Direct Support Professional - Specialized Services (Per Diem/On Call/As Needed Position)

Ucsvt; Bennington (VT); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

United Counseling Service (UCS) in Vermont is seeking a Direct Support Professional for Specialized Services. You will deliver individualized supports to a person with an intellectual disability or autism, as part of a 24/7 community-based support team.

You will work across settings such as Battelle Crisis Stabilization House, an independent apartment, a hotel or Airbnb, helping with health, safety, daily living, and coordination with clinical staff and documentation.

Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma or equivalent.
• Direct Service experience is preferred.
• Experience with individuals with intellectual disabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide respectful, friendly, professional direct services to individuals.
• Facilitate conversations and activities aligned with the person’s interests.
• Offer guidance, companionship, emotional support and supervision for safety.
• Follow Specialized Services regulations per Medicaid.
• Implement treatment plans to deliver meaningful supports.
• Advocate for individuals and connect them to community resources.
• Support participation in community events and activities.
• Monitor emotional and physical well‑being and assist with personal care as needed.
• Attend medical appointments and ensure follow‑ups; provide transportation as needed.
• Maintain safety plans and document adherence to safety and court/Act 248 orders.
• Collect required data and complete timesheets, expense sheets and monthly documentation.
• Collaborate with team members and share information professionally.

Skills

Outlook

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

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.

Direct Support Professional: Specialized Services

Schedule: On Call/As Needed:

Will be contacted when there is a call out or scheduled in advance for schedule gaps. This is a per diem position.

Objective / Purpose:

Under the direction of the Program Coordinator, the Specialized Services Provider delivers individualized supports to a person with an intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder living in the community. This position is part of a 24/7 support team for a high-needs individual residing in one of the following settings:

• Battelle Crisis Stabilization House
• An independent apartment
• A hotel or motel
• An Airbnb residence

Major Responsibilities

1. Direct Service

• Provide services in a respectful, friendly, and professional manner that supports client choice.
• Facilitate conversations and activities that match the individual’s interests.
• Offer guidance, companionship, emotional support, and supervision to ensure safety.
• Follow all Specialized Services regulations as outlined by Medicaid.
• Implement the individual’s treatment plan to deliver meaningful, specific supports.

Community & Daily Living Support

• Advocate on behalf of the individual with family, peers, and community members when needed.
• Introduce and connect the individual to community resources.
• Support participation in community events and activities.
• Teach and model safety skills for both home and community settings.
• Teach and model appropriate social and community behavior.

Health & Wellness Support

• Monitor emotional and physical well-being.
• Administer medications as appropriate.
• Assist with personal care as needed.
• Attend medical appointments and ensure follow-up is completed.
• Provide transportation to activities, appointments, and community events.
• Collaborate with clinical staff to support mental health needs.

Safety & Compliance

• Develop and follow safety plans for community outings.
• Understand Vermont public safety best practices.
• Support the individual in adhering to court conditions of release and/or Act 248 orders, when applicable.

2. Record Keeping

• Collect required data according to the individual’s ISA and behavior support plans.
• Complete all necessary Developmental Services and agency documentation, including:
  • Accurate daily and weekly timesheets
  • Expense sheets
  • Monthly documentation
• Submit all paperwork in a timely manner.

3. Networking / Team Collaboration

• Share relevant information with staff, professionals, and team members in a confidential and professional manner.
• Serve as an advocate and/or liaison for the individual, Developmental Services Division, and UCS.
• Participate actively in team meetings, care plan discussions, and other collaborative meetings as a problem-solver.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Preferred:

• Direct Service experience preferred
• Experience with individuals with intellectual disabilities preferred

Skills

• Proficiency in using Microsoft Outlook for internal e-mail communication

Licenses/Certifications & Other

• Valid Driver’s License
• Reliable transportation to transport clients on occasion