microsoft office (word, excel, etc.) 
• Required at hire: Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification 
• Preferred: Current Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Certification
• Preferred: Experience within Education ie- teaching, assisting in a classroom, currently in school studying education, etc. 
• Preferred: One (1) year of verifiable work experience in health care, day care, mental health, education or related field. 

PHYSICAL ABILITIES & WORK ENVIRONMENT  

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and functions of the position. The list below of minimum essential functions is illustrative of the minimums only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed. 

• Ability to lift and move boxes up to 50 pounds. 
• Frequent bending, sitting, standing, lifting and walking. 
• Ability to tolerate stress 

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.