Direct Support Professional

Position Overview:   

The Direct Support Professional provides direct support to individuals in an IDD residential setting. This position is responsible to support the Program Manager, IDD by ensuring that the individuals served are integrated into their community and with their housemates. This position promotes a safe and healthy living environment and increases the capabilities of clients within the policies and procedures of the agency while ensuring the protection of individual rights.  

Essential Job Functions:  

• Support the infrastructure provided for the personal growth of the individuals in the program. 
• Provide for the care and supervision of clients while assisting and supervising activities of daily living (e.g. cooking, personal hygiene, transportation). This may include hands-on personal care.  
• Advocate for consumer’s rights with an overall goal of community inclusion. 
• Support engagement with both the broader community where the individuals live, as well as amongst the community within the house. 
• Support individuals in community and group functions. 
• Provide creative options for daily and weekly activities and support individuals to engage. 
• Assist individuals in accessing community events. 
• Support individuals in all aspects of wellness, with a daily goal of improving their mental and physical health. 
• Participate in program plan implementation and provide continuous instruction, supervision, training, and encouragement as outlined in individual person-centered plans. 
• Complete all documentation of treatment goals, reports, and other areas of program compliance in a timely manner. 
• Maintain the facility in a safe and clean condition, as needed, and report repair needs in a timely manner. 
• Advise the supervisor of any special needs or emergencies and recommend follow-up. 
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with consumers, families, and other agencies. 
• Complete initial and on-going training requirements. 
• Participate in and contribute to other duties and responsibilities as assigned. 

Education, Experience, and Qualifications: 

• High School diploma required; college education in relevant discipline or experience working within the human services field preferred. 
• DSP certification is preferred or must be obtained upon hire through our paid training. 
• A minimum of one-year experience working with people with intellectual disabilities/autism spectrum disorder is preferred. 
• Knowledge of basic homemaking skills, understanding of community resources, implementation of individual service plans, and documentation of care preferred. 
• Excellent communication skills, including active listening, written, oral and record-keeping skills. 
• Ability to self-motivate and initiate work independently. 
• Solid relationship building skills, with the ability to exhibit compassion and patience. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. 
• Valid Maine driver’s license and good driving record is required. 

Per state of Maine regulations, all behavioral health/disability services employees will be required to submit proof of immunization records upon employment.