Direct Support Professional

** We are hiring for:
** Direct Support Professional
** Type:
** Regular If you are a positive and personable individual looking for a satisfying and fun opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people with intellectual, developmental disabilities, and people facing mental health, and substance use challenges, join our team at RHA Health Services!  The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides personalized support to individuals with disabilities, helping them engage meaningfully in their communities and achieve their personal goals.

This role involves assisting individuals in identifying and expressing their needs, implementing services aligned with their person-centered plans, and fostering independence and self-advocacy. A successful DSP seeks to understand each individual’s history, social and family networks, and aspirations, providing support with compassion and respect. This position operates under supervision and follows established guidelines to ensure high-quality care and advocacy.
** Pay:** $18.75/hr
*
* DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

*** Advocate for individuals’ human, legal, and civil rights.
* Promote health and safety by supporting wellness initiatives and accident prevention.
* Encourage self-advocacy and empower individuals in making their own choices.
* Facilitate community engagement by accompanying individuals to work, recreational activities, and social events.
* Teach and support independent living skills, including household management and personal care.
* Provide transportation for appointments, errands, and community activities.
* Foster social connections by supporting relationship-building within the community.
* Support informed decision-making regarding living arrangements, employment, and social activities.
* Assist with personal care tasks, such as hygiene, bathing, dressing, and household chores (laundry, cleaning, and decorating).
* Maintain accurate documentation of provided services and support.
* Understand and address challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, using effective advocacy strategies.
* Connect individuals with community resources for career development, education, and volunteer opportunities.
* Encourage effective communication, adapting to individual needs and preferences.
* Assist with medication administration in accordance with state laws and regulations.
* Ensure confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all aspects of care.
*
* SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

** This position has no supervisory responsibilities
*
* MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

*** High School Diploma or equivalent
* Must be at least 18 years of age
* Meet all pre-employment screening
* Compassionate, patient, and dedicated to person-centered support.
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to foster independence while providing necessary support.
* Knowledge of disability rights, self-advocacy, and community integration principles.
* Ability to maintain accurate records and follow regulatory guidelines.
** PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
*** Must be able to regularly lift and carry up to 20 lbs. and occasionally pull at least 40 lbs.
* Must be able to squat, kneel, crawl, crouch, climb, and stoop as part of regular job duties.
* Must be able to use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls.
* Required to stand and walk for extended periods.
* Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in CPR from floor level, which requires working on hands and knees, bending, standing, and lifting.
* Vision requirements include close, distance, and peripheral vision.
* Must be able to talk and hear.
* ** Exception – Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs:
For these programs only, employees must be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). The requirement to talk and hear does not apply.
** RHA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, prohibits discrimination based on the following protected categories: race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex/gender, marital status, civil status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or…