CHOICES Lead Direct Support Professional

Starting wage: $20.50/hour

About the role

The Lead Direct Support Professional plays a vital role in empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their person-centered goals. Working directly with the people supported, they provide hands-on assistance and supervision while consistently acting in the best interests of those they serve and advocating for their rights. In addition to direct support responsibilities, the Lead Direct Support Professional serves as a positive and motivating role model for both staff and the individuals they support. They facilitate daily group activities, create an inclusive environment that fosters growth and skill development, and adhere to the policies and procedures of Volunteers of America, Dakotas.

Responsibilities

• Perform in accordance with the policies and procedures of Volunteers of America, Dakotas.
• Maintain confidentiality and act respectfully toward the people supported.
• Advocate for the rights of the people supported and promote the agency positively.
• Act as a positive and motivating role model for staff and individuals supported.
• Participate in professional development activities, including Person-Centered Thinking (PCT).
• Read and be familiar with pertinent information regarding the people supported (medical, developmental, family, programs, etc.).
• Complete necessary paperwork accurately and on time.
• Accurately complete, maintain, and submit all documentation and written records as required by the agency:
  • Complete assessments and participate in ISP meetings.
  • Complete/compile daily data and run monthly reports.
  • Oversee Person-Centered goal implementation and outcomes.
• Provide feedback and direction to staff regarding daily program implementation.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and learning-conducive environment.
• Act in accordance with policies regarding individual safety (First Aid, Fires, Tornado, Missing Persons, Medical Emergencies, Abuse, etc.).
• Follow each individual's daily schedule and facilitate daily group activities.
• Provide positive learning experiences and assist with community involvement (volunteering, work crews, library, etc.).
• Manage and maintain work areas.
• Provide communication specific to supervision based on the needs of those supported, both on-site and in the community.
• Mentor, train, and support Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).
• Communicate program changes to DSPs and maintain confidentiality.
• Facilitate teamwork via open communication, sharing responsibilities, and a positive attitude.
• Administer and check medications when necessary (if med certified).
• Report concerns regarding individuals supported or staff to your direct supervisor.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and trainings.
• Assist with maintenance of agency vehicles (fueling, cleaning, repair requests, etc.).
• Provide transportation as needed; local travel required, occasional out-of-town travel may be required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED) is required.
• Bachelor’s Degree (four-year college or technical school) preferred, field of study: Counseling, Social Work, or related Human Services field.
• Six months of experience or an equivalent combination of education/experience.
• Excellent communication and time management skills.
• Valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
• Consistent exercise of discretion and judgment in performing duties.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, manually manipulate, reach outward and above shoulders, speak, climb, crawl, squat, kneel, and bend on a daily basis.
• Capability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs on a daily basis.

Pay

$20.50/hour

Schedule

Full-time position requiring a flexible schedule.