Direct Support Professional - Community Engagement (Nights & Weekends) FT/PT

The Arc of Southside; Danville (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arc of Southside is seeking a dedicated professional to support individuals with disabilities in building social skills, independence, and community participation. You will work to foster relationships, promote self-advocacy, and help participants access typical activities and transportation options within the community.

Responsibilities include facilitating engagement, supporting planning sessions, and assisting in developing living and communication skills while upholding inclusion

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience working with people with disabilities preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

Responsibilities

• Promoting Community Engagement: talk with program participants about interests and explore community events.
• Encourage individuals to participate in community planning sessions.
• Explore activities and public events in the community.
• Actively pursue volunteer opportunities for and with program participants.
• Participate in planning sessions with program participants.
• Develop living skills, self-advocacy, and communication abilities in participants.
• Support inclusion and access to community mobility and transportation.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Inclusion philosophy

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

JOB PURPOSE

To provide services which support and foster individuals’ abilities to acquire, retain, or improve skills necessary to build positive social behavior, interpersonal competence, greater independence, employability, and personal choices necessary to access typical activities and functions of community life such as those chosen by the general population. Community Engagement provides a wide variety of opportunities to facilitate and build relationships and natural supports in the community, while utilizing the community as a learning environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Experience working with people with disabilities preferred
• Valid driver’s license and transportation

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Promoting Community Engagement:
  • Talk with program participants about their interests exploring different types of community events.
  • Encourage individuals in actively participate in community planning sessions.
  • Explore activities and public events in the community
  • Actively pursue volunteer opportunities for and with program participants.
  • Participate in planning sessions with program participants.

• Activities include:
  • Development of self-advocacy skills for program participants.
  • Exercise of civil rights (the rights of individuals to receive equal treatment in a number of settings).
  • Acquisition of skills that promote the ability to exercise self-control and responsibility over services and supports received or needed.
  • Assist with acquisition of skills that enable the individual to become more independent, integrated, or productive in the community.
  • Development of communication skills and abilities.
  • Furthering spiritual practices.
  • Participation in cultural activities.
  • Developing skills that enhance career planning goals in the community including assisting individuals in making an informed choice about whether or not a person wants to work. It can also include exploring types of work opportunities and gaining information regarding the person’s employment interest and preferences.
  • Development of living skills
  • Promotion of health and wellness.
  • Development of access to the community, mobility and the ability to achieve the desired destination. This includes access to and utilization of public transportation.

• Other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES

Communication – Exhibits good interpersonal communication skills. Keeps others informed and demonstrates positive team work. Possess strong written and verbal communication skills.

Computer Skills – Ability to operate computer and Microsoft office programs and the internet

Philosophy – Commitment to principles of Inclusion