Direct Support Professional

At Sycamore Services, we are seeking Direct Support Professionals who are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities. As a key member of our team, you will play a vital role in providing training and support to empower individuals to lead self-determining lives.

Purpose

• Direct Support Professionals prioritize the emotional, physical, and personal well-being of individuals with disabilities, fostering growth and empowerment.
• They enhance the ability of consumers to lead self-determining lives by providing support and information necessary to build self-esteem, assertiveness, and decision-making skills.
• DSPs utilize effective communication strategies and skills to establish collaborative relationships with consumers.
• They provide opportunities and support that promote respect and inclusion of individuals within their communities.

Responsibilities

• Assist and support consumers in developing strategies, making informed choices, and following through on responsibilities.
• Promote consumer partnership in the design of support services.
• Provide opportunities for consumers to be self-advocates by encouraging and assisting them to speak on their own behalf.
• Honor the choices and preferences of consumers.
• Safeguard and respect the confidentiality and privacy of individuals supported.
• Promote human, legal, and civil rights of all people and assist others in understanding these rights.
• Utilize effective communication skills to build rapport and channels of communication by recognizing and adapting to various consumer communication styles.
• Maintain knowledge of and use modes of communication appropriate to consumers' needs.
• Use terminology appropriately, explaining as necessary to ensure consumer understanding.
• Maintain collaborative professional relationships with consumers and all support team members (including family/friends) and adhere to ethical standards of practice.
• Assist in developing an individualized plan based on participant preferences, needs, and interests.
• Implement an individualized plan to achieve specific outcomes derived from consumers' preferences, needs, and interests.
• Review the achievement of individualized consumer outcomes.

Supports & Instruction

• Assist consumers in meeting their physical and personal management needs by teaching skills, providing support, and building on individual strengths and capabilities.
• Assist consumers with household management and transportation needs to maximize their skills, abilities, and independence.
• Support consumers in developing friendships and other relationships.

Requirements

• High school diploma or demonstrated equivalent competency required.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Experience working with persons with disabilities in the community preferred.
• Excellent people and communication skills are required.
• Ability to work flexible/non-standard hours.
• Valid driver's license and dependable transportation.
• Ability to keep accurate documentation.
• Knowledge of community and community activities preferred.
• Promote and uphold the agency's mission statement.
• Promote a sense of team through mutual respect and assisting co-workers as needed.
• Work with a variety of individuals in different settings.
• Work a flexible schedule with non-standard hours.
• Maintain all required documentation and needed data.
• Maintain accurate time/billing records and submit them as supervisor requests.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Sit for long periods.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 35 pounds; upper body leverage strength required.
• Travel to Sycamore Service locations.
• Travel to Sycamore Services events.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See the differences between colors, shades, and brightness.

Sycamore Services, Inc. Benefits

• Job Advancement Opportunities: We are committed to supporting your professional growth and career development through various advancement opportunities within the organization.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Health coverage to ensure you and your family stay healthy and well-cared-for.
• Life Insurance: Financial security for you and your loved ones in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
• 401(k) Profit Sharing Program: Build your financial future with our 401(k) plan that includes a profit-sharing component, helping you save for retirement while benefiting from the company's success.
• Credit Union Access: Enjoy the convenience and benefits of membership with the Indiana Members Credit Union, offering a range of financial services and products.
• Transportation: Assistance with transportation needs to support your commute and reduce travel-related stress.