Company
Pathfinder
Job Title
Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Substitute
Category
Disability Services
Location
Wabash, IN
Job Type
Substitute/Flexible
Hours
Various hours
Pay
Starting pay: $16.00 per hour, with additional shift differential options:
- Weekend Differential: Additional $3.00 per hour for direct care shifts worked on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Weekday Third Shift Differential: Additional $2.00 per hour for eligible hours worked Monday through Friday.
Job Summary
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Substitute plays a vital role in supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. With flexibility to work across various shifts and locations, DSP Substitutes help individuals lead self-directed lives and actively participate in their communities. They provide high-quality support in daily living, communication, work skills, and medication administration, all while prioritizing safety, well-being, and personal empowerment.
Key Responsibilities
- Daily Living Support: Teach and support essential skills such as personal care, meal preparation, and daily living tasks to promote independence, including assistance with cooking, bathing, and other personal care needs.
- Community Engagement: Facilitate community integration and involvement, helping individuals build meaningful connections.
- Health and Safety: Administer medications, provide first aid, assist with medical appointments, and monitor health conditions, ensuring optimal well-being and safeguarding individuals from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
- Advocacy and Rights: Utilize Person-Centered Thinking (PCT) and People First approaches to uphold and advocate for the rights, autonomy, and choices of individuals.
- Individualized Support Plans: Collaborate with individuals to develop and implement customized support plans that build on strengths, choices, and capabilities, ensuring alignment with personal goals.
- Documentation and Privacy: Maintain accurate, detailed documentation and respect the privacy and confidentiality of the individuals supported.
- Collaboration and Communication: Build positive, collaborative relationships with individuals, colleagues, and other stakeholders, actively involving individuals in decision-making and supporting them in learning new skills across various settings.
- Emergency and Safety Compliance: Be prepared to respond effectively to emergencies and ensure compliance with all safety standards and procedures, including fire and disaster planning.
- Scheduling and Flexibility: Select shifts every two weeks through a Microsoft Form, with a requirement to complete a minimum of 30 hours per month.
Company Mission
Pathfinder’s mission is to strengthen communities by enabling people with disabilities or economic challenges to achieve autonomy, inclusion, and stability.
Benefits & Pathfinder Perks
- Competitive Benefits Package (if applicable)
- Competitive Pay & Paid Training – Earn while you learn with comprehensive training.
- Paid Time Off & Holidays – Maintain a healthy work-life balance with PTO and paid holidays.
- Comprehensive Insurance Coverage – Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.
- Employer-Paid Coverage – Basic Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD).
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match – Plan for your future.
- Tuition Reimbursement – Invest in your future.
- Professional Development & Training – Enhance your skills and career.
- Person-Centered Thinking Training – Gain valuable insights into individualized care and service.
- Pathfinder Perks
- Wellness Platform Incentives – Earn rewards for prioritizing health and well-being.
- Financial Wellness Platform – Access earned wages before payday.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential support sessions.
- Free Pathfinder Kids Clinic – Childcare for children in the community with minor illnesses.
- Exclusive Discounts – Save with special offers, including:
- Verizon Wireless Discount – Stay connected for less.
- YMCA Discount – Enjoy reduced membership rates for fitness and wellness.
Pathfinder Values
People First – Integrity - Contribution – Growth – Empowerment
Requirements
- Minimum of a high school diploma/GED.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Basic language, written, and computer skills necessary for communication and documentation.
- Demonstrated ability to support people with disabilities.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule if needed.
- Crisis prevention, intervention, and teaching skills.
- Valid driver’s license, insured vehicle, and safe driving record.
- Ability to speak, hear, and read the English language.
- Be able to run, squat, stoop/bend, kneel, climb stairs, lift up to 50 pounds, push and pull against potential resistance.
- Implement non-physical and approved physical interventions and CPR with people supported when needed.
- Shall have adequate vision, writing, and documentation skills to perform the job's essential functions.