Direct Support Professionals

About ABLE, Inc.

ABLE, Inc., standing for, “A Brighter Living Experience,” has been providing residential care to people with developmental disabilities within Houston County for over 30 years. First named Houston County Group Homes, the 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation began as a grass roots effort by concerned parents who sought an alternative to sending their loved ones with disabilities to state institutions or keeping them out of the public eye. ABLE focuses on enhancing the lives of the people it supports by promoting their uniqueness and building their self esteem and independence in a safe and comfortable environment. At ABLE, employees are united in the belief that people with disabilities are best served by those who value them as individuals, fellow community members and friends.

Able, Inc., offers a full benefit package, casual work environment and flexible hours

Compensation for a Direct Support Professional ranges from $15.55-$21.06 per hour
Base Wage for Direct Care: $16.20/hr after the following requirements are met - $15.55/hour starting (if under 18).

ABLE is looking for Full-time or Part-time candidates willing to work weekends only, either every weekend or TWO weekends a month, am or pm shifts. Lancer house has an additional differential of $3.00 per hour for difficulty of care.  There is a Weekend Shift Bonus: $1.00/hour additional to your base wage 

Locations: Lancer house or La Crescent community  homes. 

Job Summary: 

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) supports individuals who experience developmental disabilities or related conditions. Serving as an advocate for these individuals, the most important skill needed is a strong sense of empathy and the ability to connect and relate to people of all abilities. A DSP will be caring, supportive and empowering.

Qualifications & Skills:

            Required:

• • Experience working in a collaborative team environment
  • Ability to be an active listener with sensitivity to developmental disability issues
  • Demonstrate respect to all individuals across the organization
  • Complete integrity, honesty, and confidentiality
  • Basic computer and math skills
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Hold a valid driver’s license with a safe driving record

            Preferred:

• • Previous experience providing direct care to individuals with developmental disabilities

Role Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

People Supported:

• Identifies with, shares in, and displays a commitment to the vision, mission, core values, and core virtues of ABLE, Inc.
• Advocates for people supported by evaluating the effectiveness of programs used, the person’s quality of life, and offering feedback leading to a more desirable future.
• Assists people supported in their daily life, working with them and their connections to ensure that they can live fully in the community.
• Demonstrates respect for each person’s right to dignity, privacy, individualized attention, and choice.
• Recognizes the capacities, unique gifts and interests of all people supported; demonstrating the ability to advocate on behalf of the person.
• Recognizes the vulnerability and needs of all people supported including the ability to implement plans of protection related to those vulnerabilities.
• Teaches and supports all individuals supported in the areas of living while also looking for opportunities to increase independence, choice, and self-motivation.
• Understands histories of people supported and follows documented plans.
• Understands the financial resources of people supported and provides feedback to supervisory staff when needed.
• Accompanies people supported to appointments and completes follow-up documentation.
• Assists people supported in maintaining appropriate hygiene needs as specified by the individual’s specific plan; including personal hygiene, grooming, feeding, ambulation, medical monitoring and health care related tasks.
• Monitors and ensures clothing and personal items of all people supported are appropriate to need and choice.
• Encourages self-help activities.
• Implements programs and activities as specified and assigned.
• Performs the functions of Trained Medication Assistant by carrying out health care plans and treatments; administering and documenting medications; monitoring the use of medications as well as their side effects; and reporting errors.
• Demonstrates consistent use of behavior intervention and management techniques in a manner that is respectful and as least intrusive as possible.
• Communicates respectfully and in a manner consistent with each person’s abilities and needs.
• Performs home management functions such as housekeeping, laundry, bed making and cleaning.
• Provides communication to other staff, family guardians and supervisory and administrative personnel, demonstrating leadership and promoting positive and professional relationships.
• Provides input to supervisor on goals, methodologies and progress related to the programs of people supported.
• Models positive and professional approaches to program implementation and advocacy skills with peers and people supported.
• Completes all required documentation.
• Follows policies and procedures identified in the Employee Handbook and supports agency goals and Affirmative Action Plan.
• Complies with the policies and procedures outlined in the AWAIR Plan.
• Utilizes emergency and safety procedures effectively.
• Assists in the orientation process and support of new team members.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Training:

• Actively participates in all training provided by ABLE, Inc.
• Attends and participates in agency staff meetings and house meetings.
• Maintains current certification in First Aid, TMA and PBA.

Personal Characteristics:

• Punctual and dependable for assigned/confirmed shifts. It is important to be flexible with work locations, even during scheduled hours to accommodate the needs of the people supported
• Exhibits a strong send of empathy and a desire to serve, high level of integrity, guided by a sound set of ethical principles
• Respect cultural and religious practices of people supported
• Interacts with a wide variety of individuals in a friendly and professional manner
• A positive communicator who has a listening presence
• A strong work ethic including punctuality
• Dresses in a manner appropriate for job activities
• An ability to balance both team and individual responsibilities
• Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner, maintaining a positive and professional approach

Direct Reports:

• None

Travel: Local travel is required

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that need to be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this role successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in a temperature-controlled home environment.

Pre-Hire:

Background Check, Reference Check, Cleared as an Agency Approved Driver

Disclaimer Clause:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work required of the role. They are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. ABLE, Inc. reserves the right to change role responsibilities, duties and hours as needed.