Direct Support Professional II

becomingindependent; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 30,651 - 32,718; Full time

Job summary

becomingindependent in Santa Rosa, California is seeking a Direct Support Professional II to assist individuals in achieving personal goals through community engagement, employment, and education. Candidates should possess a high school diploma, experience with individuals with disabilities, and a valid CA driver’s license.

This role involves providing supports, developing service plans, maintaining effective relationships, and transporting individuals to community activities. Applicants must demonstrate strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
• Good customer service skills.
• Ability to operate a vehicle for a portion of your shift.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional support to individuals to achieve personal goals.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining social connections.
• Transport individuals as needed to community activities.

Skills

Organized

Dependable

Good Judgment

Positive Attitude

Interpersonal Relations

Communication

Initiative

Philosophical Commitment

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

College coursework in Special Education or related field

Job description

BECOMING INDEPENDENT JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Direct Support Professional II

Program: Education initiatives

Position Description: A DSP II provides professional support to individuals, assisting them in identifying and achieving personal goals through community engagement, volunteerism, employment, education, and other social or personal interests.

Salary: $22.25-$23.75/hour

Status; Non-exempt; no employee supervision

CRITICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

PROVIDE SUPPORTS & TRAINING

• Participates w/individuals in various ratios in vocational/volunteer/community activities.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining social connections with others in the community.
• Coordinates and provides instruction to promote skill development and independence (in some situations with providing personal care), and other educational topics to individuals served (both individually and in groups).
• Completes monthly trainings within the provided timeframe.
• Provides shadowing opportunities for new staff (on the job training).
• Assists with curriculum development, transportation optimization and new hire mentorship.

DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT SERVICE PLANS

• Ensure individual's personal choice is at the forefront of service plan delivery.
• Participate in developing and implementing instructional and behavioral plans.
• Conduct interviews and assessments in preparation for service plan development.
• Schedule, coordinate, and participate in team planning meetings as requested.
• Plan meaningful and engaging community access schedule on a weekly basis with person‑served input. Enters community access information per department requirements.
• Suggests/provides additions and updates to the Community Resource App.

KEEP RECORDS AND WRITE REPORTS

• Records data relative to tasks (BI information platforms; Therap/ISP data, ADP, TripLog, etc).
• Time and Attendance records (ADP) - Responsible for daily punches for all shifts/applicable breaks and daily review of timecards/corrections/edits (notes).
• ADP for Persons Served - Responsible for all data entered daily (volunteer/paid work/community access); if unable to complete same day will enter first thing next shift.
• Maintain individual progress records; write and submit accurate reports as per procedures.
• Writes General Event Reports (GER).
• Company email must be checked during each shift. Email responses are expected within 24 hours or at your next scheduled shift (for emails where you are the only recipient).
• Text message correspondence must be replied to during your shift.
• Google Calendars/Daily Schedule - All staff must ensure either their Google Calendar or their daily schedule is reflective of all activities during working hours.

DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN EFFECTIVE RELATIONSHIPS

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with persons served, peers, supervisors, and other staff, affiliated agency staff, and members of the community.
• Assist individuals in establishing and maintaining social connections with persons of their choosing, with a focus on reducing relationships with paid supports.
• Attend, actively engage, and participate in weekly staff meetings, training sessions, and other relevant meetings.
• Mentors new hires for the first 60 days.
• Leads large class/community group facilitation.

TRANSPORTATION OF PERSONS SERVED

• Transport persons served as needed to and from community activities/appointments/errands, etc. This may be in a personal vehicle, BI vehicle, or riding public transportation.
• Follow all inspection/cleanliness of vehicle requirements before/after each use.
• Ensure safe entry and exit protocols, as well as ensure the safety of individuals while in a moving vehicle (i.e., tie‑downs and seatbelts).
• Triplog application (with Magic Trip enabled) must be used for all personal vehicle and fleet mileage driven during your scheduled work day. Trips must be reviewed, corrected, and submitted daily or at the start of the next shift.
• Applicable inspections performed via Fleetio application prior to usage of any BI vehicle at any time.

OTHER

• Assist with the setup of various program spaces for activities (chairs, tables, etc.).
• All BI working hours should be performed at a BI location, in the individual's home, or at a community site with the individual. Exceptions need to be pre‑approved by your supervisor.
• Provide support as a Direct Support Professional working in any BI program, including but not limited to providing in‑home care, transportation, and in‑community services for persons served.
• Executes position‑specific job duties and other duties as assigned at the discretion of BI.

CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING SKILLS

• ORGANIZED: Ability to set priorities, perform job duties in an orderly fashion, and complete job duties with efficiency and accuracy. Detail‑oriented.
• DEPENDABLE: Capable of being relied upon, responsible, trustworthy, and punctual.
• GOOD JUDGEMENT: Consistently evaluates information and circumstances to make informed decisions that lead to positive outcomes for both the program and its participants.
• POSITIVE ATTITUDE: Ability to demonstrate a mental disposition and overall outlook that is positive, open, and supportive of others.
• INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS: Ability to relate well with others and establish positive working relations; cooperative; "team player."
• COMMUNICATION: Excellent verbal/written communication skills in English, is able to comprehend and follow directions, as well as be an effective listener.
• INITIATIVE: Ability to "self‑start" without close supervision; self‑reliance, energy, and resourcefulness.
• PHILOSOPHICAL COMMITMENT: Demonstrates through words and actions an understanding of, and commitment to, the organization's beliefs and goals; advocates on behalf of persons served.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or equivalent is required; College coursework or related professional experience in Special Education, Rehabilitation, Psychology, or a closely related field is preferred.

EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities is desirable.
• Good customer service skills and an interest in helping others pursue and achieve their goals is required.
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language used in the workplace (English).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• A physical condition that will permit frequent bending, squatting, turning, and lifting without injury.
• Ability to operate a vehicle for a portion of your shift.
• Ability to walk and stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to assist individuals in wheelchairs.
• Provide personal care to individuals, including assistance in the restroom and feeding.
• Lift at least 40 pounds.
• Clearance of pre‑employment Functional Capacity Evaluation with no restrictions that cannot be reasonably accommodated without undue hardship.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Valid California driver’s license
• Insured, dependable vehicle that can successfully pass BI’s vehicle inspection
• Proof of current auto insurance
• On‑Duty Meal Period WaiverFirst Aid and CPR certification (training will be provided)
• Criminal Record Clearance