Direct Support Professional Day Program (Route Driver) Grand Coteau

Arc Of Acadiana Inc; Sunset (LA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Insurance (medical, dental, vision)

PTO & sick leave

Retirement plan

EAP and wellness resources

Career growth training

Job summary

Arc of Acadiana Inc. seeks a Direct Support Professional to provide daily living support and person-centered care for adults with developmental disabilities. You will assist with routines, documentation, and community-based activities while Safely transporting participants on scheduled routes.

The role requires effective communication, reliability, and a compassionate, team-oriented attitude to promote independence and dignity in daily life.

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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 routes, ensuring timely pick-up and drop-off while following agency transportation policies.
• Assist participants with developing functional life, social, and work-related skills.
• Accurately document and collect data reflecting services provided and participant progress.
• Support participants during community outings, appointments, and program activities.
• Assist with medication administration in accordance with training and 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 requirements.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Reading and writing

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job 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 DoProvide support with daily living activities, including eating, dressing, personal hygiene, and community-based tasks as neededSafely 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 skillsAccurately complete documentation and data collection to reflect services provided and participant progressSupport participants during community outings, appointments, and program activitiesAssist with medication administration in accordance with training and organizational policiesMaintain a safe, clean, and supportive environment for all participantsCommunicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and other departmentsModel appropriate behavior and maintain a positive, respectful approach when working with participantsFollow all individualized service plans, policies, and regulatory requirementWhat We’re Looking ForHigh 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 OfferCompetitive 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 RequirementsAbility 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 EnvironmentThis 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.