Therapeutic Program Worker – Direct Support Professional

About the Role

The Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) is a trauma-informed care agency focused on implementing our core values and providing support to people with developmental disabilities. We oversee a statewide system of supportive services that focus on ensuring health and safety, supporting access to community participation, and increasing opportunities for meaningful employment. Our mission is to partner with people and communities to support Ohioans with developmental disabilities and their families in realizing their version of a good life. Our core values are Inclusion, Partnership, and Respect.

A Therapeutic Program Worker (TPW) is a direct care worker who helps residents with daily living skills and assists them in becoming more independent to achieve their goals. Support given to the individual will vary based on each person’s needs and capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Assists with eating, bathing, toileting, personal hygiene, oral hygiene, dressing, grooming, communication, money management, etiquette, and social skills
• Implements active treatment activities such as gym, pavilion, activity room, and pool
• Assists with planning and shopping activities (e.g., shopping, vocational skills, hair appointments)
• Completes various daily and monthly documentation, including documentation of any unusual incidents or reporting any reaction to medication
• Performs light housekeeping duties in the living areas
• Assists with redirecting unsafe actions to bring about positive outcomes

Qualifications

• Formal education in arithmetic (addition and subtraction) and in reading, writing, and speaking common English vocabulary
• High school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalence pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code 5123:2-3-01(F)(1)(c)
• For positions at Veteran Services: STNA certification and/or listing on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry (in addition to the above)
• For positions requiring operation of a motor vehicle to transport consumers to recreational, educational, and/or occupational activities: a valid driver’s license
• Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting pay: $23.28 per hour
• First raise in 4 months (increase to $23.65 per hour)
• Multiple pay increases over the first 3.5 years of service, with an end salary of $26.54 per hour for first-shift employees (not including overtime or shift differential)
• Shift differential pay for 2nd and 3rd shifts
• Tuition reimbursement through the Employee Development Program
• Medical coverage available the 1st of the month following start date
• Free dental and vision after 1 year
• Generous benefits package including vacation, sick, holiday, and personal leave
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off: vacation, personal, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave
• Education and development opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public retirement systems (OPERS, STRS, SERS, HPRS) and optional deferred compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors; the agency contact can provide specific benefits information for this position.

Work Details

Schedule: Permanent – Part Time
Work Hours: Varies
Location: 2500 Ohio Avenue, Gallipolis, Ohio 45631-1699, United States
Union: OCSEA
Classified Indicator: Classified
Primary Job Skill: Direct Support/Direct Care
Contact: Gina Silva, Gina.Silva@DODD.ohio.gov