Our mission is to improve the lives of individuals with special needs by working with them out in the community one-on-one and in group settings.

Direct Support Professionals teach, encourage, and support individuals with special needs.

FOCUS provides personalized training and letters of recommendations to those pursuing careers in areas such as education, special education, psychology, social work, nursing, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and more!

Job Details:

Job Duties

1) Seek information on the range of services available to individuals experiencing developmental and/or intellectual disabilities

2) Provide opportunities for the individual to learn, practice, and strengthen self-advocacy skills

3) Perform advocate responsibilities while demonstrating respect for the processes and people involved

4) Effectively teach skills to people supported

5) Recognize the individual’s need for teaching and preferred learning style and perform individualized teaching based on this information

6) Assist in the development, implementations, and on-going evaluation of service plans that are based on the individual’s preferences, needs, and interests

7) Continuously share observations, insights, and recommendations with the individual and supervisor

8) Support individuals to overcome barriers and challenges to establishing and maintaining a network of relationships and valued social roles

9) Identify the individual’s personal strengths, interests, and needed supports for community involvement

10) Use a range of effective communication strategies and skills to establish a collaborative relationship with the individual served

11) Maintain accurate records by collecting, compiling, and submitting data in timely, honest, appropriately ways in accordance with agency, state, and federal policies and regulations

12) Apply knowledge and skills gained through training and feedback to the job

13) Adhere to and promote the mission, culture, and practices of the agency

14) Adhere to and comply with agency policies, procedures, and protocols

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

1) Must be at least 18 years of age

2) Must be able to pass a background check that meets State of Alaska requirements

3) Possess a High School or General Education Development (GED) diploma

4) Must have a current CPR/First Aid Certificate or be willing to get one within 30 days of hire date

5) Have a valid Alaska driver’s license

6) Have a reliable, safe vehicle that meets minimum State of Alaska insurance requirements and has personal sufficient insurance coverages

7) Be willing to drive with individuals in your personal vehicle

8) Have a smartphone to perform essential job duties, including but not limited to clocking in/out for assigned shifts; recording and submitting mileage; recording and submitting accurate, thorough, and timely documentation of services provided; and communicating with supervisors and other FOCUS office staff as needed

9) Successfully complete all required trainings within the allotted timeframe

Other Job Specific Requirements

1) Basic numeracy, written and verbal communication skills sufficient to undertake support work and communicate with team members, individuals, their families, and other members of their personal support teams, and community members as needed

2) Ability to follow clearly defined policies and procedures

3) Participate in, complete, and apply all required and mandatory trainings

4) Physical Requirements of this position include:

a) Continuously walk, sit, and stand

b) Frequently lift and carry 25 to 50 pounds and squat, kneel, and stoop

c) Occasionally push/pull 25 to 175 pounds (example: an individual in a wheelchair)

d) Physical demands of this position can vary based on the personal needs of individuals served; additional information will be given as needed

e) Reasonable accommodations may be made on a case-by-case basis

Work Remotely

• No

Job Types: Part-time, Full-time

Pay: From $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• After school
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Night shift
• On call
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• Having a vehicle is a requirement of this position. Do you have a fully insured vehicle you would be willing to use to transport individuals?

Experience:

• Developmental disabilities: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: On the road