Direct Support Professional Day Program (Route Driver) Grand Coteau

Arc of Acadiana; Sunset (LA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and sick leave

Retirement plan options

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and…

Job summary

Arc of Acadiana is seeking a Direct Support Professional to provide daily living assistance and transportation within a Day Program setting. You will implement individualized service plans to promote independence and meaningful engagement for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Responsibilities include safely transporting participants, assisting with life skills, documenting progress, and collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to person-centered services and supporting participant dignity, choice, and independence.
• Positive attitude, patience, and compassion when supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Reliable, dependable, and able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to follow instructions, organizational policies, and structured program routines.
• Ability to observe, document, and accurately report participant information.
• Basic understanding of health, safety, and support needs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record required.
• Ability to safely operate agency vehicles and transport participants on assigned morning and afternoon routes.

Responsibilities

• Provide support with daily living activities, including eating, dressing, personal hygiene, and community-based tasks as needed.
• Safely transport participants on assigned morning and afternoon routes, ensuring timely pick-up and drop-off while following agency transportation policies and safe driving practices.
• Assist participants with developing functional life skills, social skills, and work-related skills
• Accurately complete documentation and data collection to reflect services provided and participant progress
• Support participants during community outings, appointments, and program activities
• Assist with medication administration in accordance with training and organizational policies
• Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive environment for all participants
• Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and other departments
• Model appropriate behavior and maintain a positive, respectful approach when working with participants
• Follow all individualized service plans, policies, and regulatory requirement

Skills

High school diploma

Excellent communication

Teamwork

Reliable

Valid driver's license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

At Arc of Acadiana, we are committed to using person-centered language and approaches in all aspects of our work. We recognize each individual as a person first, and we focus on supporting their choices, preferences, and independence. Arc of Acadiana provides person-centered support services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each participant has an individualized service plan (ISP) that guides the supports provided by the Direct Support Professional (DSP). The DSP is responsible for implementing these plans to promote quality care, independence, and meaningful daily engagement based on each participant’s unique strengths, preferences, and support needs. The DSP is also responsible for safely transporting participants on assigned morning and afternoon routes, in accordance with organizational policies and safe driving practices.

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

What You'll Do

• Provide support with daily living activities, including eating, dressing, personal hygiene, and community-based tasks as needed
• Safely transport participants on assigned morning and afternoon routes, ensuring timely pick-up and drop-off while following agency transportation policies and safe driving practices.
• Assist participants with developing functional life skills, social skills, and work-related skills
• Accurately complete documentation and data collection to reflect services provided and participant progress
• Support participants during community outings, appointments, and program activities
• Assist with medication administration in accordance with training and organizational policies
• Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive environment for all participants
• Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and other departments
• Model appropriate behavior and maintain a positive, respectful approach when working with participants
• Follow all individualized service plans, policies, and regulatory requirement

Qualifications

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Related experience in human services, caregiving, or direct support preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to person-centered services and supporting participant dignity, choice, and independence.
• Positive attitude, patience, and compassion when supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Reliable, dependable, and able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to follow instructions, organizational policies, and structured program routines.
• Ability to observe, document, and accurately report participant information.
• Basic understanding of health, safety, and support needs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record required.
• Ability to safely operate agency vehicles and transport participants on assigned morning and afternoon routes.

Benefits & What We Offer

• Competitive pay and stable scheduling.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees.
• Paid time off and sick leave.
• Retirement plan options for eligible employees.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness resources.
• Ongoing training and opportunities for career growth.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, and lift while assisting participants with mobility and daily activities.
• Ability to safely enter, exit, and operate agency vehicles, including assisting participants during transportation as needed.
• Ability to remain awake, alert, and attentive throughout assigned shifts.
• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations.

Work Environment

• This position operates primarily within a Day Program setting and includes routine transportation responsibilities. The DSP safely transports participants on assigned morning and afternoon routes. The role requires active engagement with participants throughout the day while supporting a structured, safe, and person-centered environment in both facility and community settings.