Direct Support Professional I (Homes)

About the role

This role operates in a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Setting, providing medical, social, and supportive services for individuals with functional, cognitive, and other physical or mental health needs.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the HCBS Supervisor and Programmer to develop individualized goals and provide direct support focusing on teaching skills, promoting independence, and encouraging participation in recreational and community activities.
• Use approved behavioral strategies to support individuals with challenging behaviors while respecting rights restrictions only as outlined by the interdisciplinary team and individual service plans.
• Complete accurate, timely, and Iowa Code-compliant documentation in Setworks, ensuring all required service details, interventions, and individual responses are properly recorded and submitted daily.
• Provide hands-on support in home and community settings, including daily living assistance, transportation, mobility support, safety monitoring, property respect, and active encouragement of choice and independence.
• Administer and document medications per the six rights, follow all agency policies and procedures, maintain reliable attendance (including weekends/holidays), complete required training, and communicate concerns or updates through appropriate channels.

Requirements

• Functional Experiences, Skills, & Requirements: The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and professional experiences:
• Mission-oriented: We're on a mission to empower people to reach individual achievement across the spectrum of life.
• An Attitude of Learning: The truth is, the field of caregiving is always changing and requires adaptability. We need people on our team who are always ready to learn new ways of doing things, helping people, and changing lives.
• Ability to Communicate Well: We're looking for people with strong communication abilities so we can rely on you to communicate effectively to the rest of the team and the people we serve.
• Confidence: We're looking for people who know how to balance being bold and being humble. We're looking for team members who are self-aware enough to know when to stand up as an advocate for others and when it's time to follow the leader.
• Age Requirement: Depending on the setting, we may have additional age requirements. For Supported Community Living settings (SCL), you must be at least 16 years of age. For Habilitation settings (HAB), you must be at least 18 years of age.
• Driver’s License: You'll be responsible for transportation at times, so we need to trust your ability to be safe behind the wheel.
• Educational Requirement: While no higher education is necessary, we do look for candidates who have obtained their diploma or the equivalent representing their high school education.
• Work Authorization: Candidates must be able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Physical Demands

• Must remain awake during working hours.
• May assist in the transfer of individuals to/from wheelchair, chair, bed, toilet, vehicle, etc.
• May require lifting at times, up to 35 pounds. Lifting more than 35# requires the use of a two-person lift, mechanical lift, or assistive equipment.
• May attend and participate in activities of consumer’s choice (e.g., church services, swimming, bowling, etc.).
• May require prolonged walking and standing for up to eight hours.
• May require frequent bending, stooping, and stretching.
• May require driving for up to eight hours.
• May experience various climatic conditions.
• May require working with difficult emotional and physical behaviors (e.g., seizures, physical aggression, etc.).
• Must have ability to see objects/persons at a distance.
• Must have ability to see close work such as typed or handwritten material.
• Must have ability to hear conversations in a quiet and a noisy environment.
• Must have ability to determine where a sound is coming from.
• Must have ability to hear differences among bells, buzzers, beeps, horns, etc.
• Must have ability to communicate through speech.
• Must have ability to drive and transport for service provision as needed.
• Must remain awake during working hours, if applicable.

Pay

$17/hr + depending on experience and education