Direct Support Professional - Community Support

Description

40 hrs/week, Monday - Friday

$17.75 per/hr

For over 65 years, UCS has been providing exceptional and thoughtful care to individuals and families in our community through programs, services, and educational opportunities. Our staff includes positions such as administration, clinicians, nurses, teachers, case managers, psychiatrists, and direct support providers who work within our 15 facilities to support over 3,000 individuals annually. We are proud to be part of Vermont Care Partners, a network of sixteen agencies that provide mental health, substance use disorder, and developmental-disability services and supports in every county in Vermont. We are looking for team players to join us in making a difference in the lives of others and building a stronger community.

• Career development opportunities
• Generous Benefits
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plan with employer match
• Paid Vacation and Sick leave
• Competitive Pay
• Award winning worksite wellness program
• An inclusive workplace supported by an active Equity and Inclusion committee
• Employee Assistance Program
• Rewarding experience making a difference in the community
• Smart casual dress code
• Flexible working options may be available

• High School Diploma or Equivalent. Relevant experience in human services field preferred.
• Valid Driver's License

Requirements

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Community Support is responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to the instruction and monitoring of individuals’ skills for developing maximum independence and inclusion into the community. The DSP will provide direct supports to those with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder in community settings for community activities and enhanced integration. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

DIRECT SERVICE: Facilitates individual’s inclusion into the community through development of meaningful community-based activities. Provides transportation to and from community-based activities by privately owned vehicle or by agency vehicle.  Assures quality programming is occurring in the community.  Facilitates personal relationships with members of the community.  Assists with developing client community support goals. Encourages individuals to pursue their goals and make choices with community activities and integration assisting with positive engagement and social skills. Acts as a role model for the individual and the community. Attends all trainings as assigned. Provides personal care assistance as needed. Implements methods to teach increased skill building.  Keeps individuals safe across all settings.  Follows schedules created by Administrator and Coordinators. Is empowered to make decisions concerning individuals and programming to allow for high quality services. Acts as an advocate for clients across all settings. Utilizes a person’s primary mode of communication, i.e., such as ensuring the use of a translator or sign-language interpreter, or facilitated communication (FC) as applicable, understanding the individual’s unique communication style and/or responding in accordance with developmental need. Follows all support plans per Developmental Services (DS) policy. 

RECORD KEEPING:

Collects data as required by the individual’s Individual Support Agreement (ISA). Completes Developmental Services and agency paperwork including, but not limited to, time sheets, progress notes, monthly summaries, and expense vouchers in a timely and accurate manner. Constructs task analysis/job assessment forms applicable to each job to ensure performance is measurable. 

NETWORKING:

Provides needed information to other staff, professionals, and family, as needed. Serves as advocate and/or liaison on behalf of individual served, the Developmental Services Division and UCS. Participates as a member of the individuals, Developmental Services, and UCS teams. Encourages and advocates for positive relationships with other community entities. Participates in treatment plan meetings as requested. Encourages and ensures ongoing communication between team members.