Direct Support Professional - Employment

UNITED COUNSELING SERVICE OF BENNINGTON COUNTY INC

Bennington (VT)

On-site

USD 32,000 - 42,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer match

Paid time off

Job summary

UNITED COUNSELING SERVICE OF BENNINGTON COUNTY INC in Manchester & Bennington, VT seeks a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide direct support to individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism in community and employment settings. The DSP helps build skills for independence and successful workplace integration, including transportation to activities and job sites.

Under supervision, you will assist with on-site employment support, teach skill-building, and promote choice-making

Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent.
Direct Service experience preferred.
Experience with individuals with intellectual disabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide direct support to individuals in community and employment settings.
Assist with transportation to activities and work.
Support job coaching and independence-building.
Maintain safety and follow support plans.
Record data and complete DS documentation.

Skills

Outlook proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

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.

UCS Offers Generous Benefits

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.

We believe a dynamic and inclusive workforce will strengthen our organization and enhance the services we provide. Therefore, it is our goal to hire a diverse workforce and cultivate a culture where our employees feel accepted and included, hold a valued place within our organization and are equally able to contribute to their fullest extent, assisting in fulfilling our mission of building a stronger community.

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

Objective/Purpose

Under the direction of the Program Coordinator, the Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides direct support to individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder in both community settings and employment settings. The DSP helps individuals build skills for increased independence, meaningful community involvement, successful workplace integration, and overall personal growth. This includes providing transportation to and from community activities and to and from the individual’s place of employment.

Major Responsibilities

1. Direct Service

Facilitate individuals’ inclusion in the community and workplace by developing meaningful community-based activities and supporting individuals at their sites.
Provide transportation to and from community activities and transport individuals to and from their place of employment, using a privately owned or agency vehicle.
Provide on‑site employment support, which may include job‑coaching, modeling appropriate work behaviors, assisting with task learning, and promoting independence on the job.
Support quality programming in all settings, including community locations and employment sites.
Encourage positive relationships with community members, coworkers, and supervisors at places of employment.
Assist in developing and implementing both community and employment support goals.
Promote choice‑making, skill development, and positive social interactions in community and work environments.
Serve as a positive role model for individuals in all settings.
Provide personal care assistance, as needed.
Teach and support increased skill‑building using appropriate instructional methods.
Maintain safety of individuals across all environments, including workplaces.
Follow established schedules created by the Administrator and Coordinators, including community outings and work shifts.
Make informed, person‑centered decisions to support high‑quality services and individual needs.
Advocate for individuals across all settings, including places of employment.
Use each individual’s primary mode of communication (e.g., spoken language, sign language, interpreter, facilitated communication) and respond to their unique communication style.
Follow all support plans and Developmental Services (DS) policies.
Attend all required trainings.

2. Record Keeping

Collect data required by each individual’s Individual Support Agreement (ISA), including community and employment goals.
Complete all DS and agency documentation accurately and on time, such as timesheets, progress notes, monthly summaries, and expense vouchers.
Develop task analyses or job assessment forms as needed to support growth, independence, and measurable job‑related performance.

3. Networking & Collaboration

Share necessary information with staff, employers, coworkers, professionals, and family members as appropriate.
Serve as an advocate and/or liaison on behalf of the individual, the Developmental Services Division, and UCS.
Participate as a member of the individual’s support team and the broader DS/UCS teams.
Encourage and maintain positive relationships with community partners, employers, and other workplace contacts.
Attend treatment plan or employment support meetings as requested.
Promote ongoing communication among all team members to support success in both community life and employment.

Requirements

DSP Qualifications Education & Experience Required