Direct Support Professional (DSP) — Individualized Supported Living | Part-time$21.00/hour starting pay - Experience Pay available | Fridays and Saturdays - set scheduleLooking for meaningful work where you can make a real difference every day? Join The Arc of the Ozarks as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and help an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities build independence, develop life skills, and participate in their community.This is an active, hands-on role for someone who enjoys teaching practical skills, building relationships, solving problems, and helping another person achieve personal goals. You'll provide individualized support with daily routines, household responsibilities, community activities, and personal development.Starting pay is $21.00/hour, with additional pay available for relevant experience. Paid training and professional development are provided. Previous DSP experience is welcome but not required.What Does a DSP Do?You’ll work hands-on with individuals to support their everyday lives and personal goals. Your day may include: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:18 years of age or olderHigh school diploma or equivalentPatient, dependable, and willing to learnComfortable working hands-on with individuals and supporting their personal goalsCommitted to treating the people we support with dignity, respect, and compassionEligible to obtain a Missouri Class E Driver's LicenseWhy Work for The Arc?We invest in you and your future.Starting pay of $21.00/hourExperience pay available for directly relevant experiencePaid initial and ongoing training and certifications, including CPR/First Aid, MANDT, Paraclete, Level 1 Medication Aide, and moreOpportunities for professional development and advancementPotential for annual wage increasesExcellent opportunities for growth and promotion within the organizationTraining 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.Questions?Email the Talent Acquisition Team.: Jobs@thearcoftheozarks.orgPlease include your name and the position/location you are interested in.Learn more about The Arc of the Ozarks and the people we support:The Arc of the OzarksOur YouTube VideosFacebookLinkedInGlassdoor ReviewsDIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALDefinitionThis 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 FunctionsMission and Core ValuesServes as an ambassador of the mission and purpose of The Arc of the OzarksKnowledge 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 IndividualsProvides 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 SupportsImplements 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 InvolvementProvides 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 AbilitiesAbility 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 QualificationsBe a minimum of eighteen years of age and possession of a diploma from an accredited High School or the equivalentSuccessfully complete a course in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation and First AidSuccessfully complete a 16 hours course in Medication Administration.Successfully complete a 10 course in MANDT System WorkshopSuccessfully complete a course in OSHA regulations on Health and Safety.Successfully complete a course in Abuse & NeglectSuccessfully complete a course in Electronic DocumentationOther trainings per department or per home location may be required, refer to policy 8.106 for specific requirements.Traits and Characteristics DesiredThe 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.