Direct Service Professional (DSP)

• Paid Holidays
• Personal & Sick Leave
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Flexible schedule

Work Schedule: Hours may vary

This position is located in Haines, Alaska.

This position provides person-centered assistance, based on the individual’s goals, needs and interests. The Direct Service Professional with REACH has the primary role in providing assistance to children and/or adults experiencing developmental disabilities. By spending time with individuals as they move through their daily lives, you will provide support to include, but not limited to, daily living skills, household management, building/maintaining relationships, caregiving, communication, supported employment, health/dental/wellness, and self-advocacy with the goal of working toward increasing levels of independence. Responsibilities may include assistance with personal care and hygiene.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provides individual support and direct instruction as outlined in the Individual Service Plan (ISP) in order to meet the individual’s goals and objectives. 
• Accompanies and transports individuals to various appointments, outings, community events, employment and recreational activities. 
• Communicates effectively in oral and written form with individuals, parents, agency staff, employers, other service agencies and miscellaneous members of the team. Communicates using sign language when necessary.
• Completes all required documentation in the form of progress notes, goals and interventions in the ISP and other agency paperwork as assigned in a timely manner. 
• Maintains a safe environment, including being familiar with individuals’ specific needs.
• Responds to emergencies according to agency procedures. 
• Participates as an effective team member.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work independently and use good judgment in a variety of circumstances.
• Possess patience, understanding and concern for the individual’s health, safety, development and enjoyment of life.
• Ability to complete required documentation.
• Basic time management skills, including the ability to be on time to scheduled activities.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.
• Effective problem-solving skills. 
• Dependable and adaptable to changing needs and priorities.

Position Requirements:

• At least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent required (bachelor’s degree in education, special education, psychology, behavior management or a related field preferred)
• *Driving may be a requirement of this position. If driving is required, applicant must have five years of verifiable driving history, possess a current Alaska Driver’s License and provide Agency with proof of current Auto Insurance Coverage and successful State Motor Vehicle Driver’s History Report, prior to employment 

Physical Requirements:   

Physical Requirements: Visual acuity necessary to perform job duties throughout the course of a normal workday. Ability to communicate verbally, both in person and over the telephone. Ability to perform repetitive keyboarding activities and operate general office equipment. May require occasional heavy lifting.  Occasionally may come in contact with blood borne pathogens.

Working Conditions: Work is performed primarily at Individual’s homes, REACH Group Homes, and at various other sites throughout the community.

Conditions of Employment

Must pass the pre-employment background check and maintain the ability to pass throughout employment with REACH.

CPR and first aid certification, TB clearance required within 30 days of hire. 

REACH, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements REACH complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, and compensation and training.

This Position Description reflects the best efforts of REACH to describe the essential functions and qualifications of the job described. It is not an exhaustive statement of all the duties, responsibilities, or qualifications of the job. This document is not intended to exclude an opportunity for modifications consistent with providing reasonable accommodation. This is not intended to be a contract.