DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP)

SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday, 2:00 pm-10:00 pm (Full Time)

ENVIRONMENT: Group home in a Stone Mountain, GA residential community.

CLIENTELE: Four adult females ages 40s-50s.

PAY: $13.00 per hour. Payday is every other Friday and direct deposit is required.

BENEFITS: SMILE does not offer health/medical insurance, paid time off, or holiday pay.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

St. Mary’s Independent Living Extensions (SMILE) is a non-profit organization that serves adults with Autism, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), as well as IDD/MI (Mental Illness) which refers to individuals with an intellectual/developmental disability who concurrently experience a mental health condition. Individuals are served in their homes, at our day program, and in the community.

• We are seeking personable, enthusiastic, and engaged DSPs who have the desire to help others and the compassion to provide hands-on care.
• We are seeking DSPs who have experience addressing and redirecting challenging behaviors as well as managing other complex care needs.
• The DSP will follow guidelines and specific instructions pertaining to care plans, protocols, and other individualized support needs.
• The DSP will supervise and/or assist with activities of daily living, personal care needs, fitness goals, healthy food choices, and housekeeping tasks.
• The DSP will support the expression of spiritual beliefs and accompany the individuals to places of worship.
• The DSP will encourage attitudes and behaviors that enhance the individual's ability to connect with others to build and maintain meaningful relationships.
• The DSP will provide education, direct training, supervision, and documentation of services regarding progress towards achieving goals and expressing the individual's choices, ideas, and aspirations.

OTHER DESIRED QUALITIES: Initiative, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Accountability

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Must enjoy working with individuals who have different needs both on a one-on-one basis and in a group setting.
• Must talk to and interact with individuals courteously and be sensitive to their verbal and nonverbal communication with regard to attitude (self-control, self-discipline, cooperation, tone of voice and volume, and language usage).
• Must agree to maintain the confidentiality of personal health information of the individuals.
• Must demonstrate a respectful, professional manner when interacting with the individuals, families, colleagues, management, advocates, support coordinators, community members, service workers, and regulatory personnel.
• Must be able to effectively coach, motivate, and support the individuals to achieve personal goals as outlined in the Individual Service Plan (ISP), Behavior Support Plan (BSP) and provide guidance and assistance in order to engage the individuals in meaningful activities within the home and in the community.
• Must maintain watchful supervision, leaving no one unattended to maximize safety and promptly report changes in the individual's health and/or physical condition.
• Must transport and accompany individuals to their medical appointments, preferred venues, activities, and events in the community as scheduled.
• Must have consistent and predictable attendance, adhere to the assigned work schedule, and arrive to work timely.
• Must be able to work as a team player sharing ideas and offering solutions while using critical thinking skills and sound judgment.
• Must be able to communicate well - verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to write detailed, daily notes about the activities the individuals participate in and the interactions and connections they have while in the community. MANDATORY: Documentation must be completed daily while on duty prior to the end of the work shift. Notes and other documentation are to be entered by using a web-based software program called Therap.
• Must be proficient at using smartphones, computers, and related software, email, phone conferencing, and video communications such as Zoom to exchange information.
• Must be able to comprehend and analyze information, perform simple math computations, define problems, collect data, and draw conclusions.
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, run, lift, bend, push, pull, reach, stoop, climb, cook, clean, drive, etc.
• Must be trustworthy and honest, especially with agency resources and materials.
• Must adhere to company policies and procedures.
• Must seek and follow the advice and directives of supervisors, respecting the chain of command.
• Must maintain training and certification requirements to be eligible for ongoing employment.
• Must be friendly and cooperative, flexible, and adaptable to complete other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of a high school diploma/GED or equivalent.
• At least 1 year of professional experience understanding and working with people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental health issues, and/or aging with the focus being on community-based, person-centered programs.
• Must have a valid Georgia driver's license, a satisfactory motor vehicle record (MVR), a reliable vehicle/specific plan for personal transportation, and maintain and provide proof of valid motor vehicle insurance.
• Must always maintain a working contact telephone number.
• Must provide TB screening with negative test results, CPR/First Aid Certification, and other required certifications.
• Must be able to pass a National Criminal Background Test.

COVID-19/Other:
SMILE complies with CDC guidelines, standard precautions, and practicing social distancing while providing PPE to employees, clientele, and visitors to maximize safety for everyone.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $13.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Paid orientation
• Paid training
• Referral program
• Safety equipment provided

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Application Question(s):

• Are you available to work Monday - Friday from 2pm-10pm?

Experience:

• Caregiving: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person