Direct Support Professional

Summary

Are you a natural caregiver? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of adults with disabilities? Our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) work to empower adults with differences to live a more independent life. Under the direction of a Lead DSP, these vital staff members create a welcoming and productive environment of learning for our day program participants and empower them to reach their goals.

These DSPs will work in our Pathway to Life Enrichment.

• Conduct behavioral observations while providing a variety of training activities (i.e., life skills training, creative learning time, etc.)
• Implement and follow individual program plans and behavior management programs; coordinate with Case Managers to provide behavior supports for individuals with differences.
• Train and monitor participants in safety procedures and provide first aid as needed.
• Provide supervision during assigned breaks and lunch times; optional hours are determined by the program Director according to participant needs.
• Model and encourage identified behaviors and skills to support participants in identified outcomes.
• Responsible for shop coverage and participant assistance in the event of an emergency (i.e., incontinence, soiled clothing, etc.).
• Coordinate, plan, and monitor weekly arts & crafts projects for participants.
• Request, maintain, and collect production training.
• Be flexible on a daily basis to cover workshops as needed.
• Provide transportation supervision before 8:30 a.m. and after 2:30 p.m., including supervision of JTA transportation.
• Other duties may be assigned.

• Directly supervise and train participants in assigned activity areas.
• Carries out training responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
• Plan, assign, and direct activities; appraise performance; follow behavioral guidelines for participants; address complaints and resolve problems.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Pine Castle is an equal‑opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with differences to perform the essential functions of this role, if they do not cause undue burden for the organization.

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred and one year of experience working with persons with developmental disabilities preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Associate Degree may substitute.

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write required reports and documentation. Ability to present effectively before groups of participants or professionals.

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Use of calculator is allowed.

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to handle complex problems with many variables.

• Valid FL Driver’s License or valid FL , including proof of insurance as needed.
• Within 90 days of employment, certification in first aid, CPR, HIV/AIDS, infection control, and other subject areas must be attained and verified, as provided by Pine Castle, and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Completion of required background screening as required by Florida Statutes (see HB531 | Florida Agency for Health Care Administration for more information).

• Compassion for and a desire to understand the needs of persons with intellectual and developmental differences.
• Ability to make behavioral observations and express events in clear, concise, written form.
• Ability to understand capabilities and needs of…