Direct Support Professional

Location:

Fayetteville/Springdale/NWA area

• Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Monday - Friday 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
• Monday - Friday 12:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Job Title:

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

This job posting is for a specific individual. For general employment please see our other job postings. For this role you will provide flexible, person-centered direct support to an adult individual in community and home settings. You will be a key member of her support team- helping her practice job skills, manage diabetes, build routines, and safely use coping strategies when she is upset.

This is person-centered, strength-based work: you will coach, plan, celebrate progress, and advocate so she can live the life she wants.

She loves music, making bracelets, puzzles and card games. She values her phone, her family, and being treated with respect and dignity. She's working toward moving to Fayetteville, getting a grocery store job, exploring college, building friendships, and improving anger management and daily living skills. She asks for hands on staff who match her energy, plan activities, and go into the community with her.

• Match her energy, plan activities, be actively engaged, and offer respectful choices.
• Ask permission before discussing her past; respect her timing and privacy.
• Praise attempts and small steps toward goals.
• Use technology supports (calendar reminders, job apps) as coaching tools.

• Pry into trauma or ask about her past at unplanned times.
• Shame around food or use preferred activities as punishment.
• Use harsh tones, repeated lecturing, or public discussions of her behavior that exclude her.

• Provide individualized supports that reflect the individual's preferences, goals, routines and personality (transportation, errands, appointment attendance, meal preparation, recreational and community participation).
• Support job readiness: scheduled 15-30 minute practice sessions (applications, mock interviews, roleplay) and transportation to job search activities as needed.
• Health supports: remind/assist with blood sugar checks per health plan, encourage moderation in food choices (no shaming), support medication prompts as needed.
• Plan and lead at least one meaningful activity per shift tied to Ishes interests (music, crafts, car ride, going out to eat, puzzles, games).
• Daily living: use visual schedules and gentle prompting to support hygiene, chores, budgeting practice, and meal prep.
• Safety & Deescalation: recognize warning signs (slamming doors, walking off, pacing, throwing objects) and use BSP steps acknowledge feelings, offer choices, provide space if requested, and call for support if there's an imminent safety risk.
• Coordinate with supervisors, support coordinators, and team members to ensure continuity of supports and clear communication.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation of supports provided using agency systems and mobile devices.
• Adapt to changing schedules and locations; participate in required training and team meetings.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• A degree or experience in related fields is a plus.
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks.
• Dedicated attitude to provide support to people with disabilities.
• Flexibility, teamwork mentality, and reliability.
• Reliable transportation and valid Arkansas drivers license.