Direct Support Professional (Fri-Sun 10pm-10am)

Empowering People, Building a Culture of Inclusion

At Makom, we are dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to achieve the quality of life they aspire to live. If you are a passionate professional eager to make a meaningful difference in the IDD community, we want to meet you!

About Makom

Makom is a Maryland based non-profit that provides an array of services for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) in Maryland and Northern Virginia. For over 40 years, we have been leaders in delivering innovative services and supports to individuals with IDD across Maryland and Virginia. Our team of over 450 professionals is united by a shared commitment to fostering a workplace culture that’s defined by our core values—Excellence, Inclusion, Integrity, and Self-determination. At Makom, you’ll become a key part of meeting our transformative mission while working in a community that values your individuality, expertise, and aspirations.

The mission of the organization is “To empower and support people with IDD to achieve a quality of life to which they aspire”. We do that through a continuum of community living supports, from small ‘group homes’ to far more episodic supports for people living in their own homes; in transition-focused services that seek to deliver meaningful career, post-secondary educational, and community living outcomes; and through a number of supplemental projects and supports, from clinical services to tailored fun, faith and experiential opportunities, all delivered through an intentionally self-determined lens.

The Role:

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our dynamic team. As a DSP, you will play a critical role in ensuring individuals with IDD lead self-determined, meaningful, and fulfilling lives as they engage their communities in pursuit of a quality of life to which they aspire. We DSP supports the person’s needs and aspirations in the following areas:

• Participant Empowerment
• Advocacy
• Communication
• Educational and Career Support
• Community Living Skills and Supports
• Building and Maintaining Relationships
• Education, Training and Self-Development
• Health and Wellness
  
  
  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides ongoing, personalized support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities based on their unique preferences, goals, and support needs. The DSP builds trusting relationships, promotes self-determination, and helps individuals live meaningful lives in the communities they choose. This role requires emotional intelligence, cultural responsiveness, and a deep commitment to advocacy, health, and empowerment. The DSP role holds with it the below essential duties and responsibilities:

Supporting the Individual

• Person-Centered Support: Provide individualized supports based on each person’s unique skills, aspirations, and needs. Help individuals lead self-directed lives, fully engaging and in their communities.
• Skill Development: Empower individuals by supporting skill-building and personal growth in alignment with their Person-Centered Plans (PCP)/Individual Support Plans (ISP).
• Community Engagement: Facilitate opportunities for individuals to experience community—to build social networks/social capital, to pursue joy and fun, to contemplate and pursue careers—all aimed at leading self-determined and self-directed lives. Participate in the communities in which they live, work, learn, pray and play.
• Daily Living Assistance: Provide coaching and support for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) tailored to each individual's needs.
• Health & Safety: Ensure living and working environments are clean, safe, and meet the needs of individuals, including compliance with medical recommendations and care plans.
• Adaptability: Evolve your approach as individuals’ needs evolve, serving as a key member of their support team.
• Documentation and Compliance: Accurately document all relevant data, incidents, behavior support details, communication with staff and family, and support activities using Makom’s iCare Manager system. Complete daily and weekly assignments provided by Community Support Leads (CSLs) and/or Program Managers (PMs). Be knowledgeable of and comply with all Makom policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including training and procedural requirements.
• Communication and Collaboration: Maintain open, respectful communication with families, coworkers, supervisors, and others in the individual’s circle of support. Communicate all important updates, concerns, and progress to supervisors and relevant team members. Mentor other DSPs regarding job responsibilities and appropriate, respectful engagement with individuals supported.
• Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned. Responsibilities may change or grow at any time with or without
  
  
  

Working Conditions:

• Work Environment: Work occurs in varied settings including private homes, community spaces, offices, and virtual platforms. Assignments may change depending on individual or Makom needs.
• Physical Demands: Includes walking, standing, lifting, kneeling, reaching, operating medical equipment, and other physical tasks related to individual care. Must be able to lift up to 100 lbs. Schedule: Both part-time and full-time positions are available. Must be flexible for shift work, including weekends and holidays.
• Travel: Local travel is required. Personal vehicles are eligible for mileage reimbursement for traveling for Makom. All Makom employees are required to have access to a working vehicle, have an active driver’s license, and comply with our internal driving history requirements.
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• High school diploma required; further education in human services or a related field is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Actively participate in cultivating and sustaining a ‘culture of communication,’ in which sharing information with people we support, families and friends, and co-workers is an essential tool to our work individually and collectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications and general computer skills.
• Maintain professionalism and positive relationships with individuals, families, colleagues, and external partners.
• Ability to lift up to 100 pounds with assistance and kneel to provide hands-on support.
• Prior experience as a DSP or related experience is a plus!
  
  
  

All positions are contingent on the following requirements:

• Flu Vaccine
• COVID-19 Vaccine
• Background Check and/or Fingerprinting/Check Registry Check in VA.
• Drug Screen
• Valid MD, VA, or DC driver’s license required.
• Health Exam/Certificate Completed with TB screening
  
  
  

Our Culture:

We cultivate a culture rooted in care, growth, and shared success, striving to create an environment where everyone can thrive. Guided by our values of Excellence, Integrity, Inclusion, and Self-Determination. These guiding principles define how we approach, and invest in our team, by providing opportunities for professional development, promoting well-being, supporting one another, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we support. We are a culture inspired by a future where individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities have the same options and opportunities for a well-lived life as all other members of the community. Together, we strive to create an environment where everyone feels included, valued, empowered, entrepreneurial, and inspired to succeed. We also recognize that failure is part of how we learn. At Makom, failure is not fatal unless we want it to be. And, we commit to ‘failing forward’, always seeking to learn from our inevitable mistakes, to grow, and to flourish. We can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve as part of the Makom team!

What We Offer:

• Competitive Pay: $21.33 to $31.46 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package for full-time eligible employees, including health insurance, paid time off, and holiday pay.
• Growth Opportunities: Professional development, paid trainings during orientation, career growth programs to help you succeed in your role. Unlock your potential!
• Supportive Work Environment: Work alongside a passionate, mission-driven team.
  
  
  

At Makom, you’ll have the chance to be part of a transformative mission while working in a community that values your individuality, expertise, and aspirations. Together, we create meaningful change.

Join Us: If you are ready to bring your passion, skills, and dedication to an organization committed to making a difference, we invite you to apply and become part of the Makom family. Together, we’ll continue to innovate, empower, and inspire.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Makom is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.