What are the responsibilities and job description for the Direct Support Professional position at SKILLS, Inc.?
Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Join our dedicated team as a Direct Support Professional, where you will play a vital role in empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling and independent lives. Your compassionate support and commitment will help create a positive and inclusive environment that fosters growth, dignity, and respect. Be part of a rewarding journey that makes a meaningful difference every day.
ABOUT SKILLS, Inc.:
A Maine nonprofit, we were founded by families. In the 1950’s, different families built nonprofits to support their children with intellectual disabilities. SKILLS was born from those early organizations, and we began supporting adults with intellectual disabilities. Over the last 60 years, we have added services and expanded programs. We strive to provide a supportive environment for employees and people receiving support. We see the individual - not a person defined by their disability - but by their dreams, aspirations, and capabilities. We see the AMAZING in everyone!
Job Responsibilities:
- Provide compassionate care and support to individuals with disabilities in their daily activities.
- Encourage and assist people in developing life skills for greater independence.
- Implement individualized care plans and document their progress and incidents accurately.
- Facilitate social and recreational activities to promote engagement and community involvement.
- Assist people with personal hygiene tasks, including bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Administer medications according to prescribed schedules and maintain accurate medication records.
- Support people with mobility, including wheelchair transfers, and providing transportation to appointments.
- Communicate effectively with people receiving support, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
- Monitor an individual's health and report any changes or concerns to the appropriate personnel.
- Maintain a safe and clean environment in accordance with health and safety standards.
- Provide emotional support and companionship to enhance an individual's quality of life.
- Participate in team meetings and training sessions to stay informed on best practices in responding to needs.
FULL-TIME, PART-TIME, or PER DIEM WORK SCHEDULES
This entry-level position has various day shift, evening shift, night shift, holiday, and weekend schedules available based on the needs of the people supported and your availability. Overnight shifts from the hours of 10:00 pm - 6:00 am pay $2.50/hour more.
Don't forget BENEFITS!
We provide terrific benefits for our employees working 30 hours/week, including 100% employer-paid health and life insurance, voluntary vision and dental insurances, and paid time off (PTO) as well as a 403(b) with 100% employer match. Additionally, we offer paid training and have a fleet of company vehicles for use when transporting individuals. If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, apply today!
Equal Opportunity Employer
SKILLS, Inc., is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of the individual's status in a protected class. Protected classes include race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic information, legally recognized disability, military services or veteran status, creed, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or civil union status, citizenship, ancestry, ethnic heritage, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal laws.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum 18 years of age
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
- Ability to pass a background check upon hire and throughout employment
- CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
- Ability to attend ongoing training which may or may not coincide with your regular work schedule
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
- Empathy, patience, and strong interpersonal skills
- Flexibility to work various shifts, including nights and weekends, and overtime as needed
- Ability to follow individualized support plans and protocols
- Computer skills for documentation and communication tasks
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $16.78 - $18.09 per hour
Expected hours: 30 – 40 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid orientation
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Safety equipment provided
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person
Salary : $17 - $18
