DSP/CRMA - Disability Services

Volunteers of America Northern New England serves people and communities in need, and we measure our success by the positive changes in the lives of those we serve. We offer competitive wages, excellent benefits, and the chance to do work that truly matters.

Position Title: Direct Support Professional

Pay: $18.00 an hour ($18.50 with CRMA)

Shift Available: Awake Overnight

• Monday - Wednesday 11pm - 7am

Position Overview: The Direct Support Professional at VOA Northern New England provides direct support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilites living in a residential setting. Working under the Program Manager, this position helps the people we serve build connections in their community and with their housemates. The Direct Support Professional promotes a safe and healthy home environment, helps individuals build their skills and independence, and protects each person's rights, all in line with agency policies and procedures.

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:

• 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.

ADA Compliance:

Volunteers of America is an equal opportunity employer; and all employment-related decisions are made without consideration of individuals’ race, sex, age, national origin, disability status or any other protected characteristic .

Pay: $18.00 - $18.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid training

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $19