Life Coach/Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Smiles-Like-Yours; Ashland (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Smiles-Like-Yours is seeking a Direct Support Professional in Virginia to work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You will assist with daily living activities, aid in or oversee community outings, and support socialization in day programs or residential settings.

The role requires compassion, reliability, and the ability to document progress, administer basic care, and follow individualized care plans.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• At least one year of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Preferred: TOVA, CPR, and medication administration certifications.
• Must have a Virginia driver’s license in good standing and pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Implement company policies and procedures.
• Observe and promote the rights and dignity of individuals.
• Engage in person-centered care.
• Assist individuals entering/exiting vehicles and buildings during outings.
• Maintain effective working relationships with individuals and staff.
• Set up, execute, and break down events.
• Support individuals during events and community activities.
• Safely transport individuals to and from events using company vehicle.
• Provide personal care as needed.
• Perform housekeeping tasks.
• Document and update Individualized Support Plans and Progress Reports.
• Administer medication when necessary.
• Attend all scheduled meetings and trainings.

Skills

Human services knowledge

Organizational skills

Active listening

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Empathy

Advocacy

Cultural competence

Patience

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Direct Support Professionals work directly with individuals who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. Day-to-day, they assist individuals with various daily activities in the day support or residential setting and provide programming and opportunities for socialization for members.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Implementing and following the policies and procedures of the Company.
• Observing and promoting the rights and personal dignity of others.
• Engaging or assisting in the person-centered care of individuals.
• Assisting individuals when entering and exiting vehicles while on community outings, as well as entering and exiting buildings safely.
• Maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and other employees.
• Setting up, executing, and breaking down each event.
• Supporting individuals with assistance during events.
• Safely guiding and engaging individuals in the community to interact with others.
• Safely transporting individuals to and from events utilizing company vehicle.
• Providing personal care during activities if necessary.
• Performs general housekeeping activities.
• Implementing and Documenting Individualized Support Plans and Progress
  Reports.
• Applying first aid, CPR and or Tova, when necessary.
• Attending all scheduled meetings/training for the well-being of the company.
• Administering medication, when necessary.
• Performs other related work, as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the human services field.
• Organizational skills.
• Active listening skills.
• Critical thinking skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to exhibit empathy.
• Ability to advocate for the needs and rights of others.
• Ability to exhibit cultural competence.
• Ability to be patient with individuals/clients and others.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. required or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• At least one year of experience of working with individuals with intellectual and development disabilities.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be on-time to work, reliable, and dependable.
• Must possess basic computer skills and be able to use Microsoft applications.
• Preferred candidates are those who are TOVA, CPR, and medication administration certified.
• Must possess a valid Virginia Driver’s License in good standing.
• Must undergo and successfully pass a background check.

PYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS:

• Must be able to effectively and safely lift and transport individuals via wheelchair and able to lift, squat, bend, stoop, and crouch.
• May interact with the public, other Company employees, individual/clients’ families, and caseworkers/managers.

EVALUATION:

• Performance will be evaluated on the ability and effectiveness with which the incumbent accomplishes the above responsibilities.