Direct Support Professional | Residential | Float Team

The ARC of The Ozarks Inc; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 45,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible part-time schedule

Paid training

Opportunity to work across programs

Job summary

The Arc of the Ozarks is seeking part-time Direct Support Professionals (DSP) to join our Float Team in Missouri. You’ll work across various programs to fill open shifts, support independence, and help people we serve lead meaningful lives. Starting pay is $21.00/hour with experience pay available.

We value reliability and teamwork with flexibility for weekend and weekday shifts, and a paid two-week orientation training. Typical shifts are 8 hours, including days, evenings, or overnights.

Qualifications

• Age 18 or older required.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• CPR/First Aid certifications and MANDT training may be required.

Responsibilities

• Teach and support independent living skills such as cooking, cleaning, shopping and personal hygiene.
• Provide medication and behavioral support as required.
• Work as part of a team to plan, communicate and advocate for the individuals we support.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

We are seeking Part-time DSP's for our Float Team

Float Team Position Description

Our Float Team provides essential staffing support across our services by filling open shifts and helping ensure continuity of care for the people we support. This role is ideal for someone who values flexibility and is comfortable working with different clients and teams.

Float Team Requirements

• Must be available to work a minimum of 16 hours per week; one weekend shift and one weekday shift each week.
• Float Team members must maintain reliable availability and be prepared to accept shifts based on organizational needs.
• Members are expected to respond to communications from management within a reasonable timeframe regarding their availability to pick up a shift that has come available.
• Flexibility is important, as shifts and locations may vary based on staffing needs.

The Float Team is a great opportunity for individuals who enjoy variety, are dependable, and want the flexibility of working across different programs while making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we support.

Starting Pay: $21.00/hour — Experience Pay Available!

Looking for a career where the work you do truly matters? Join The Arc of the Ozarks and help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities build independence, reach their personal goals, and be active members of their communities.

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you’re more than a caregiver—you’re a mentor, coach, and advocate who helps the people we support learn skills, make choices, and live as independently as possible.

What Does a DSP Do?

• Teaching and supporting independent living skills such as cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and personal hygiene.
• Helping individuals build confidence and independence through hands‑on learning and encouragement.
• Getting out into the community—visiting local businesses, participating in activities, exploring new places, and supporting individuals in becoming active, valued members of their communities.
• Supporting employment, household, and personal goals.
• Providing medication and behavioral support as required.
• Working as part of a team to plan, communicate, and advocate for the individuals we support.

What Does It Take to Be Successful?

Passionate about supporting individuals with disabilities and helping them build greater independence and become valued members of their communities. A genuine commitment to the people we support and the mission of The Arc of the Ozarks is essential.

You don't need years of experience to make a difference. We’re looking for people who are:

• 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Patient, dependable, and willing to learn
• Comfortable working hands‑on with individuals and supporting their personal goals
• Committed to treating the people we support with dignity, respect, and compassion

Why Work for The Arc?

We invest in you and your future.

• Starting pay of $21.00/hour
• Experience pay available for directly relevant experience
• Paid initial and ongoing training and certifications, including CPR/First Aid, MANDT, Paraclete, Level 1 Medication Aide, and more
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement
• Potential for annual wage increases
• Excellent opportunities for growth and promotion within the organization

Training note: We require a two‑week (paid) training/orientation for the first two weeks of employment--weekdays from 9AM - 5PM.

Scheduling: Typical shifts are 8 hours and may include days, evenings, or overnights.

Learn more about The Arc of the Ozarks and the people we support:

The Arc of the Ozarks

• Our YouTube Videos
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Glassdoor Reviews

Qualifications

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Definition

This is a human services position providing desired supports to persons with disabilities, in a residential setting, so that they may achieve the highest level of independent living possible within their community.

An employee in this class provides training and supports to assigned persons served in dressing, bathing, personal hygiene, house cleaning, laundry, and other activities of daily living. Additional responsibilities include assisting with the purchasing of groceries, training in food preparation, administering medications, and assist in the management of personal funds. This employee assists in the implementation of personal plans; contributes to the development and maintenance of a therapeutic environment; and establishes effective interpersonal relationships with each person served, their parents and/or guardians, and other members of the support team.

