Direct Support Professional

Pathfinder Services, Inc; Plymouth (IN); On-site; USD 20,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness Platform Incentives

Financial Wellness Platform

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Free Pathfinder Kids Clinic

Exclusive Discounts

Verizon Wireless Discount

YMCA Discount

Job summary

Pathfinder Services, Inc is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in Knox, IN to empower individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities to lead self-directed lives. DSPs provide daily living support, administer medication, and promote independence through compassionate, person-centered care.

This full-time DSP role offers starting pay of $16.00 per hour with a $3.00 per hour weekend differential, weekend hours Fri 3p-9p and Sat/Sun 10a-10p.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a high school diploma/GED.
• Ability to support people with disabilities.
• Crisis prevention, intervention, and teaching skills.

Responsibilities

• Daily Living Support: Teach and support essential skills such as personal care, meal preparation and planning, and daily living tasks to promote independence.
• Community Engagement: Facilitate community integration and involvement, helping individuals build meaningful connections.
• Health and Safety: Administer medications, provide first aid, assist with medical appointments, and monitor health conditions, ensuring optimal well-being.
• Advocacy and Rights: Utilize Person-Centered Thinking (PCT) and People First approaches to uphold and advocate for the rights, autonomy, and choices of individuals.
• Individualized Support Plans: Collaborate with individuals to develop and implement customized support plans that build on strengths, choices, and capabilities.
• Documentation and Privacy: Maintain accurate, detailed documentation and respect the privacy and confidentiality of the individuals supported.

Skills

Communication skills

Crisis prevention

Medication administration

Documentation

Education

High school diploma/GED

Job description

Description

Company: Pathfinder

Job Title: Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Category: Disability Services

Location: Knox, IN

Job Type: Full-Time

Hours: Fri 3p-9p, Sat/Sun 10a-10p (30hr)

Starting Pay: $16.00 per hour, with a $3.00 per hour shift differential for direct care shifts worked on Saturdays and Sundays

Job Summary:

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are essential in empowering individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities to lead self-directed lives, contribute to their communities, and achieve greater independence. DSPs provide high-quality support across all areas of daily living and individualized care, fostering an environment where individuals can thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

Daily Living Support: Teach and support essential skills such as personal care, meal preparation and planning, and daily living tasks to promote independence. This includes assistance with cooking, bathing, and other personal care needs.

Community Engagement: Facilitate community integration and involvement, helping individuals build meaningful connections.

Health and Safety: Administer medications, provide first aid, assist with medical appointments, and monitor health conditions, ensuring optimal well-being. Safeguard individuals from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Advocacy and Rights: Utilize Person-Centered Thinking (PCT) and People First approaches to uphold and advocate for the rights, autonomy, and choices of individuals.

Individualized Support Plans: Collaborate with individuals to develop and implement customized support plans that build on strengths, choices, and capabilities, ensuring alignment with personal goals.

Documentation and Privacy: Maintain accurate, detailed documentation and respect the privacy and confidentiality of the individuals supported.

Collaboration and Communication: Build positive, collaborative relationships with individuals, colleagues, and other stakeholders, actively involving individuals in decision-making and supporting them in learning new skills across various settings.

Emergency and Safety Compliance: Be prepared to respond effectively to emergencies and ensure compliance with all safety standards and procedures, including fire and disaster planning.

Pathfinder's mission is to strengthen communities by enabling people with disabilities or economic challenges to achieve autonomy, inclusion, and stability.

Benefits & Pathfinder Perks - We Care About YOU!

Competitive Benefits Package (if applicable):

• Competitive Pay & Paid Training - Earn while you learn with comprehensive training.
• Paid Time Off & Holidays - Maintain a healthy work-life balance with PTO and paid holidays.
• Comprehensive Insurance Coverage - Medical, Dental, and Vision plans to support your well-being.
• Employer-Paid Coverage - Enjoy free Basic Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability (STD), and Long-Term Disability (LTD).
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match - Plan for your future with a generous retirement savings plan and employer contributions.
• Tuition Reimbursement - Invest in your future with financial assistance for continued education.
• Professional Development & Training - Enhance your skills and career through learning opportunities.
• Person-Centered Thinking Training - Gain valuable insights into individualized care and service.

Pathfinder Perks:

• Wellness Platform Incentives - Earn rewards for prioritizing your health and well-being.
• Financial Wellness Platform - Access earned wages before payday for added financial flexibility.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free, confidential support sessions for employees and their immediate household members.
• Free Pathfinder Kids Clinic - Providing childcare for children in the community with minor illnesses.
• Exclusive Discounts - Save with special offers, including:
• Verizon Wireless Discount - Stay connected for less.
• YMCA Discount - Enjoy reduced membership rates for fitness and wellness.

Pathfinder Values:

People First - Integrity - Contribution - Growth - Empowerment

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are vital in supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities to live self-directed lives and actively contribute to their communities. They ensure high-quality support and services, encompassing various aspects of daily living and individualized care.

Key responsibilities include teaching daily living, communication, and work skills, as well as assisting with medication administration, first aid, transportation, and coordination of medical appointments. DSPs maintain detailed documentation, respecting the privacy and confidentiality of the individuals they support while advocating for their rights and autonomy.

DSPs utilize a range of communication skills to establish collaborative relationships with individuals, colleagues, and relevant stakeholders. They actively involve individuals in decision-making processes, respecting their choices and preferences and assisting them in learning new skills in different settings.

Moreover, DSPs collaborate with individuals and other stakeholders to develop and implement individualized support plans that build upon individual strengths and capabilities. They monitor and address health concerns, ensure optimal well-being, and safeguard individuals from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Overall, DSPs contribute to creating a supportive and empowering environment where individuals with disabilities can thrive and lead fulfilling, autonomous lives. Through their commitment to advocacy, holistic care, and ethical practice, they make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they support.

Our DSP pay scale begins at $16.00 per hour. Additionally, we offer a $3.00 per hour shift differential for direct care shifts worked on Saturdays and Sundays.

Pathfinder strengthens communities by enabling people with disabilities or economic challenges to achieve autonomy, inclusion, and stability.

Benefits: (if applicable)

• Competitive pay and paid training
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Growth opportunities
• Paid Time Off/ Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Employer Paid - Basic Life, STD, LTD
• 403(b) Retirement Plan- Employer match up to 5%

Pathfinder Perks - We Care About YOU:

• Virgin Pulse Wellness Platform Incentives available to all employees
• Employer-Sponsored Financial Benefit through PayActiv
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free Sessions for employees and Immediate household members
• Free Pathfinder Kids Clinic - provides healthcare for babies, children, and adolescents in the community who have a minor illness.
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Person Center Thinking Training
• Verizon Wireless Discount
• YMCA Discount

Pathfinder Values:

People First - Integrity - Contribution - Growth - Empowerment

Requirements

Preferred Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of a high school diploma/GED.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Basic language, written, and computer skills necessary for communication and documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to support people with disabilities.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule if needed.
• Crisis prevention, intervention, and teaching skills.
• Valid driver’s license, insured vehicle, and safe driving record.
• Ability to speak, hear, and read the English language.
• Be able to run, squat, stoop/bend, kneel, climb stairs, lift up to 50 pounds, push and pull against potential resistance.
• Implement non-physical and approved physical interventions and CPR with people supported when needed.
• Shall have adequate vision, writing, and documentation skills to perform the job's essential functions.