What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSP (Direct Support Professional) position at New Hope of Indiana?
We’re hiring multiple Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) for either full-time or part-time shifts at New Hope of Indiana. If you’re looking for a place where you can grow your career while helping people, this is the place! We have shifts in Indianapolis, Carmel, Noblesville, and Fishers.
About Us:
We’ve been voted a Top Workplace by IndyStar for the last 5 years in a row and we truly care about our associates at New Hope.
We have been in the Indy community for over 40 years and we remain committed to supporting individuals and families, encouraging them to live their most independent, fulfilling lives. We are making an impact in our communities every day through services for individuals with disabilities and advocacy efforts.
About the Job – Direct Support Professional (DSP):
Being a DSP is more than a job – for many of our team it’s a calling. DSPs are the key to success of services we provide to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- You will work closely with adults of all ages who have intellectual and developmental disabilities to help them live their most fulfilling life
- You will support individuals with their daily living needs including personal care, grooming, bathing, feeding, cooking, cleaning, etc.
- You will plan parties, games, outings, and other activities based on the interests of the people you support – there are endless possibilities!
- You will drive individuals to and from fun community activities and appointments
Our Benefits – the New Hope difference:
New Hope recognizes the importance of a work environment that fosters respect, dignity, diversity, teamwork, personal growth, training, and development. We maintain a compassionate culture that supports work/life balance and we believe in the power of our associates. Each associate enjoys benefits including:
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
- Attractive Medical/Dental/Vision plans
- 100% employer paid short-term/long-term disability
- 100% employer paid basic life and AD&D insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off accrual
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Referral Bonus
What skills make a good DSP?
- Ability to keep calm and composed in difficult situations: Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can’t always express themselves in ways that are easy to understand. It’s important to be able to remain calm and think through solutions even in stressful moments.
- Dependability and punctuality: Being on-time is important both for coworkers and for the individuals we support. For most people (whether you have a disability or not!), a routine is key to staying balanced and comfortable.
- Observant and intuitive: DSPs are the frontline of support for individuals, and often they are able to tell when something isn’t quite right. Even family members or doctors might not be able to notice when something is off, so it’s important that DSPs are keyed into what is normal and abnormal for the people they support.
- Interpersonal skills and a strong sense of teamwork: Providing support for another person, sometimes around the clock, is a team-oriented task that requires a lot of coordination and flexibility. Being a DSP means being part of a team that must work smoothly and collaboratively!
What Qualifications do I need to be a DSP?
- High School Diploma or GED
- At least 6 months of work experience, volunteer experience, or internship experience, especially working with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities
- A valid Indiana Driver’s License and maintain an acceptable driving record according to New Hope policy
- Proof of current auto insurance
- Be willing to use personal vehicle as needed to transport individuals
- Willing to work flexible hours, including evenings, nights and weekends
- Willing to change work location based on individual and/or program needs
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:
We’re actively taking steps to make sure our culture is inclusive and that our processes and practices promote equity for all, including people of color, women, and members of the LGBTQ community. We welcome and encourage applications from people with these identities or members of other historically marginalized groups.
New Hope of Indiana provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