Work involves responsibility for observing and reporting information concerning the physical, mental, and behavioral condition of the persons served and for assisting in the maintenance of necessary records and reports to document these observations. Close supervision and direction is received from the Team Manager, the Program Supervisor, and/or other staff members who review work through reports and direct observations.

Essential Job Functions

Mission and Core Values

Serves as an ambassador of the mission and purpose of The Arc of the Ozarks

Knowledge and understanding of The Arc mission statement and will uphold in their daily work.

Supports The Arc knowing that any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks which could be included in the position of this class.

Care and Support of Individuals

Provides support to persons served in dressing, bathing, personal hygiene, house cleaning, laundry, and other activities of daily living.

Assists with the purchasing of groceries and supplies; supports persons served in preparing their own meals.

Assists in providing basic health care for persons served; takes temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiration, and applies simple dressings when necessary.

Administers oral, rectal, vaginal, optic, ophthalmic, nasal, and topical medications, after certification by The Arc of the Ozarks and Missouri State officials.

Takes appropriate action in case of fire and/or disaster or other urgent / emergency.

Assists in maintaining an inventory of supplies in the home and ordering / notifying appropriate parties of needed items so clients homes always have necessary items.

Documentation and Quality Supports

Implements outcomes and strategies of individual personal plans under the supervision of the Team Manager, the Program Supervisor, or other staff members; provides supports as identified in the personal plans; attends review meetings when assigned.

Provides support to persons served in maintaining a safe and clean environment in their home.

Observes, reports, and assists in recording changes in the physical, emotional, behavioral status of persons served and documents progress on the outcomes listed in personal plans.

Assists in the orientation and training of new employees.

Encourages the development and maintenance of a safe environment for persons served in a residential setting including developing plans for evacuation assistance in case of emergency, using the on-call pager; and training in securing emergency services such as the police, the fire department, and an ambulance.

Assists persons served in securing and effectively managing funds; ensuring the Individuals’ choices of how these funds are spent, budgeting, etc.

Community Involvement

Provides support to persons served in becoming active participants in their communities.

Supports persons served in participating in varied meaningful vocational, domestic, and leisure activities in the community of their choosing.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Ability to exercise good judgement and discretion.

Ability to work varied and flexible hours, accept and adapt to changes in assignments, methods, policies, etc.

Ability to work with and respect persons with disabilities and advocate for their rights.

Ability to learn and apply crisis intervention and behavior support techniques.

Ability to administer oral, rectal, vaginal, optic, ophthalmic, nasal, topical medications and insulin injections after certification by The Arc of the Ozarks and Missouri State officials.

Ability to teach basic skills and model adaptive behaviors at home and in the community.

Ability to maintain a safe, clean and agreeable environment for the persons served.

Ability to accurately report and record observations.

Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.

Ability to stand, stoop, lift up to 50 lbs, and pull and push items.

Ability to pass with satisfactory performance CPR, First Aid, and Behavior Intervention training.

Ability to maintain a record of punctuality and attendance.

A licensed and insured driver.

Ability to obtain a class E drivers license if driving persons served in an Arc vehicle.

Minimum Experience And Training Qualifications

Be a minimum of eighteen years of age and possession of a diploma from an accredited High School or the equivalent

• Successfully complete a course in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation and First Aid
• Successfully complete a 16 hours course in Medication Administration.
• Successfully complete a 10 course in MANDT System Workshop
• Successfully complete a course in OSHA regulations on Health and Safety.
• Successfully complete a course in Abuse & Neglect
• Successfully complete a course in Electronic Documentation
• Other trainings per department or per home location may be required, refer to policy 8.106 for specific requirements.

Traits and Characteristics Desired

The Direct Support Professional will be a person who is passionate about working with individuals with disabilities and increasing their independence as a valued member of the community. A sincere dedication to the mission and the people served by The Arc of the Ozarks is crucial.

The Direct Support Professional must demonstrate the ability to establish rapport, effectively communicates, and cultivates a positive work culture with not only their team, but staff from other departments, guardians, individuals served, internal and external stakeholders.

The Direct Support Professional should be open to feedback, possess a growth mindset, and a willingness for learning opportunities in order to better themselves and The Arc of the Ozarks.