Direct Support Professional - Full Time (8132)

POSITION DETAILS

Job Title: Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Department: Community Supports
Reports To: Program Coordinator, Community Supports
Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt
Schedule: Generally, 30–40 hours per week, depending on agency needs. Additional hours may be available based on billable service needs.

JOB SUMMARY

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in community, home, and day program settings. This position assists individuals in achieving personal goals, enhancing their quality of life, and promoting independence.

CORE VALUES

• Innovation: Evolving through continuous discovery to create impactful improvements.
• Dignity: Recognizing and advocating for the value of all.
• Equity: Promoting inclusion by celebrating uniqueness.
• Accountability: Taking responsibility for actions, behaviors, and performance.
• Leadership: Influencing and supporting others to be their best selves.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Professional Conduct and Person-Centered Support
• Uphold the agency’s Core Values and Code of Conduct.
• Foster an environment that supports person-centered thinking and practices.

Individual Support
• Provide direct care and support in accordance with each individual’s individualized service plan (ISP).
• Assist with daily living activities, including personal hygiene, meal preparation, and medication administration.
• Support individuals in developing and maintaining personal relationships, social skills, and community involvement.

Community and Home Services
• Accompany individuals on community outings and activities, supporting their safety and engagement.
• Facilitate participation in community events, recreational activities, and volunteer opportunities.
• Assist individuals in their homes with household tasks, budgeting, and other life skills.

Day Program Activities
• Plan and implement meaningful activities and skill-building exercises.
• Monitor and document progress toward individual goals.
• Foster a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages participation and personal growth.

Advocacy and Empowerment
• Advocate for individuals’ rights and needs, promoting self-determination and informed decision-making.
• Encourage individuals to express their preferences and make choices about daily activities and future goals.

Health and Safety
• Maintain a safe environment by following health and safety protocols, including emergency procedures.
• Monitor and report health or behavioral concerns to appropriate personnel.

Documentation and Communication
• Maintain accurate and timely records of services provided, including daily logs, incident reports, and service delivery notes.
• Communicate effectively with team members, families, and other stakeholders regarding individual needs and progress.

Training and Development
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development regarding best practices in direct support.
• Apply strategies learned through training to enhance service delivery.

OTHER DUTIES

This job description is not intended to provide a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED). Equivalent substitutions in education or experience may be considered.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license to operate agency vehicles.
• Acceptable driving record, defined as fewer than three moving violations within three years.
• Access to a reliable and safe vehicle for transporting people served.
• Maintain at least the state-required minimum automobile insurance coverage for any personal vehicle used for agency business.
• Good computer skills and effective oral and written communication skills.
• Maintain First Aid/CPR certification and Core A and B medication administration certification.
• Complete MANDT crisis intervention training upon hire.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of this position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Build and maintain positive working relationships with community organizations, family members, and other support service providers.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with people served, families, and providers while treating everyone with dignity and respect.
• Work with minimal supervision, exercising sound judgment, initiative, and flexibility.
• Represent The Arc of Evansville professionally through effective communication, conduct, and working relationships.
• Serve as a positive role model and interact with others in an attentive, courteous, and timely manner.

WORK SCHEDULE AND CONDITIONS

• Work flexible or nonstandard hours, including some evenings, weekends, and holidays, to meet the needs of people served.
• Work in a variety of agency, home, and community settings.
• May be exposed to hot and cold temperatures and inclement weather.
• May be exposed to pets in the homes of people served.
• Mileage reimbursement is provided for eligible work-related travel.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The following requirements reflect the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified employees with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Hear, see, speak, read, and write on a constant basis.
• Frequently use a computer keyboard.
• Regularly lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Sit, stand, and stoop for extended periods while working in agency, home, and community settings.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Arc of Evansville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other legally protected status.