Direct Support Professional

What You'll Do

As a Direct Support Professional you will deliver a range of hands‑on supports to assist individuals with achieving the goals outlined in their ISP and maximizing opportunities for community infusion and natural supports. You must be willing to work flexible hours as needed and as determined by participants' schedules. You will attend to the daily needs of individuals on an individual basis, foster increased independence and self‑determination through a person‑centered approach, advocate for the rights and equality of participants, and assist with self‑advocacy, community integration, and establishing natural supports within their community.

As a Direct Support Professional your responsibilities and duties will include working closely with individuals with IDD to support their independent living and community participation goals.

• Implement and monitor participant ISP and employment plans, including work readiness training, job preparation counseling, external education, vocational training referrals, and job placement.
• Provide support in community settings and connect participants to community resources and members to facilitate integration.
• Teach socialization skills and activities of daily living including self‑awareness, human development, menu planning, money management, transportation orientation, individual life skills, and community resource utilization.
• Administer and document individual medications as prescribed by a physician in accordance with agency and program procedures.
• Record and appropriately utilize necessary data, daily progress notes, and complete all ISP and program‑required documentation before the end of shift.
• Transport individuals to and from community activities, job development activities, and other required events.
• Provide opportunities for leisure time activities and foster independence in the selection and participation of those activities.
• Create a supportive environment that allows participants to determine personal preferences for daily schedules and routines.
• Maintain confidentiality of participant information in compliance with policies, procedures, and HIPAA regulations.
• Maintain knowledge of ongoing program issues, developments, and inform the supervisor of concerns.
• Execute duties while reflecting reasonable safety standards, using universal and standard precautions, and obtaining relevant training.
• Participate in core training and maintain certification of required training, such as CPR, First Aid, MAP, and Crisis Prevention Intervention.
• Provide crisis intervention and access emergency services as needed.
• Attend and actively participate in ISP meetings, supervision, and staff meetings, ensuring a person‑centered approach.
• Ensure that participants are treated with dignity and respect in accordance with ESRI's Human Rights Policy.
• Implement programs for participants, including physical activity such as lifting, running, and swimming.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and function as an ambassador for Easterseals Rhode Island, acting as an intermediary between employers, co‑workers, and participants, and providing follow‑up to employers via phone or visits.
• Teach individuals how to prepare for the workforce, such as resume writing, cover letter creation, and mock interviews.

• High School diploma required; an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related fields (psychology, vocational rehabilitation, occupational rehabilitation) from an accredited institution is preferred, or one to two years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of successfully working in a community setting with individuals with disabilities is preferred.
• Must possess a safe, reliable, registered, insured, and inspected vehicle to transport individuals as needed during assigned shift(s).
• Must be able to demonstrate competence in varied areas of training identified by ESRI, such as CPR, First Aid, behavior management, medication administration, and driving.

• Compensation
  • $21.12 hourly
• Benefits
  • Heal…