Community Support - Lives Unlimited

Waypoint; Norway (ME); On-site; USD 19,320 - 27,517; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Job summary

A supportive services organization in Maine is looking for a Direct Support Professional to support members in community engagement, promote independence, and maintain a safe environment. The ideal candidate has a high school diploma and a passion for helping individuals with intellectual disabilities. The position offers competitive pay at $17.00 per hour and comprehensive benefits including medical and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Must obtain Direct Support Professional Certification within six months of hire.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Support members in community engagement and skill building.
• Maintain a safe and supportive environment.
• Complete accurate documentation of services.

Skills

Promote individual's choice

Effective verbal and written communication

Desire to work with individuals with intellectual disabilities

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Company Overview

Waypoint has expanded to the Western Region of Maine, formerly known as The Progress Center. Waypoint offers comprehensive services, including a special purpose private school for children with autism and other developmental disabilities, case management and outpatient therapy services for children and adults, and residential and in-home supports for adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.

Position Overview

The role of the Direct Support Professional-Community Supports and Membership is to support members within Waypoint to be connected to others in their community by supporting people as they explore their community, find places to join or become involved in, volunteer or learn something new while building new relationships. This will be achieved through improving skills, promoting self‑determination, encouraging personally satisfying lifestyles and fostering growth to the greatest extent possible. The DSP will model healthy relationships, engage in effective communication and support independence.

The DSP will be responsible for maintaining a safe and supportive environment for members while ensuring that members are treated with dignity and respect. The DSP will support the interests, culture, and needs of the people we serve, and promote respectful interaction with all individuals. The DSP will work successfully within a team as well as professionally represent Waypoint, in the community supporting individuals, with family and guardians and within each member's program. The DSP will exemplify professional values, ethics, responsibility and confidentiality.

Starting Pay: $17.00 per hour

Responsibilities & Requirements

• Cultivate a safe and supportive relationship with members and a thorough understanding of service plans and support needs
• Provide individualized support and skill building opportunities to promote independence, community engagement, building and maintaining relationships.
• Assist participants in developing and following a meaningful schedule of activities/calendar that encourages growth and inclusion
• Implement Service Implementation Plans and support/care plans as described in the Person‑Centered Service Plans
• Support participation in community activities, services, and events, including providing or accessing transportation
• Respect each individual's right to privacy and confidentiality.
• Encourage self‑determination and self‑advocacy by supporting members with exploring areas of interest and expressing their choices
• Provide personal care assistance as needed
• Follow recommendations from professional evaluations
• Complete all required trainings and maintain certifications
• Attend and participate in all staff meetings and supervisions
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services, including electronic health records, progress notes, treatment plans, positive support plans and incident reports daily, or more often as outlined in the plan and as required to track progress towards established goals, milestones and outcomes
• Administer medications in compliance with CRMA certification requirements and following Waypoint procedures
• Promote a collaborative, professional, and respectful work environment. Operate as part of a team, maintaining a willingness to accept direction, constructive feedback and information
• Develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships. Communicate effectively with participants, families, coworkers, supervisors and community partners to resolve concerns constructively
• Manage agency funds by accurately recording program expenditures as required
• Comply with all laws for Mandated Reporters and complete Reportable Event Reports as required
• Comply with all applicable federal, state and local regulations, including Rights of Recipients, Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Licensing and HCBS regulatory requirements
• Maintain confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA, agency privacy policies, and applicable laws
• Actively promote safety and safe practices. Ensure a clean and orderly program site while implementing all cleaning routines and checklists.
• Follow all agency safety policies and procedures, including Transportation Policies. Notify supervisor of safety and/or maintenance needs by following the internal procedures for reporting and requesting repair or concern
• Exercise sound judgment to ensure the safety and welfare of members. Notify Supervisor of any situation developing or occurring in the program which could have a negative impact on the programs' operation or member's welfare and safety
• Follow work schedule, demonstrate consistent attendance and punctuality, adhere to core hours and accurately record hours worked
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to provide emergency coverage in residential or community programs as needed
• Maintain compliance with the State of Maine immunization requirements for Healthcare Workers (10‑144 CMR Ch. 264)
• Perform additional duties as assigned by leadership in accordance with agency policy

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Prior experience not required, but must have the desire to work with individuals with intellectual disabilities, including a willingness to learn and support individuals living with complex disabilities
• Ability to promote individual's choice, self‑advocacy and self‑determination
• Skilled at seeking out community resources and connections for people with disabilities
• A willingness to implement positive behavior supports and structured activities
• Must be proficient in speaking, reading and writing English
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with members, families, coworkers and other professionals
• The ability to learn beginner level Information Technology skills

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required
• Must obtain Direct Support Professional Certification within six (6) months of hire and Safety Care as a primary responsibility of the DSP position. CRMA certified as needed
• Valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and reliable transportation with current inspection, registration, and insurance per Maine state requirements

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Employer Paid Short Term Disability
• Employer Paid Life Insurance and AD&D
• Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts