Direct Support Professional (LS)

Job Summary: 

The ideal candidate is a passionate educator who can develop, prepare, and deliver curriculum for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This individual will create engaging learning experiences, adapt instruction to meet diverse needs, and foster an inclusive environment that supports growth, independence, and lifelong learning. The Direct Support Professional establishes a secure and positive environment that nurtures the client’s self-expression, needs, and goals. Responsible for daily functions of the Life Skills Program under the supervision of the Life Skills Coordinator. Document client information including attendance, progress, health, and behavioral concerns in Therap.  Provide safe transportation of clients on assigned routes (if applicable)

Essential Job function includes: 

• Develop, prepare, and deliver engaging educational curriculum and learning activities tailored to the needs and abilities of adults with IDD.
• Adapt instructional materials and teaching methods to support diverse learning styles and individual goals.
• Facilitate classroom and small-group instruction that promotes skill development, independence, and lifelong learning.
• Assess participant progress and modify curriculum as needed to support successful outcomes.
• Train and/or assist clients in activities of daily including feeding, toileting, cleaning self, cleaning environment, etc.   
• Assure clients participate in and are informed of progress toward goals and objectives as written in the individual's program plan. 
• Assure clients’ rights and safety while treating others with dignity and respect in all situations as required by the Elizabeth Richardson Center Policies & Procedures and State/Federal guidelines.
• Document and submit clients’ daily goals, client attendance and documentation in Therap on a daily basis. 
• Document and submit required reports to supervisors as required by State/Federal guidelines including but not limited to behavior reports, incident reports, etc. 
• Responsible for maintaining cleanliness of work and break areas.
• Provide safe transportation for all clients as directed by Supervisor.
• Conduct daily safety check of van before and after all trips and immediately report any unsafe condition or potential problem to supervisor. 
• Ensure wheel chair lifts are operated safely.

Qualifications - Knowledge/Skills/Abilities include: 

• Genuine enthusiasm for education and a commitment to helping adults with IDD learn, grow, and succeed.
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles and person-centered instructional approaches.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and classroom facilitation skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with consumers, clients and staff.  
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. 
• Ability to write detailed reports and correspondences. 
• Attention to detail – adhering to specific protocols and rules while carefully following instructions for the needs of the clients.
• Interpersonal skills when working with clients – includes having compassion and being sensitive to their emotional needs when they are extreme distress.

Work Environment: 

• Indoors with regulated temperature control. Noise level varies depending on the environment.
• Outdoor work environment is based on the elements of the season.

Physical Demands: This position requires sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing, pulling, talking to people, planning work activities for clients, and working on a team.

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

Travel: Less than 10% local travel excepted for this position.

Required Education and Experience: 

• Minimum level of education required – High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.

Preferred Education and Experience: 

• Preferred experience – demonstrated ability to develop lesson plans, prepare instructional materials, and teach curriculum effectively.
• Preferred knowledge of programs and services for individuals with disabilities.
• Preferred experience working with nonprofit organizations.
• Previous work with state licensures and related annual audits a plus.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Must pass an extensive background check.
• Must comply with drug testing requirements.
• Reliable transportation is required.
• If you are a van driver for ERC, you must have a valid Arkansas driver’s license, meet safe driver’s requirements and be 25 years of age (Not required to drive van)
• Required and or Preferred Certificates for this job – PHR or SHRM certified
• Licensure requirements- Must meet minimum licensure annual training requirements. 
  1. This role includes licensure requirements for Administrators, Health & Safety, and HIPPA training.
  2. ERC drivers training to be completed prior to a driving company vehicle.

Other Duties: As required to fulfill the ERC mission.

AAP/EEO STATEMENT:

The Elizabeth Richardson Center (ERC) is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and to compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, creed, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, ancestry, family status, medical condition, family care leave, genetic predisposition or status as a covered veteran and other protected characteristic under applicable law. 

ERC embraces the concepts of a diverse workforce, and applies this to all phases of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, employment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, reduction of workforce and termination, rates of pay, or other forms of compensation, selection for training, the use of all facilities, and participation in all company-sponsored employee activities. Provisions in applicable laws providing for bona fide occupational qualifications, business necessity, or age limitations will be adhered to by the company where appropriate.

ERC will take affirmative action as called for by applicable laws and Executive Orders to ensure that minority group individuals, females, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, other protected veterans, Armed Forces service medal veterans, and qualified disabled persons are introduced into our workforce and considered for promotional opportunities.

Salary : $15