The Baddour Center Transitional Homes

The Baddour Center is a 120-acre residential community in Northwest Mississippi dedicated to supporting adults with intellectual disabilities. The Center provides housing, personal care, vocational opportunities, and recreation, fostering spiritual, intellectual, social, and emotional growth. With nearly 40 years of operation, it has evolved into a thriving community and completed a comprehensive master plan in 2017 to enhance residents' quality of life, campus appearance, financial health, and operational efficiency.

About the Role

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) plays a key role in the transitional model of care, where residents live mostly independently with daytime support. DSPs assist residents in navigating daily life, promoting independence while ensuring safety and well-being. This role requires a deep understanding of the unique needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism, including their daily experiences, stressors, and social dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Provide daytime support to residents in transitional homes, fostering independence while ensuring safety and well-being.
• Assist residents with daily activities, including personal care, vocational tasks, and recreational programs.
• Engage residents in social, emotional, and intellectual growth opportunities.
• Collaborate with staff and residents to create a low-stress, organized, and healthy living environment.
• Promote choice and autonomy for residents, allowing them to preview activities or maintain privacy as needed.
• Support residents in navigating their home, campus, and broader community.
• Participate in resident engagement and feedback processes to continuously improve living conditions.

Requirements

• Compassion and patience for working with adults with intellectual disabilities and autism.
• Ability to understand and respond to the unique needs and stressors of residents.
• Commitment to fostering independence, choice, and community integration.
• Willingness to collaborate with staff, residents, and families to create a supportive environment.
• Flexibility to adapt to the evolving needs of residents and the community.

About the Housing

The new transitional homes are 3,532-square-foot residences designed to house five residents each. Features include:

• Five private bedrooms with accessible bathrooms.
• Shared living, dining, and kitchen areas.
• A meeting space, half bath, and laundry facilities.
• A direct support staff desk for observation and assistance.
• Covered parking for golf carts and bicycles.
• Outdoor gathering spaces and gardens with local plant materials.
• Porches offering shaded respite and connection to the outdoors.

The design prioritizes low sensory stress, organizational clarity, safety, and health while avoiding social conflict and promoting resident choice. The homes are environmentally conscious, with natural light, views, and connections to the site, weather, and seasons. Light chimneys in each bedroom bring in morning sun, and windows are strategically placed to illuminate rooms throughout the day.