Direct Support Professional (DSP) - American Sign Language

Rise; Coon Rapids, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Job summary

Rise is seeking a Direct Support Professional (Life Enrichment Program) who is ASL-proficient to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those who are Deaf or DeafBlind. You will help participants engage in activities like art, music, cooking, and community events, while documenting progress and following individualized plans.

The role emphasizes personal growth, teamwork, and a person-centered approach, with daytime hours and a path for career advancement

Qualifications

• ASL fluency required.
• Passionate about working with Deaf/Hard of Hearing communities.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Able to meet physical demands and use safety equipment.
• Team player, flexible and calm under pressure.
• Background check (Rule 11) and valid driver license.
• Must pass MVR background check.

Responsibilities

• Assist with activities of daily living and personal cares as part of life enrichment programs.
• Document Care Plan outcomes and objectives daily.
• Dispense medication per physician orders and maintain state-required documentation.
• Assist Activity Coordinators in setting up activities and encourage participation.
• Promote personal growth and implement person-centered practices.
• Maintain professional demeanor and be a positive role model.
• Position includes lifting and transferring individuals to/from wheelchairs.
• Complete documentation as needed.
• Provide daily transportation in Rise vehicles.

Skills

ASL fluency

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Description

Do you want to make a real difference in people's lives? Work for an inspiring non-profit leader in disability services!

At Rise, Inc., we believe that everyone deserves opportunities to live a life filled with purpose and pride. Nobody is just punching a timecard here. Every Rise team member is personally connected to and driven by our mission. And we like to have fun while we work! But we’re also serious about your success - we offer great opportunities for growth and development.

In our life-enrichment services, we support people with disabilities to set and achieve their personal goals. They can set goals related to:

• health and fitness
• mental wellbeing
• independent living skills like cooking or money management
• exploring their community
• volunteering
• hobbies like painting, crafts, and card games

We’ll give you the tools you need by providing robust training. All you need is a willingness to learn and a desire to support others in living their best lives.

Position Summary

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) Life Enrichment Program (ASL Proficient), you will assist with the day-to-day work and social skills of people with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, mental health and who are also Deaf, DeafBlind, and/or Hard of Hearing. Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) is required to be successful in this role. People in our program benefit from and enjoy participating in day activities, creating friendships, and developing new opportunities for personal growth. Our DSPs work to support individuals in our programs with customized support plans that are designed to meet their specific needs and interests. Examples of Life Enrichment Program activities include: art therapy, music therapy, cooking, YMCA classes and events, social activities (potlucks, etc), learning activities including reading and discussion groups, community activities, and special events.

Responsibilities

• Direct support professionals assist people with personal cares and other activities of daily living including therapist-designed programs such as walking and range of motion exercises
• Document Care Plan outcomes and objectives daily.
• Dispense medication per physician orders. Maintain required medication documentation as required by state licensing.
• Assist Activity Coordinators in set-up of activities and encourage people during groups/activities as needed.
• Continually inspire personal growth in the people we support by working on personal goals and implementing person-centered practices.
• Conducts oneself as a positive role model for people and other team members in terms of appearance, socialization and teamwork.
• Position does include lifting and transferring adults to/from wheelchairs
• Complete documentation as needed
• Provide daily transportation of persons supported in Rise vans and buses

Requirements

What you will need:

• Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) required
• Passionate about working with people who are Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing and those who’s preferred mode of communication is American Sign Language.
• High School diploma
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position and correctly use assistive and safety equipment.
• Hardworking, flexible and ability to work collaboratively with a team.
• Maintain calm demeanor in handling occasional difficult situations.
• Previous experience is helpful, but we are willing to train the right person
• Applicants must comply with and pass Department of Human Services background check (Rule 11)
• Applicants must have a valid driver license and willing to drive a Rise vehicle to transport persons served
• Must be able to pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) background check

What we have to offer you:

• Wage: $18.91 - $19.96 per hour, depending on qualifications

Team members who are proficient in American Sign Language (ASL) may qualify for an additional $0.50 to $1.00 per hour pay differential, depending on their level of proficiency and position requirements.

• Daytime work hours (No evenings, weekends, or major holidays)
• A pathway opportunity for persons aspiring for careers in Social Work, Human Services, and/or Health Care
• Medical insurance - single employee coverage less than $90/month
• Dental insurance less than $17/month
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with a 100% vested employer match
• Rise sponsored Basic Life & AD & D insurance
• Voluntary Life, Short Term, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Tuition reimbursement and Rise sponsored trainings (i.e., CPR, First Aide, and more) to help you be successful in your role
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off (PTO) starts at 16 days during your first year, plus 2 floating holidays
• Employee resource groups (i.e., DEI, LGBTQ+, recognition and more).
• A fun team environment that supports your professional development and opportunities for career advancement.
• Rise is a PSLF-eligible employer. Your qualified student loan balance may be forgiven after 120 covered payments.

Are you looking to work with a diverse team of professionals? Do you want to work in a fun environment while supporting others to live a life of possibilities?

Rise values being a person-centered organization. This impacts how we carry out services for the people we support and our organizational culture. We encourage people's unique individual differences and celebrate the ways our team members contribute to our community. We believe in a workplace informed by differing viewpoints and perspectives created from a diverse team and welcome people of all races, genders, ages, nationalities, religions, sexual orientations, and backgrounds to apply. Our goal is that those we serve and our team members always feel valued and respected.