This position is based out of the Waverly, Virginia area.

The Direct Support Professional assists and supports individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities primarily in their own home or family home to maintain their health and wellness, learn important life skills for independence, explore their community in meaningful ways, increase independence in their own home, learn about public resources in their own community, encourage relationship building and developing friendships, find ways to have fun through activities and events, and to empower each person in services to achieve their goals. This position may also include shifts in the day support center.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitate cognitive interventions; train in functional skills related to personal care (toileting, bathing, grooming, dressing, eating, etc.)
• Demonstrates effective and professional communication with persons served and their families/support systems as well as with providers serving the persons served while setting and maintaining professional boundaries.
• Assist with personal care and ADLs (completing personal care tasks when physically unable to do so, ensure hygiene and eating needs are met, complete daily tasks).
• Train in functional skills related to use of community resources (transportation, shopping, social and recreational activities, etc.)
• Monitor health and physical condition and assist with medication, if they have completed medication management, or medical needs as applicable
• Recognizing and reporting suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation.
• Supervise to ensure health and safety of individuals.
• Facilitate behavioral supports as appropriate; train in adaptive behavior for home and community (redirecting anger, handling social encounters with others, developing a circle of support).
• Facilitate active involvement of persons served and families/support systems in the service delivery process; maintain knowledge of individuals’ daily goals and document work on achieving those daily goals.
• Handling developmental and life transitions; being knowledgeable of community resources; connecting individual(s) with community resources
• Complete and turn in required documentation in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate time by clocking in and out at the start and end of shift.
• Maintain current personal car insurance and registration.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED

• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation
• At least 6 months to a year of DSP experience
• 1 year of experience working with individuals with disabilities (preferred)
• Ability to deal with others using courtesy, tact, and good judgment.
• Clean driving record
• Appropriate safety equipment and first aid kit in personal vehicle.

BENEFITS TO JOINING OUR TEAM

• 401(K) matching
• Dental Insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance
• Tuition reimbursement