Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional (Program Services Assistant)

Didlake, Inc. is a non-profit rehabilitation services organization. At Didlake, creating opportunities that enrich the lives of people with disabilities is our mission. Since 1965, Didlake has served thousands of people with significant disabilities by providing training, job placement, employment opportunities, and day support services. We provide rewarding and purposeful work.

The Direct Support Professional (Program Services Assistant) plays a vital role in empowering individuals with disabilities to build independence, develop life skills, and actively engage with their communities. By providing direct support, guidance, and encouragement, this role helps individuals achieve their personal goals as outlined in their Individual Service Plans (ISPs). The Direct Support Professional contributes to a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes dignity, choice, and community integration while ensuring services align with Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) standards.

What You Will Do

• Provide direct support to individuals with disabilities in accordance with their Individual Service Plans (ISPs).
• Monitor and document daily progress toward individual ISP goals and outcomes.
• Maintain and follow daily schedules of training, activities, and skill-building opportunities.
• Assist individuals with transitions throughout the day, including arrival, departure, and scheduled activities.
• Support personal care and health needs, including restroom assistance and changing incontinence products as needed.
• Assist with medication management and provide physical assistance when required.
• Develop and implement skill-building and recreational activities that promote independence and personal growth.
• Communicate regularly with Program Services Specialists and Program Managers regarding individual progress, achievements, incidents, or concerns.
• Advocate for the rights of individuals served, ensuring respect, dignity, and freedom from coercion or restraint.
• Transport and support individuals during community-based activities such as fitness programs, volunteer opportunities, educational outings, museums, shopping, dining, and recreational events.
• Encourage and support individuals in developing meaningful relationships and connections within the community.
• Deliver services in compliance with Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) regulations, ensuring:
• Community integration and full access to community resources
• Individual choice and person-centered planning
• Respect for privacy, independence, and dignity
• Opportunities for autonomy and personal decision-making
• Follow safety protocols, including the use of designated personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain a clean and safe environment by disinfecting program sites and vehicles daily.
• Complete and maintain all required Didlake training.

What You Bring

Experience supporting individuals with disabilities in educational, caregiving, healthcare, or human services settings, such as a paraprofessional, instructional assistant, special education professional, caregiver, CNA, or home health aide, along with a commitment to helping individuals with disabilities achieve greater independence and community inclusion.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with individuals with disabilities is required.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to provide physical assistance including positioning, lifting, and supporting individuals during daily activities.
• Ability to drive a passenger van with capacity of up to 15 people.
• Must be insurable under Didlake's automobile policy, which requires being at least 25 years of age with a minimum of three (3) years of licensed driving experience.
• Must successfully pass background checks in accordance with DBHDS and DSS requirements.
• Ability to present a positive, professional image to individuals served, coworkers, and the public.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and maintain compliance with program and regulatory requirements.

Benefits

• Health coverage for you and your family through Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Life Insurance/AD&D
• Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work and personal support
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off and sick leave that begins accruing upon hire
• Employee Development Program (EDP)
• Paid holidays
• Direct deposit

Compensation will be determined based on skills, experience, and internal equity.