Direct Support Professional I (Hourly)

About the Role

This role operates in a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Setting, defined as "medical, social, and supportive services for Iowans with functional, cognitive, and other physical or mental health needs" (Iowa Health & Human Services). Rather than institutionalizing individuals who have these physical and mental health needs, HCBS settings provide these individuals with the opportunity to live and receive services in a way honoring to them and their abilities. Hourly Direct Support Professionals are the heartbeat of what we do at Imagine the Possibilities – empowering people to reach individual achievement across the spectrum of life. As an integral part of the overall care team, you will collaborate with other Direct Support Professionals, Programmers, Supervisors, individuals-served, and their families to ensure the best possible care for those you serve. You will fulfill an individual's behavioral care plan by creatively strategizing the best way for each individual to reach and exceed their goals.

Responsibilities

• Goal Development & Individualized Support: Collaborate with the HCBS Supervisor and Programmer to develop individualized goals and provide direct support that focuses on teaching skills, promoting independence, and encouraging participation in community and recreational activities.
• Behavioral & Rights-Based Care: Implement approved behavioral strategies to support individuals with challenging behaviors while ensuring rights restrictions are only used when determined by the interdisciplinary team and included in the service plan.
• Accurate Documentation & Compliance: Complete timely, detailed, and Iowa Code–compliant documentation in Setworks, including all required service information, interventions, and individual responses, ensuring accuracy, legibility, and proper recordkeeping standards.
• Direct Care, Safety & Advocacy: Provide safe, respectful, and least-restrictive support in home and community settings while promoting individual choice, independence, dignity, and advocacy for greater self-determination.
• Medication, Attendance & Professional Responsibility: Administer and document medications following the six rights, maintain reliable attendance (including weekends/holidays), follow call-in procedures, secure coverage when needed, comply with agency policies, complete training, and communicate concerns appropriately.

Qualifications

• Mission-oriented: We're on a mission to empower people to reach individual achievement across the spectrum of life.
• An Attitude of Leaning: 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: Strong communication abilities to communicate effectively to the rest of the team and the people we serve.
• Confidence: Ability to balance being bold and being humble, 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: At least 16 years of age.
• Driver's License: Valid driver's license with reliable transportation.
• Insurance: Proof of automobile insurance covering $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 liability coverage.
• Educational Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Work Authorization: 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.

Benefits

• Competitive Wages: Base pay is $15/hour. With education and experience, you could start out making more than that.
• Scheduling: We're a 24/7 service provider, offering a schedule based on program needs.
• Training: This is an entry-level position, and we provide comprehensive training to ensure every employee feels confident and supported as they get started.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): We all deserve a break now and then – don't feel bad about taking time for you.
• 401k Retirement Plan: Secure your future with a cushioned fund that will allow you to live your best life.
• Comprehensive Insurance Plans: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Pre-Paid Legal Services: Be prepared for the things you just can't be prepared for on your own.
• Discounted Costco or Sam's Club Memberships: What can we say? We know a great deal when we see one.
• Advancement Opportunities: We believe in your future, which is why we have a specifically designed leadership development opportunity purposed to launch your career.
• Employee Assistance Program: We're there for you through all life's ups and downs.