Direct Support Professional - Community Supports

UNITED COUNSELING SERVICE OF BENNINGTON COUNTY INC; Manchester (VT); On-site; USD 29,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer match

Employer paid life insurance

Employer paid short term and long term

Job summary

United Counseling Service of Bennington County Inc in Manchester, VT seeks a Direct Support Professional for Community Supports. This full-time role (Mon-Fri, 40 hours) supports individuals with intellectual disabilities in community and work settings, providing transportation, job coaching, and personal assistance to promote independence and safe daily living.

You will collaborate with teams, document progress, follow support plans, and participate in required trainings.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Direct Service experience preferred.
• Experience with individuals with intellectual disabilities preferred.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Outlook for internal e‑mail communication.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals’ participation in the community and workplace through meaningful activities and job support
• Provide transportation using a personal or agency vehicle
• Deliver on-site employment support (job coaching, modeling behaviors, teaching tasks, promoting independence)
• Encourage positive relationships with community members, coworkers, and supervisors
• Assist in developing and implementing community and employment goals
• Promote choice‑making, skill‑building, and positive social interactions
• Serve as a positive role model in all settings
• Provide personal care as needed
• Ensure safety across all environments, including workplaces
• Follow schedules set by leadership (community outings and work shifts)
• Make person‑centered decisions to support individual needs
• Advocate for individuals in all settings, including employment
• Communicate using each individual’s preferred method (verbal, sign, assisted, etc.)
• Follow all support plans and Developmental Services (DS) policies
• Attend required trainings

Skills

Microsoft Outlook

Direct Service

Intellectual disabilities

High School Diploma

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Direct Support Professional - Community Supports

United Counseling Service of Bennington County Inc Manchester, Vermont, United States

About this position

Description:Why join UCS?Since 1958, United Counseling Service (UCS) has been dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to individuals and families in our community. Through a wide range of programs, services, and educational opportunities, we strive to meet the diverse needs of those we serve. Our team includes professionals from various fields, including administration, clinical services, nursing, education, case management, psychiatry, and direct support, working across 17 facilities throughout Bennington County.As a proud affiliate of Vermont Care Partners—a statewide network of 16 non-profit community-based agencies,we deliver comprehensive mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental services across Vermont. We are currently seeking compassionate, motivated team players to join us in making a positive impact and building a stronger community.

• Competitive pay
• Generous paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid short term and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career development opportunities
• Free clinical supervision towards licensure
• Loan repayment and tuition assistance program
• Award winning worksite wellness program
• An inclusive workplace supported by an active Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging committee.
• Rewarding experience making a difference in the community.

Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Community Supports in Manchester, VT

Schedule: 40 hours/week, Monday–Friday

Objective / Purpose

Under the Program Coordinator’s direction, the DSP provides direct support to individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism in community and employment settings. The role focuses on helping individuals build independence, engage meaningfully in the community, succeed in the workplace, and grow personally. Responsibilities include transportation to community activities and employment.

1. Direct Service

• Support individuals’ participation in the community and workplace through meaningful activities and job support
• Provide transportation using a personal or agency vehicle
• Deliver on-site employment support (job coaching, modeling behaviors, teaching tasks, promoting independence)
• Encourage positive relationships with community members, coworkers, and supervisors
• Assist in developing and implementing community and employment goals
• Promote choice‑making, skill‑building, and positive social interactions
• Serve as a positive role model in all settings
• Provide personal care as needed
• Ensure safety across all environments, including workplaces
• Follow schedules set by leadership (community outings and work shifts)
• Make person‑centered decisions to support individual needs
• Advocate for individuals in all settings, including employment
• Communicate using each individual’s preferred method (verbal, sign, assisted, etc.)
• Follow all support plans and Developmental Services (DS) policies
• Attend required trainings

2. Record Keeping

• Collect data aligned with each individual’s Individual Support Agreement (ISA), including goals
• Complete all required documentation accurately and on time (timesheets, progress notes, summaries, expense reports)
• Develop task analyses or job assessments to support progress and independence

3. Networking & Collaboration

• Share relevant information with staff, employers, families, and professionals
• Act as an advocate and liaison for the individual, DS Division, and UCS
• Participate in support teams and DS/UCS team collaboration
• Build and maintain positive relationships with community partners and employers
• Attend treatment plan and employment‑related meetings as neededSupport strong communication among all team members to ensure success in community and work settings

Requirements

Education & Experience Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Preferred:

• Direct Service experience preferred
• Experience with individuals with intellectual disabilities preferred

Skills

• Proficiency in using Microsoft Outlook for internal e‑mail communication

Licenses/Certifications & Other

• Valid Driver’s License
• Reliable transportation to transport clients

Salary Information

$21.19 - $21.19Hourly Wage