Direct Support Professional-(BA or BS Degree required) (1 year+ experience)

About CHOICE
For more than 55 years, CHOICE has supported people with intellectual disabilities through personalized services, innovative programming, and meaningful community partnerships, creating spaces where every person is valued for who they are. Through education, supported employment, therapeutic recreation, and community integration, we empower those we serve to pursue the lives they envision for themselves. Guided by our motto,
“No Limits,” we work to remove barriers so individuals can continue to grow and realize their full potential while fully experiencing their community. When you join our team at CHOICE, you help people with disabilities find purpose, achievement, and belonging.

About the STARS Program
STARS is a specialized program within CHOICE designed for individuals who benefit from a higher level of support and are often under-served in our community. STARS offers a sensory-friendly environment centered on therapeutic, engaging activities. Working at STARS means building strong, meaningful connections with participants as you support them on a deeply personalized level.

About Our Team
We focus on hiring the right person, not just filling a position. We value each employee for who they are and what they can share with the CHOICE community. Our staff come from all walks of life: artists, athletes, travelers, gardeners, foodies, dog lovers, nature enthusiasts, rock climbers, and rock stars. What unites them is a shared passion for helping others discover what's possible.

About Those We Serve
They are the best part of our day, and the reason many of us stay at CHOICE for years. They are kind, funny, talented, unique, and endlessly inspiring. They want to know you, learn about your interests, and explore the world alongside you. They are your neighbors and community members. Come meet them! You’ll understand right away why this work matters.

Primary Responsibilities: A Direct Support Professional (DSP) coaches and supports people with intellectual disabilities at our centers and in the community, by providing the following services:

• Education and Enrichment: Plan and implement educational and recreational activities and programs in-center at the STARS site. Employees are strongly encouraged to share their individual talents, interests, and hobbies with our participants. Some topics include health and fitness, cooking, sensory integration, travel, arts and crafts, music, games, and much more.
• Employment Support: Provide job coaching, individualized training, and modifications to our participants who are competitively employed in community-based job settings, or for those who hold volunteer positions with various agencies.
• Community Integration: Provide the necessary supports for participants to safely access and participate in community-based recreational activities. This includes driving company vehicles to transport participants to and from community locations. Some examples include museums, sporting events, zoos, parks, and adaptive activities.
• Transportation: Using a company vehicle, drive a daily van route to transport 5-6 clients between their homes and CHOICE, both in the morning (8am-9am) and in the afternoon (3pm-4pm). The transportation zone for this position includes the communities of Waconia and Victoria.
• Support Plan Delivery: Receive instruction from Designated Coordinators to implement Positive Support Strategies in accordance with written Support Plans and Assessments. Follow written protocols to assist participants to achieve their daily or weekly goals and objectives. Collect data and report to Designated Coordinators for annual evaluation.
• Care and Supervision: Perform basic health, medical, and personal care procedures according to individual protocols. Provide proper supervision in accordance with licensing regulations, to ensure the safest environment possible.

Development Opportunity

CHOICE values employee development, and prioritizing promoting from within our team. DSPs with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree are eligible for advancement into the Designated Coordinator position. CHOICE is committed to developing the individual hired for this role and preparing them for promotion when a future opportunity becomes available. Advancement to the Designated Coordinator position includes a wage increase.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) strongly preferred, preferably in a Human Services–related field. A 2-year Associate’s degree plus at least 2 years of related professional experience may be considered in place of a 4-year degree.
• At least 1 year of experience providing direct care to people with disabilities is required.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record required.
• Must pass criminal background study.
• Ability to physically bend, stoop, reach, and lift at least 40 pounds
• Ability to communicate and present oneself with a professional demeanor

Benefits and Perks:

• $500 sign-on bonus after 90 days of employment
• Generous contribution to an ICHRA healthcare plan of your choosing from most major insurance providers
• Dental plan
• Vision Plan
• Long Term Disability and AD&D
• Life Insurance Policy
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Access to MN Paid Medical and Family Leave Program
• 401(k) Retirement Program with company match up to 4%
• Generous flexible PTO program (12 days in first year)
• Two additional weeks of fixed paid vacation time (1 week in July; 1 week in December)
• 7-8 additional paid holidays per year
• Annual Paid Day Off $200 bonus awarded on your anniversary
• Daily transportation stipends (up to an additional $13/day on top of base hourly wages)
• Cell phone allowance ($15/month)
• Eligibility for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program
• Use of company vehicle and gas card for work purposes
• A commitment from your employer to have an excellent work/life balance - no evenings, weekends, overnights, or taking work home!

Schedule & Hours: This position if full time, requiring a commitment to 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. All work is done in the field and on company premises. Remote work is not currently available.

CHOICE is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid orientation
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Developmental disabilities: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Hopkins, MN 55343: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $200