Direct Support Professional

Job description

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) assist people who need support to lead self-directed lives and participate fully in their communities. DSPs recognize the unique gifts, preferences and needs of each person supported. DSPs recognize the personhood of people they support. They partner with them in making informed decisions and everyday choices about their finances, well-being, relationships, and employment. DSPs will use knowledge, skills (competencies), and values (7TH & Madison Code of Ethics) to guide their work and provide quality services. DSPs continue to learn and develop their professional abilities through ongoing in-service and self-directed education and training. DSPs understand that quality services occur at the point of interaction with the people that they support. DSPs realize that their role includes being a mentor and a facilitator. Direct Support Professionals inform the people they support regarding their responsibilities and advocate with them for their valued role in society. DSPs empower people they support to have meaningful relationships with friends, their families, and promote integration and inclusion in all our nation’s communities. DSPs respect the privacy of the people they support and commit to promote their physical and emotional well-being.

The ideal candidate for this position has a bachelor’s (preferred), or high school diploma, a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and a genuine desire to work with individuals with developmental disabilities.
One week of paid orientation (M-F 9am-5pm) is required prior to the start of your assignment. Ongoing paid training outside of normal work hours is also required.

Responsibilities:

• Assists individuals’ needs and develops an effective counseling/support relationship
• Provides assistance with activities of daily living, and helps with fire drills and/or other health and safety issues as needed
• Provides assistance with daily living skills, supportive counseling, and direct care assistance
• Follows treatment plan, ensures the member’s health and safety, and promotes independence and person-centered planning
• Helps with food shopping, menu planning, and meal preparation
• Communicates ongoing care results and updates to relevant parties
• Collaborates with families and superiors for best care opportunities
• Helps to arrange and attend social activities
• Transports members to medical appointments, recreation activities, etc.
• Helps ensure a safe, clean, organized, environment
• Ensures that required documentation is complete and is in compliance with regulations and standards
• Helps resolve member and family concerns
• Attends required trainings, staff meetings, and other meetings/events as requested
• Performs other duties as required
• Maintain CPR and First Aid Certifications

Qualifications

• High school diploma or Bachelor degree required
• Experience working with adults with developmental disabilities
• Valid driver’s license
• Car to use for work purposes
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written
• Basic computer skills required, including agency software programs
• Willing and able to attend required trainings outside of normal work hours

License/Certification:

• First Aid Certification (Required)
• Reliable transportation and proof of auto insurance (Required)
• Driver’s License and Less than 5 points on Driver’s License (Required)

Desired Qualities of a Direct Support Professional at 7TH & Madison

• Respect
• Professionalism
• Integrity
• Compassion

Benefits

• At 7TH & Madison, you will be appreciated and recognized for great work with competitive pay
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision Care
• Life Insurance
• Workers Compensation Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Generous PTO
• Employees of the Year Award
• Professional Development
• Paid Training
• Staff Recruitment Incentive
• Employee of the Month
• Earned Sick Leave

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