Direct Support Professional

Empowering People, Building a Culture of Inclusion

At Makom, we are dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to achieve the quality of life they aspire to live. If you are a passionate professional eager to make a meaningful difference in the IDD community, we want to meet you

For over 40 years, we have been leaders in delivering innovative services and supports to individuals with IDD across Maryland and Virginia. Our team of over 450 professionals is united by a shared commitment to fostering a workplace culture that's defined by our core values—Excellence, Inclusion, Integrity, and Self-determination. Those guiding principles frame our embrace of diversity, equity, and belonging. At Makom, you'll become a key part of meeting our transformative mission while working in a community that values your individuality, expertise, and aspirations.

The Role: We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our dynamic team. As a DSP, you will play a critical role in ensuring individuals with IDD lead self-determined, meaningful, and fulfilling lives as they engage their communities in pursuit of a quality of life to which they aspire.

Responsibilities:

• Person-Centered Support: Provide individualized supports based on each person's unique skills, aspirations, and needs. Help individuals lead self-directed lives, fully engaging and in their communities.
• Skill Development: Empower individuals by supporting skill-building and personal growth in alignment with their Person-Centered Plans (PCP)/Individual Support Plans (ISP).
• Community Engagement: Facilitate opportunities for individuals to experience community—to build social networks/social capital, to pursue joy and fun, to contemplate and pursue careers—all aimed at leading self-determined and self-directed lives. Participate in the communities in which they live, work, learn, pray and play.
• Daily Living Assistance: Provide coaching and support for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) tailored to each individual's needs.
• Health & Safety: Ensure living and working environments are clean, safe, and meet the needs of individuals, including compliance with medical recommendations and care plans.
• Adaptability: Evolve your approach as individuals' needs evolve, serving as a key member of their support team.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma required; further education in human services or a related field is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Actively participate in cultivating and sustaining a 'culture of communication,' in which sharing information with people we support, families and friends, and co-workers is an essential tool to our work individually and collectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications and general computer skills.
• Maintain professionalism and positive relationships with individuals, families, colleagues, and external partners.
• Ability to lift up to 100 pounds with assistance and kneel to provide hands-on support.

All positions are contingent on the following requirements:

• Flu Vaccine
• COVID-19 Vaccine
• Background Check and/or Fingerprinting/Check Registry Check in VA.
• Drug Screen
• Valid MD, VA, or DC driver's license required.
• Health Exam/Certificate Completed with TB screening.

Our Culture:

We cultivate a culture rooted in care, growth, and shared success, striving to create an environment where everyone can thrive. Guided by our values of Excellence, Integrity, Inclusion, and Self-Determination. These guiding principles define how we approach, we invest in our team, by providing opportunities for professional development, promoting well-being, supporting one another, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we support. We are a culture inspired by a future where individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities have the same options and opportunities for a well-lived life as all other members of the community. Together, we strive to create an environment where everyone feels included, valued, empowered, entrepreneurial, and inspired to succeed. We also recognize that failure is part of how we learn. At Makom, failure is not fatal unless we want it to be. And, we commit to 'failing forward', always seeking to learn from our inevitable mistakes, to grow, and to flourish. We can't wait to see what you'll achieve as part of the Makom team

What We Offer:

• Competitive Pay: $ $30.69 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.

• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package for full-time eligible employees, including health insurance, paid time off, and holiday pay.

• Growth Opportunities: Professional development, paid trainings during orientation, career growth programs to help you succeed in your role. Unlock your potential

• Supportive Work Environment: Work alongside a passionate, mission-driven team.

At Makom, you'll have the chance to be part of a transformative mission while working in a community that values your individuality, expertise, and aspirations. Together, we create meaningful change.

Join Us: If you are ready to bring your passion, skills, and dedication to an organization committed to making a difference, we invite you to apply and become part of the Makom family. Together, we'll continue to innovate, empower, and inspire.

Commitment to EEO:

We offer excellent benefits to eligible employees, competitive wages and that celebrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.