Day Services Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Position title

Day Services Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Job Description

The LISTEN Center is an amazing place staffed with dedicated people, helping those with intellectual and developmental disabilities become as independent and self-sufficient as possible. Our goal is to support and encourage independence and dignity among those we serve. LISTEN Day Services focuses on personal growth, health, safety and community involvement. We care for those we serve with positivity, respect, and friendliness. LISTEN Center is looking for a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to join our dynamic team.

Position Summary

The DSP is responsible for the overall daily care, activity, and safety of the people we serve at the LISTEN Center Day Services. The DSP provides support, care, and adheres to the Overall Service Plan (OSP) of each individual with intellectual disabilities, giving them the tools for self-advocacy to live independently and with dignity. The job duties require representing LISTEN in a professional and productive manner. This includes being respectful to coworkers and supervisor(s), being prepared for work each day, being productive in the workplace, and attending to work-related matters while complying with deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Follow the daily plan and OSP. ensuring the physical well-being, safety and comfort of those we serve
• Demonstrate care, compassion and respect when working with those we serve
• Monitor health and safety concerns; promptly deal with concerns as they arise by communicating and documenting information accurately
• Assist or help people we serve with meals, personal care, hygiene and restroom support
• Provide physical assistance to those we serve including transferring, pushing and lifting in and out of wheelchairs, helping in and out of vehicles, and physical guidance as needed
• Help with arrival and departure activities, such as communicating with drivers and taxi services, handling communications books, and ensuring people have the appropriate outer wear and other items, such as lunch boxes and backpacks, as needed
• Facilitate effective communication between the day program and other interdisciplinary team members
• Accompany and supervise participants on field trips, ensuring their safety and proper care
• Assist and lead a variety of defined activities with a fun, diverse group of people
• Use creativity to plan opportunities for growth, development, and independence
• Work directly with those we serve to encourage participation in activities such as art, music, walking, sports, etc.
• Foster a welcoming and engaging environment among those we serve with fellow employees, people who visit, and those participating in community visits
• Understand and protect the rights of persons served in accordance with the LISTEN Center’s policies, and all state and federal regulations and guidelines
  
  

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED preferred
• One or more years of related experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred
• Work effectively with a variety of personalities and being sensitive to the needs/communication of persons with differing abilities
• Work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments
• Perform multiple tasks and projects with varying time-sensitive deadlines
• Employ the principles of People First and the Active Support Models as a way to engage those we serve
• Proficient and competent use of technology for documentation
• Background check