Direct Support Professional

Ready to make a difference? Join our ServiceSource family as a Community Integration Specialist (Direct Support Professional) in our Day Support Program at the picturesque Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, VA. This rewarding career fosters community engagement and personal growth in a unique, supportive environment.

About the Role

At Ellmore Farmhouse, we provide a relaxed and supportive environment that stands out from traditional day support programs. Here’s what makes our program unique:

• Community Integration: Work and volunteer in Frying Pan Farm Park, engaging with the community and participating in farm activities. Assist participants in giving tours of the historic Ellmore House.
• Skill Development: Help participants develop job-related skills in our café and store, providing exceptional customer service while fostering independence.
• Intimate Setting: Enjoy a small-site feel with a maximum of 22 participants, allowing for meaningful connections and personalized support.
• Active Engagement: Utilize our expansive field for sports and group activities, keeping the atmosphere fun and dynamic.
• Low-Intensity Support: Work in a regular intensity site with eager participants who are ready to learn and grow.
• Volunteering Opportunities: Engage with animals, gardens, and the Herndon community through various volunteering opportunities at the farm.

Responsibilities

• Create and facilitate engaging daily activities, fostering community participation and skill-building for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Build trusting relationships with participants, providing essential support in areas such as communication, mobility, personal care, and safety.
• Collaborate on Person Centered Plans (PCPs), helping participants achieve their goals and growth.
• Identify and schedule meaningful, integrated, inclusive community-based activities and volunteer opportunities that target a variety of settings and a range of skills.
• Coordinate with assigned staff to maximize the utilization of resources.
• Design, coordinate, and implement curricula targeting skill-building necessary to support independence.
• Gather input from persons served to create a monthly schedule of events to ensure person-centered desires, preferences, and outcomes are met.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly environment. Immediately report any unsafe conditions or medical concerns to the Program Manager or designee.
• Follow established written protocols and plans. Report any allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation according to ServiceSource policies and procedures.
• Provide support in program design, development, and implementation.
• Ensure programs are operated according to CARF, Licensing, Medicaid Waiver, and other regulatory standards.
• Monitor services being provided by assigned personnel to ensure the needs of individuals served are met.
• Adhere to health and safety regulations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED).
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in human services or other related field.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience working with adults with developmental disabilities or in a related field.
• Must pass the State of Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) fingerprinting and criminal background check.
• Employees who drive individuals in the community must possess a current and valid driver's license with a good motor vehicle record (MVR). If eligible to drive, must pass the online driving training within 15 days of hire.

Skills

• Ability to relate well to people at all levels of an organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office skills, and the ability to become familiar with corporate-specific programs and software.
• Ability to solve practical problems and adapt to new information and guidance quickly.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail-oriented and able to carry out work with the highest levels of accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to speak professionally and effectively before groups of customers or employees.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to develop and implement professionally written plans and supporting documentation.
• Ability to initiate and lead age-appropriate and engaging activities, social groups, etc., with individuals within the program, virtually and in the community.
• Knowledge of the community and its resources.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly required to stand; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to walk and sit.
• May occasionally lift or move products and supplies, up to 30 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
• Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.

Benefits

• Starting pay at $18/hr with opportunities for growth.
• Consistent schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.
• Generous PTO: Over three weeks of paid time off during your first year and eleven federal holidays observed.
• Career advancement: Established promotion opportunities and clear career pathways.
• Education support: Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
• Wellness incentives: $500 annual wellness reimbursement.
• Comprehensive benefits: Robust health, vision, and dental coverage, retirement matching, and generous life and disability insurance options.
• For benefit-eligible employees: Health coverage (medical, dental, vision), 100% company-paid disability, life, and accidental death & dismemberment insurance, 403(b)-retirement plan with company match (up to 3%), flexible spending and health savings accounts, employee assistance program, wellness program, and tuition assistance.