Direct Support Professional - Community Mentor (DSP)

Make a Living While Making a Difference as a Direct Support Professional (Mentor) with Advocates!

Position Summary: The Mentor works in Self Directed Community Habilitation assisting the individual receiving services in meeting his or her goals as identified in their service plan. The Mentor is an important link between the participant, the Broker/Community Habilitation Coordinator, the community, and the family/ Circle of Support acting as both a provider of direct support but also as an advocate promoting person centered services and community inclusion. The mentor, depending on the plan, may be involved in work that takes place in the home or the community and may involve providing residential support and community support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Follow guidelines and instructions given by the Broker/ASCH Coordinator and the individual/ circle of support to meet the individual’s specific support needs
2. Provide documentation to assist with evaluating service goals
3. Make recommendations as well as offer ideas and suggestions to increase opportunities for community inclusion
4. Teach skills needed to meet the individual’s goals, as identified in the individual’s plan.
5. Follow safeguards as identified in the plan.
6. Provide safe and reliable transportation for individuals in the community.
7. Follow health and safety practices including universal precautions at all times.
8. Submit daily documentation consistent with Medicaid compliance.
9. Maintain confidentiality of all information
10. Participate in required orientation and annual training
11. Maintain safe driving practices and submit updated license and driving insurance information throughout employment
12. Follow all policies and procedures of the organization.

Key Performance Indicators:

1. Demonstrate OPWDD Core Competencies and follow OPWDD Code of Ethics
2. Shows respect for the individual and promotes the individual’s dignity
3. Safeguard the individual
4. Compliance with documentation and other requirements
5. Follow the goals and safeguards identified in the plan.

Pay Rate: The hourly rate for indirect/training is $16 an hour. Depending on the individual supported, the direct pay rate ranges from $16-$34 an hour. 

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must have a valid email address.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and auto insurance if required for the job assigned.
• Must demonstrate sound decision-making skills.
• Must demonstrate understanding for the Agency mission. People working in this position must believe in the philosophy of person-centered services, self-advocacy, and the right and ability of people we serve to self-direct their supports and services.
• Must demonstrate patience and compassion.
• Must have the ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and have the ability to write correspondence.
• Must have basic reasoning skills including the ability to analyze and problem solve.
• Must be able to tolerate a moderate noise level in the work environment and must be able to handle distractions.
• Ability to handle physical aspects of the job, including sitting, standing, using hands to reach, walk, push, or lift up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Background checks required
• Education & Experience: GED or High School Diploma preferred. Applicable job experience preferred.
• Desired Skills and Abilities: previous experience working 1:1 in a related service environment preferred. Knowledge of disability related issues preferred.
• Other: The individual does not have the authority to set the staff salary in this model. The Mentor is paid at the provider’s rate for the service based on an assessment of the specific support needs of the individual in the areas of behavioral support, communication support, and physical support needs.

Salary : $16 - $34