Day Program Support Staff

For over 50 years, CHOICE has been creating partnerships and programs that enrich the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Through education, supported employment, therapeutic recreation, and community integration, our organization supports participants to achieve the life they so desire for themselves. Our motto is "No Limits", and our goal is to remove any perceived barriers to enable our participants to realize their full potential, and to experience all that their community has to offer.

When you join our team at CHOICE, you help people with disabilities feel a sense of purpose, achievement, and belonging. We prioritize hiring the right person for the job, valuing each employee for who they are and what they can share with the CHOICE community. Our employees come from all walks of life—artists, athletes, travelers, nature lovers, foodies, and more—all passionate about helping others find joy.

Our participants are kind, funny, unique, and talented individuals who inspire us daily. They want to get to know you, learn about your passions, and share adventures. They are your neighbors and members of your community.

Responsibilities

• Education and Enrichment: Plan and implement educational and recreational activities and programs in CHOICE centers. Share your individual talents, interests, and hobbies with participants (e.g., health and fitness, cooking, sensory integration, travel, the arts, independent living skills).
• Employment Support: Provide job coaching, individualized training, and modifications for participants competitively employed in community-based jobs or volunteer positions.
• Community Integration: Support participants in safely accessing and participating in community-based recreational activities, including driving company vehicles to transport them to locations like museums, sporting events, zoos, parks, and adaptive activities.
• Support Plan Delivery: Implement Positive Support Strategies as instructed by Designated Coordinators, following written Support Plans and Assessments. Assist participants in achieving daily or weekly goals, collect data, and report progress for annual evaluations.
• Care and Supervision: Perform basic health, medical, and personal care procedures according to individual protocols. Provide supervision in accordance with licensing regulations to ensure a safe environment.
• Development Opportunity: DSPs with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree are eligible for promotion to the Designated Coordinator position. CHOICE aims to promote hires within approximately 1 year, with a wage increase to $23.00/hour upon promotion.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) strongly preferred, preferably in a Human Services–related field. A 2-year Associate’s degree plus at least 2 years of related professional experience may substitute.
• At least 1 year of experience providing direct care to people with disabilities.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Must pass a criminal background study.
• Ability to physically bend, stoop, reach, and lift at least 40 pounds.
• Professional demeanor and strong communication skills.

Benefits

• $500 sign-on bonus after 90 days of employment.
• Generous contribution to an ICHRA healthcare plan (compatible with most major insurance providers).
• Health Partners Dental plan.
• Guardian Vision Plan.
• Long Term Disability and AD&D insurance.
• Life Insurance Policy.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Access to MN Paid Medical and Family Leave Program.
• 401(k) Retirement Program with company match up to 4%.
• Generous flexible PTO program (12 days in first year).
• Two additional weeks of fixed paid vacation time (1 week in July; 1 week in December).
• 7-8 additional paid holidays per year.
• Annual Paid Day Off + $200 bonus awarded on your work anniversary.
• Daily transportation stipends (up to an additional $13/day on top of base hourly wages).
• Cell phone allowance ($15/month).
• Eligibility for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program.
• Use of company vehicle and gas card for work purposes.
• Commitment to work/life balance: no evenings, weekends, overnights, or taking work home.

Pay

$20-$21/hour (DOE). Wage increases to $23.00/hour upon promotion to Designated Coordinator.

Schedule

30–40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 AM–4:00 PM. Start and end times may be flexible depending on assignments. All work is in-office; remote work is not available.