Job Description:

Job Title: Direct Support Professional (American Sign Language)

Location: Kansas City, Missouri

Department: Individualized Supported Living Services

Employment Type: Full-time

Shift: Monday - Friday (8:00am - 5:00pm CST)

Job Summary:

Are you a passionate and dedicated mental health professional looking to make a positive impact in the lives of children and adolescents? Do you want to work in a supportive and dynamic environment where you can grow your skills and advance your career? Join our team at Preferred Family Healthcare as a Direct Support Professional in the Kansas City, Missouri area!

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you will provide direct care and support to individuals with various disabilities and special needs, fostering their independence, promoting community integration, ensuring safety and well-being, collaborating with families and healthcare providers, documenting observations and interventions, participating in ongoing training, demonstrating cultural sensitivity, communicating effectively, and upholding ethical and legal standards. DSPs teach daily living skills, problem-solving strategies, communication techniques, and decision-making abilities while encouraging participation in community activities, recreational programs, educational opportunities, and social events. You will also monitor vital signs, report changes in behavior or condition, respond to emergencies, and participate in creating person-centered plans that address each client's unique needs and preferences.

Kansas City offers a high quality of life, affordable housing, excellent schools, and endless opportunities for entertainment, culture, and outdoor activities. Join us in making a difference in the lives of children and advancing your career!

Position Perks & Benefits:

* Employee benefits package - health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more**

* Paid time off - 29 days per year including vacation & holiday pay

* Mileage reimbursement - company paid for work functions requiring travel

* NHSC approved - eligible site for tax-free student loan assistance

* Top-notch training - initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive

* Career mobility - advancement opportunities/promoting from within

* Welcoming, warm, supportive - a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happiness

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide direct care and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, mental illness, or other special needs. This may include assistance with personal hygiene, dressing, grooming, toileting, mobility, medication administration, and meal preparation.
• Foster independence and self-determination by teaching daily living skills, problem-solving strategies, communication techniques, and decision-making abilities.
• Encourage participation in community activities, recreational programs, educational opportunities, and social events to promote integration and inclusion.
• Ensure safety and well-being of clients at all times, monitoring vital signs, reporting changes in behavior or condition, and responding appropriately to emergencies.
• Collaborate with family members, caregivers, and healthcare providers to create person-centered plans that address each client's unique needs and preferences.
• Document observations, interventions, and progress towards goals in accordance with agency policies and procedures, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to enhance knowledge and skills related to disability issues, advocacy, and evidence-based practices.
• Demonstrate respect, empathy, patience, and cultural sensitivity when working with diverse populations.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and external stakeholders regarding client status, program requirements, and quality assurance standards.
• Uphold ethical principles and legal guidelines governing the provision of direct support services, adhering to codes of conduct, licensing regulations, and relevant laws.

Education and/or Experience Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age; must have a high school diploma or GED.
• One year experience in the field of intellectual/developmental disabilities or in lieu of experience, must successfully complete training in the Missouri Quality Outcomes approved by the Division of DD regional office.

Additional Qualifications:

* A valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle.

* Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

* Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

* Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

* Compassion, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others.

Brightli is on a Mission:

A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance use care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients.

As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we value diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workforce and encourage applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. If you are passionate about empowering your local communities and promoting health equity, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization that is committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive and authentic workplace.

We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability or veteran status, or to other non-work related factors.

Supported Living and Employment Services is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.