Disability Advocate – Community Programs

Ability Advocates; Grand Junction (CO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Ongoing professional development

Leadership opportunities

Job summary

Ability Advocates is seeking Direct Support Professionals to provide hands-on, community-based support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You will supervise individuals, offer job coaching, and assist with transportation to activities and jobs.

The role emphasizes emotional intelligence, strong boundaries, and consistent follow-through while safeguarding client safety and dignity throughout the day.

Qualifications

• Dependable and compassionate candidate with strong communication.
• Willingness to maintain professional boundaries and teamwork.
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain it.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and support individuals in community and employment settings.
• Provide job coaching and workplace skill development.
• Safely transport clients to activities and job sites.
• Implement individualized behavior and support plans.
• Maintain professional boundaries and follow supervision expectations.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation.
• Support social engagement, life skills, and independence.

Skills

Dependable

Compassionate

Clear communication

Team player

Strong boundaries

Education

CPR/First Aid certification

Job description

Join a Mission-Driven Team Making Real Impact

Ability Advocates provides person-centered services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our work focuses on meaningful community engagement, employment opportunities, independence, and dignity.

We are not a passive day program — we are an active, community-based organization that believes in growth, accountability, and building real-world skills.

If you are dependable, compassionate, and motivated to make a difference while maintaining high professional standards, we would love to meet you.

About the Role

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide hands-on, community-based support in:

• Supported Community Connections
• Supported Employment & Job Coaching
• Skill-building and independence development

This role is active, relationship-based, and requires emotional intelligence, strong boundaries, and consistent follow-through.

You will be responsible for maintaining client safety, dignity, and program integrity at all times.

What You’ll Do

• Supervise and support individuals in community and employment settings
• Provide job coaching and workplace skill development
• Safely transport clients to activities and job sites
• Implement individualized behavior and support plans
• Maintain professional boundaries and follow supervision expectations
• Complete accurate and timely documentation
• Support social engagement, life skills, and independence

Hands-On Support May Include

• Toileting and hygiene assistance
• Feeding and meal support
• Mobility assistance and transfers
• Personal care and dressing

Who Thrives Here

The right candidate:

• Is reliable and punctual
• Is comfortable providing hands-on care
• Communicates clearly and professionally
• Can manage transitions and unexpected changes calmly
• Maintains strong boundaries
• Works well on a team
• Understands that supervision and safety are non-negotiable
• Is growth-oriented and open to feedback

This role is not sedentary. It involves community outings, walking, lifting, problem-solving, and active engagement throughout the day.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record
• Reliable vehicle and active insurance
• Ability to pass background check
• CPR/First Aid certified (or willingness to obtain)
• Experience in special education, behavioral health, or I/DD services preferred but not required
• Willingness to complete ongoing training

Compensation & Growth

• $18–$24 per hour (based on experience and role responsibilities)
• Paid training
• Ongoing professional development
• Opportunities for leadership and advancement within the organization

Our Culture & Values

Ability Advocates is an inclusive, affirming workplace. We proudly serve and employ individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities. We are LGBTQ+-affirming and transgender-safe. All staff are required to complete inclusion training and actively maintain a respectful and welcoming environment.

We value

• Accountability
• Equity
• Client choice
• Professional boundaries
• Team collaboration
• Continuous improvement