Direct Support Specialist - Empowering Independence

Opportunity Partners, Inc.; Richfield (MN); On-site; USD 35,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Opportunity Partners is seeking a Direct Support Professional to provide person-centered support in our group homes serving adults with disabilities. You will help with daily living skills to promote independence, safety, self-management, and personal growth.

Schedule includes nights and weekends; wage ranges from $17.00 to $22.00 per hour. You will assist with personal care, mobility, transportation to appointments, and support for safe, meaningful daily activities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required in this role.
• Minimum of two years of direct support professional experience in either a group home or senior care facility.
• Minimum of one year of mental health experience in supporting people with bipolar disorder, dissociative identity disorder, PTSD, severe anxiety, or other significant mental health conditions.
• Valid driver’s license required to drive company vehicles.
• Experience with Office 365, Case Management & EMAR systems; time and scheduling management systems.
• The ability to lift up to 40 pounds to assist people with disabilities with their transfer and mobility needs.

Responsibilities

• Use person-centered practices, including healthy and professional boundaries, de-escalation, and recognition of trends, triggers, and behavior patterns.
• Develop strategies that engage and motivate each person to receive services.
• Assist with personal care, including hygiene, bathing, toileting, ostomy care, incontinence support, transfers, and skin care.
• Understand personal care needs, including support for aging, fall prevention, and dementia-related concerns.
• Provide transportation to and from medical appointments, and support during the appointment, as needed.
• Follow medical plans, administer treatments and medications according to procedure, advocate at appointments, document outcomes, and share updates promptly.
• Teach personal safety skills, including emergency procedures, household and community safety, vulnerability awareness, and crisis or health plan protocols.
• Support social development, including self-esteem, communication, friendships, appropriate interactions, and conflict resolution.
• Assess needs, observe skills, contribute to program objectives, and implement plans that help each person reach their potential. Participate in goal setting and identify methods for achieving goals.
• Provide instruction according to outcome methods and document services and progress daily.
• Implement complex behavioral support strategies consistently.
• Exhibit effective communication and customer service skills.
• Know when to communicate changes directly to the team and when to elevate concerns to the Program Manager.
• Share person and program information clearly and promptly.

Skills

Mental health experience

Direct care experience

Valid driver's license

Communication skills

Lift 40 pounds

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Office 365

Case Management

EMAR systems

Job description

Opportunity Partners is seeking a Direct Support Professional to provide person-centered support in our group homes serving adults with disabilities. You will help with daily living skills to promote independence, safety, self-management, and personal growth.

Schedule includes nights and weekends; wage ranges from $17.00 to $22.00 per hour. You will assist with personal care, mobility, transportation to appointments, and support for safe, meaningful daily activities.