DIRECT SERVICE PROFESSIONAL

Lutheran Services Carolinas; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Free medical insurance option

Career advancement opportunities

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Lutheran Services Carolinas is seeking a Direct Service Professional (DSP) in Columbia, SC to support residents with daily tasks, meals, and transportation. The role involves prompting residents to attend appointments, monitoring behavior, and providing emotional support within a residential setting.

Responsibilities include medication distribution, documentation, and teamwork with the treatment staff to implement residential plans.

Qualifications

• Education: HS Diploma or GED with one year experience in human services; BA/BS with no experience.
• Experience: See Education requirement. Job-specific training required prior to start date.

Responsibilities

• Supervises residents according to accountability levels.
• Assists in preparing scheduled meals and snacks for residents.
• Distributes proper medications and supplements to residents.
• Drives residents to school, work, appointments and activities when needed.
• Provides emotional support for residents.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

HS Diploma or GED

BA/BS with no experience

Job description

Job Location: LSC - Columbia Office - Columbia, SC 29201

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $17.00 Hourly

Travel Percentage: Up to 25%

Job Shift: Any

The Direct Service Professional (DSP) is responsible for overseeing residents’ behavior and assisting residents in the completion of necessary tasks. The DSP role involves prompting residents to complete tasks and attend scheduled appointments, monitoring behavior, preparing meals, and carrying out light housework. The DSP is must also provide emotional support and encouragement to individuals in our programs, ensuring that all individuals take proper medication (when applicable), and reporting all necessary aspects of daily living and behavior.

SHIFTS AVAILABLE

Monday-Friday shifts

• - (A) 3pm-11pm
• - (B) 11pm-7am
• - (C) 7pm-7am

Weekend shifts

• - (D) 7am-7pm
• - (E) 7pm-7am

What We Offer:

• Full-time
• $17/hour
• Additional $2/hour if teammate opts out of benefits
• Benefit eligibility starts after 30 days
• Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO, etc.
• Free medical insurance option ($0 premium)
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Tuition Assistance/ Scholarship Opportunities

Essential Functions

• Supervises all residents according to appropriate accountability levels.
• Works as a member of a treatment team in developing, implementing, and evaluating residential plans for all residents and participates in all required training.
• Teaches residents rules.
• Assists in preparing scheduled and planned meals and snacks for residents.
• Observes dietary restrictions and guidelines of specific residents.
• Provides Residential Habilitation Services when indicated in individual service plans and meets any related requirements established by State standards.
• Writes up reports of resident behavior and activity and documents in THERAP.
• Distributes proper medications and supplements to residents.
• Ensures that all residents attend group and individual therapy appointments as/when dictated in their Residential Support Plan.
• Drives residents to school, work, appointments and activities as necessary.
• Observes changes in resident behavior and reports them to Program Coordinator accordingly.
• Engages residents in conversation/communication and encourages socialization.
• Provides emotional support for residents.
• Consults with physicians, nurses, dietitians, and therapists to ensure streamlined and top quality care for residents.
• Represents Lutheran Services Carolinas professionally in the local community (i.e., DDSN, DSS, Mental Health, church, schools, and neighborhood) and acts as a responsible, positive, and healthy role model to influence growth and development of residents.
• Maintains facility/vehicle/equipment cleanliness and proper working order.
• Participates in house meetings and trainings as required.
• Ensures all relevant documentation is completed.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

Education: H.S. Diploma or GED with one year experience in human services field; BA/BS with no experience.

Experience: See Education requirement. Job-specific training required prior to start date.

Specific skills/abilities:

• Demonstrates patience and empathy.
• Exhibits strong organizational skills.
• Maintains friendly and outgoing demeanor.
• Possesses excellent interpersonal and conversational skills.
• Is willing and able to stay at group home overnight as necessary.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the rules and guidelines of the group home.
• Possesses excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Works well with a variety of individuals.
• Communicates clearly and effectively.
• Maintains an encouraging and compassionate attitude.
• Works calmly and efficiently in a crisis.
• Exhibits excellent listening skills.

Specialized knowledge, licenses, etc.:

Valid driver’s license; minimum age of 21.

Preferences (Optional):

Work experience in counseling, social work, or group home preferred.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions).
• Time will be spent in the residential home supervising residents.
• Shifts may vary from night to day; some overnight stays on a rotating basis may be required.
• Local travel may also be required.
• Environment can be stressful and emotional depending on mood and behavior of residents.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach overhead.
• Ability to lift and carry minimum of 25 pounds.