Direct Support Professional

About Links of Life, LLC

For over 15 years, Links of Life, LLC has been dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Southwest New Mexico. We provide personalized services that promote meaningful, independent lives, guided by a person-centered and collaborative approach. Our mission is to empower individuals, enhance their quality of life, and foster personal skill development and greater independence. We remain committed to delivering exceptional care that exceeds the expectations of both governing agencies and the communities we serve.

About the Job

We are seeking compassionate, dedicated individuals to join our team as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). DSPs provide immediate care and support to the individuals they serve by maintaining a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment that fosters growth, rehabilitation, and the development of mutual aid and self-help skills. Responsibilities include transporting individuals, assisting with medication administration, encouraging community engagement, providing emotional and social support, and supporting activities of daily living.  It is the DSP's duty to provide positive, individualized support in accordance with each person’s Individual Service Plan (ISP), while ensuring their health and safety. The goal of DSPs employed by Links of Life, LLC is to provide meaningful, integrated community and residential services to those in our care. In this role, you will collaborate with interdisciplinary team members, providers, and other supporting roles to ensure the highest quality of care for the individuals we serve.

DSPs are also expected to recognize when an individual is in crisis and apply appropriate care, follow established protocols, and utilize backup services as needed to minimize crisis situations both immediately and in the future.

Shift Availability

Monday-Friday:

7:00am-3:00pm (Days)

3:00pm-11:00pm (Evening/Swing)

11:00pm-7:00am (Night/Graveyard)

*Schedule hours may vary according to business and program needs.

Supervision

Direct supervision for the Direct Support Professional is provided by the assigned House Lead. Supervision is also provided by the Links of Life Administrative Team.

Starting Wage: $13.50/ hour

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Arrive on time and ready to work the assigned schedule. In the event DSPs are unable to attend a shift or training, they will follow the Links of Life on-call/call-in procedure and notify the appropriate party at least 2 hours in advance.
• Complete and submit all required paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
• Demonstrate professionalism with all individuals, colleagues, administrators, external professionals, and interested parties.
• Demonstrate openness to direction and feedback, and maintain open communication with supervisors.
• Cooperate with supervisors, co-workers, and administrative staff to promote effective teamwork.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with all levels of personnel, both internal and external, in the language of the ISP.
• Provide immediate support to the persons served, tailored to their individualized plans, while ensuring ongoing health and safety practices.
• Assist in the development of mutual-aid/self-help and advocacy skills among the individuals served.
• Assist, monitor, model, and teach individuals to prepare for daytime activities and to promote personal hygiene and appropriate behavior at home and in the community, in accordance with their ISP.
• Participate in community activities (e.g., recreation, shopping, dining, movies, exercise).
• Accompany individuals served to medical appointments as assigned. Ensure timely arrival, complete all required documentation, and promptly submit paperwork to the Links of Life Nursing Department immediately following each appointment.
• Immediately report any suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or serious incidents, in accordance with the current Incident Management Guide System.
• Attend all scheduled meetings and any additional meetings as required.
• Monitor self-administration of medication as outlined in each Individual’s Service Plan (ISP), and ensure complete and accurate documentation of all corresponding records.
• Complete all required training within three (3) months of hire and maintain all necessary recertifications.
• Remain current with required training and maintain competency through ongoing professional development.
• Complete Individual-Specific Training and ancillary service provider trainings as specified in each ISP prior to working independently with any individual served.
• Handle confidential information responsibly and compliance with HIPAA privacy requirements and relevant DDW Service Standards.
• Adhere to all individual-specific plans, including those provided by ancillary service providers.
• Must be able to give and receive verbal and written instructions effectively.
• Must maintain and possess reliable and safe personal transportation with a valid driver's license, current insurance, and registration, and uphold a good driving record.
• Complete household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry as assigned by supervisor.
• Maintain residential safety by conducting fire drills, documenting medication temperature logs, and staying current on emergency placement and evacuation plans as directed by supervisors or administration.
• Adhere to all health and safety policies and procedures including medication delivery and transportation practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Most work is performed in individuals' homes and the surrounding communities. Employees must transport individuals in their personal vehicles; company-provided vehicles will be issued for long-distance travel. Work settings are both indoors and outdoors and may involve extended periods of sitting, standing, or walking. Employees may encounter aggressive or hostile individuals and be exposed to infectious diseases such as influenza, COVID-19, and others. The role may require lifting at least 50 pounds using proper body mechanics. Employees should be able to bend, stoop, push, pull, reach, sit, and walk for long periods. Exposure to household chemicals is expected. Shifts may exceed eight hours or 40 hours per week. Improper lifting, unsafe vehicle operation, or incorrect safety techniques may result in workplace hazards.

The Benefits of Links of Life, LLC

• Competitive Pay Rate: Starting hourly rate is $13.50. Wage increases are based on experience, duties and responsibilities, performance evaluation, participation in required trainings, and career development goals. Employees who excel and continue to grow may be eligible for advancement and higher pay.
• Benefits: Health Insurance & Dental Insurance for employees working 32 hours/week, and a 401(k) Retirement Plan with % company match, subject to enrollment periods.
• Time Off: Accrued PTO plus Holiday pay to recharge so you can be your best at work.
• Overtime Pay: Overtime hours are available dependant on agency staffing needs.
• Network of Support: Supervisors who care deeply about the participants and your wellbeing.
• Job Security: A stable job at an established, growing company.
• Learning and Development: We invest in your development and provide the tools and training you need to have a fulfilling career.
• Mileage Reimbursement: We give back, as staff provide transportation of individuals in a personal vehicle, a portion of the cost for documented mileage will be reimbursed at your weekly payroll.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Valid Driver's License, current motor vehicle insurance, and registration, and acceptable driving history.
• Must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or general education degree.
• Prior experience or training is not required, but having experience as a DSP, Caregiver, Direct Care Staff, or Home Health Aide is preferred.
• Good oral, written and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with others.
• Demonstrate basic computer and internet skills.
• Must be able to complete all governing agency documentation in English.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and remain calm in crisis situations.
• Ability to perform tasks with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively in both a team environment and independently.
• Must pass the NM Health Care Authority Caregiver Criminal History Screening Process.
• Must be able to attend and pass random drug screening upon agency notice.

Required documents

The below document(s) are required and MUST be submitted with your application by the closing date of this job announcement.

• Two acceptable forms of identification (see in-application document submission for additional detail.)
• Record of Covid-19 Vaccination

If you have any questions about the opportunities for Direct Support Professionals and joining our team please feel free to stop by our offices at 410 Foster Rd, Las Cruces, NM, 88005 or contact our office via phone: (575) 652-4297, regular business hours Mon-Fri., 9:00am-5:00pm.

Links of Life, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to excellence through diversity.

It is the policy of Links of Life, LLC to afford equal opportunity regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all aspects of the application process and employment relationship including but not limited to hiring, promotion, transfer, demotion, termination, discipline, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment.