Day Program Support Professional

Choice; Minnetonka (MN); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Health insurance

401(k) Retirement Program with company

Paid time off

Daily transportation stipends

Cell phone allowance

Job summary

CHOICE is seeking a Day Program Support Specialist to work at our STARS site, providing personalized support to individuals with intellectual disabilities in both center and community settings. You will plan activities, coach participants in employment-related tasks, and help with community integration, including transportation to daily activities.

The role emphasizes safety, data collection on goals, and adherence to positive support plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred in a Human Services–related field.
• At least 1 year of experience providing direct care to people with disabilities is required.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Must pass criminal background study.
• Ability to physically bend, stoop, reach, and lift at least 40 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Activity Facilitation: plan and implement life enrichment and recreational activities in-center and at the STARS site.
• Employment Support: provide job coaching, individualized training, and modifications.
• Community Integration: support participants in community-based activities and transport them as needed.
• Transportation: drive a daily van route to transport clients to and from CHOICE locations.
• Support Plan Delivery: follow designations to implement Positive Support Strategies and report progress.
• Care and Supervision: perform basic health and personal care procedures and ensure safety.

Skills

Communication skills

Professional demeanor

Education

Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) strongly preferred (Human Services)

Associate’s degree + 2 years related experience acceptable

Job description

About CHOICE
For more than 55 years, CHOICE has supported people with intellectual disabilities through personalized services, innovative programming, and meaningful community partnerships, creating spaces where every person is valued for who they are. Through education, supported employment, therapeutic recreation, and community integration, we empower those we serve to pursue the lives they envision for themselves. Guided by our motto, “No Limits,” we work to remove barriers so individuals can realize their full potential and fully experience their community. When you join our team at CHOICE, you help people with disabilities find purpose, achievement, and belonging.

About the STARS Program
STARS is a specialized program within the CHOICE network, designed for individuals who benefit from a higher level of support and who are often under-served in our community. This site offers a smaller, more intimate, sensory-friendly environment centered on therapeutic and engaging activities. Working at STARS means building strong, meaningful connections with participants as you support them on a deeply personalized level.

About Our Team
We focus on hiring the right person, not just filling a position. We value each employee for who they are and what they can share with the CHOICE community. Our staff come from all walks of life: artists, athletes, travelers, gardeners, foodies, dog lovers, nature enthusiasts, rock climbers, and rock stars. What unites them is a shared passion for helping others discover what's possible.

About Those We Serve
They are the best part of our day, and the reason many of us stay at CHOICE for years. They are kind, funny, talented, unique, and endlessly inspiring. They want to know you, learn about your interests, and explore the world alongside you. They are your neighbors and community members. Come meet them! You’ll understand right away why this work matters.

Primary Responsibilities

The Day Program Support Specialist coaches and supports people with intellectual disabilities at our centers and in the community, by providing the following services:

-Activity Facilitation: Plan and implement life enrichment and recreational activities and programs in-center at the STARS site. Employees are strongly encouraged to share their individual talents, interests, and hobbies with our participants. Some topics include health and fitness, cooking, sensory integration, travel, arts and crafts, music, games, and much more.

-Employment Support: Provide job coaching, individualized training, and modifications to our participants who are competitively employed in community-based job settings, or for those who hold volunteer positions with various agencies.

-Community Integration: Support participants in safely accessing and engaging in community-based recreational activities. This includes transporting participants in company vehicles to and from community locations. Activities may include visits to museums and zoos, attending sporting events, exploring local parks and trails, and participating in adaptive and inclusive experiences.

-Transportation: Using a company vehicle, drive a daily van route to transport 5-6 clients between their homes and CHOICE, both in the morning (8am-9am) and in the afternoon (3pm-4pm).

-Support Plan Delivery: Receive instruction from Designated Coordinators to implement Positive Support Strategies in accordance with written Support Plans and Assessments. Follow written protocols to assist participants to achieve their daily or weekly goals and objectives. Collect data and report to Designated Coordinators for annual evaluation.

-Care and Supervision: Perform basic health, medical, and personal care procedures according to individual protocols. Provide proper supervision in accordance with licensing regulations, to ensure the safest environment possible.

Development Opportunity

CHOICE values employee development, and prioritizes promoting from within our team. Support Staff with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree may be eligible for advancement into the Designated Coordinator position. CHOICE is committed to developing the individual hired for this role and preparing them for promotion when a future opportunity becomes available. Advancement to the Designated Coordinator position includes a wage increase.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) strongly preferred, preferably in a Human Services–related field.A 2-year Associate’s degree plus at least 2 years of related professional experience may be considered in place of a 4-year degree.
• At least 1 year of experience providing direct care to people with disabilities is required.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record required.
• Must pass criminal background study.
• Ability to physically bend, stoop, reach, and lift at least 40 pounds
• Ability to communicate and present oneself with a professional demeanor

Benefits and Perks:

• $500 sign-on bonus after 90 days of employment
• Generous contribution to an ICHRA healthcare plan of your choosing from most major insurance providers
• Health Partners Dental plan
• Guardian Vision Plan
• Long Term Disability and AD&D
• Life Insurance Policy
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  
• Access to MN Paid Medical and Family Leave Program
• 401(k) Retirement Program with company match up to 4%
• Generous flexible PTO program (12 days in first year)
• Two additional weeks of fixed paid vacation time (1 week in July; 1 week in December)
• 7-8 additional paid holidays per year
• Annual Paid Day Off + $200 bonus awarded on your anniversary
• Daily transportation stipends (up to an additional $13/day on top of base hourly wages)
  
• Cell phone allowance ($15/month)
• Eligibility for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program
  
• Use of company vehicle and gas card for work purposes
  
• A commitment from your employer to have an excellent work/life balance - no evenings, weekends, overnights, or taking work home!

Schedule & Hours: This position is full time, requiring a commitment to 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. All work is done in the field and on company premises. Remote work is not currently available.

CHOICE is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance.