Direct Support Professional (Baltimore)

Kennedy Krieger Institute; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 36,955 - 60,296; Full time

Job summary

Kennedy Krieger Institute seeks a Direct Support Professional / Community Development Specialist to provide direct training and support for individuals with disabilities in employment, volunteering, and daily living skills. Travel across the Baltimore/Washington area is required to foster independence and community integration.

The role emphasizes collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams, documentation in state-mandated systems, and ongoing training to maintain certifications and ensure

Qualifications

• Must possess, upon hire, documented First Aid Certification.
• Must obtain CPR certification within first 30 days and maintain it.
• Must complete DDA training within first 90 days of employment.
• Must collaborate with diverse professional teams.
• Must have valid, unrestricted driver’s license and clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct services at participants’ employment or volunteer sites, in the community, and in-home supports.
• Ensure participant safety during program hours through supervision and communication with leadership.
• Transport participants for activities in the Baltimore/Washington area.
• Implement behavior plans and support strategies for individuals.

Skills

First Aid

CPR

DDA training

Driver's license

Auto insurance

Education

High School diploma

Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education

Job description

Direct Support Professional / Community Development Specialist will be responsible for providing direct training and support for individuals in the areas of personal supports, community engagement, and job-related skills. This staff member will spend the majority of their day providing support in the community to foster independence for individuals with disabilities in employment, volunteer opportunities, life and leisure. The position requires travel in and around the greater Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area.

• Provide direct services to individuals at their place of employment or volunteer opportunities (paid/internship), in the community, and in‑home supports to meet personal goals.
• Ensure that community members are safe during scheduled program hours through staff supervision, proactive community awareness, and communication with the department leadership team.
• Provide transportation of participants for specified programmatic activities in and around the greater Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area.
• Participate in the development and implementation of behavior management and Individual Plans; implement intervention, coaching, and support strategies in accordance with the plan, program, and needs of the individual.
• Assist with daily living skills—including cleaning, cooking, hygiene, budgeting, and banking—and personal care such as eating, toileting and dressing based on individual needs.
• Ensure that Maryland state‑mandated documentation related to the provision of services to clients (including daily notes and any relevant behavioral data sheets) is completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner.
• Implement and develop natural supports and other accommodations to facilitate the assigned individuals’ success on the job and with community integration.
• Attend and participate in all scheduled team meetings and trainings.
• Ensure that assigned individuals comply with all safety regulations and procedures at their job/vocational training/volunteer sites.
• Collaborate with the client to research, develop, and implement weekly schedule.
• Complete administrative work and/or team assigned projects in a timely manner.

Qualifications

• Must possess, upon hire, documented First Aid Certification, maintained and coordinated by the department.
• Must obtain documented cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and MANDT certifications within the first 30 days of employment, and maintain them coordinated by the department.
• Must obtain and pass all Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) required training within the first 90 days of employment, repeated to maintain credentials.
• Must have proficiency in collaborating with a variety of professional teams, including mental health, medical, related services, educational planning, and career planning teams.
• Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted driver’s license and a clean driving record under 5 points.
• Must have a clean, reliable vehicle and active auto insurance.

Education

• High School diploma, certificate of completion, or GED required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, Human Services, or related field preferred.

Experience

At least one year of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is preferred.

Salary: USD $36,955.98/Yr. USD $60,296.50/Yr.