Direct Support Professional

About the role

Direct support professionals are responsible for the direct supervision of adults with disabilities in various settings such as the home, community, and vocational sites. They see to the specific needs of each client served, provide and teach opportunities, offer options for informed choice, and follow guidelines according to clients' service and support plans. Direct support professionals report to program supervisors.

Responsibilities

• Household Management: Assist individuals with household tasks (e.g., meal preparation, laundry, cleaning, and decorating) and transportation to maximize their skills, abilities, and independence.
• Facilitation of Services: Fulfill roles related to individual service plan development, implementation, and review.
• Health and Wellness: Promote the health and wellness of all clients.
• Organizational Participation: Support the organizational mission, vision, and values.
• Documentation: Manage documentation requirements efficiently.
• Client Empowerment: Enhance individuals' ability to lead self-determining lives by providing support and information to build self-esteem, assertiveness, and decision-making skills.
• Assessment: Use formal and informal assessment practices to respond to the needs, desires, and interests of individuals.
• Advocacy: Understand the diverse challenges facing individuals (e.g., human rights, client rights).
• Community and Service Networking: Identify and assist individuals in accessing formal and informal community supports.
• Building and Maintaining Friendships and Relationships: Support participants in developing friendships and other relationships.
• Communication: Use effective communication strategies and skills to establish collaborative relationships with individuals.
• Crisis Intervention: Apply crisis prevention, intervention, and resolution techniques tailored to specific circumstances and individuals.
• Professionalism: Pursue knowledge and information necessary to perform job duties.
• Vocational, Educational, and Career Support: Address career and education-related concerns of individuals.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age (21 years for driving positions).
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Some experience in providing community supports to people with developmental disabilities.
• Strong reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and automobile insurance.
• Willingness to perform any reasonable request to meet the needs of the persons served.
• Ability to use computer applications such as word processors and email efficiently.
• Capable of working with adults with developmental disabilities through verbal communication to instruct, demonstrate, train, and cooperate.
• Physical ability to stand, sit, bend, lift, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and move intermittently.
• Frequently lift/move up to 25 pounds.