Personal Supports - Monday - Friday (3pm-7pm)

Overview: We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Personal Support Direct Support Professional to provide personal supports to an individual with autism. The ideal candidate will be patient, understanding, and dedicated to helping the individual broaden their community experiences, enhance their social interactions, and improve their communication skills.

Location: Potomac, MD

Key Responsibilities:

Community Exploration

• Accompany on daily outings in the community to help them explore various environments, such as parks, shops, and recreational areas, promoting independence and confidence.

Social Interaction Support

• Facilitate opportunities to engage with peers and community members, helping to develop social skills and build relationships.

Communication Development

• Assist in using the individual’s communication device and practicing sign language to enhance their ability to express their needs and engage with others.

Behavioral Support

• Implement strategies to manage and redirect behavioral challenges, ensuring the individual feels safe and supported in different settings.

Skill Development

• Work on specific goals, such as initiating conversations, responding to questions, and understanding social cues during community interactions.

Documentation

• Maintain records of progress, interactions, and any behavioral incidents to ensure continuity of support and effective communication.

Candidate Qualities:

• Previous experience in direct support or working with individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with communication devices and sign language is essential.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with the individual and their family.
• Patience, compassion, and a positive demeanor to help manage behavioral challenges constructively.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving
• Excellent listening and observational skills to understand non-verbal cues and communication style.
• Creativity in developing engaging activities that encourage social interaction and communication.
• Ability to work collaboratively to align support strategies and goals.

Required Qualifications:

• Fully Vaccinated against COVID-19
• High School Diploma
• Valid Driver’s License
• Possess a strong service orientation, including active listening, critical thinking skills, and close monitoring of individuals supported.
• Comfortable in an environment where individuals supported may not be able to perform essential life duties.
• Ability to work professionally and discretely with confidential information.
• High level of personal and professional integrity.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in a verbal and written manner.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
• Ability to use computer applications to fulfill job duties, including the use of individual documentation system, Microsoft Word, assigned payroll systems, LTSS (as assigned) and vehicle inspection reporting system

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged standing, leaning, walking, bending, and lifting periods.
• Prolonged periods are sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to operate durable medical equipment.
• Ability to push a wheelchair and occupant with combined weight up to 200 pounds, on occasion.
• Ability to detect unsafe situations by sight or sound and react quickly to intervene.
• Must maintain reliable transportation to ensure the ability to travel to various sites and meetings in the community.