Group Direct Support Professional

Job Summary

FOCUS is looking for fun and creative people to join our waiver services team! The Waiver Services Group Direct Support Professional (G-DSP) position is a direct support role, working to deliver person-centered, individually focused Medicaid Waiver Services to individuals experiencing developmental and/or intellectual disabilities within the GROUP SETTING! This position is centered in providing high quality direct support, often within a complex, structured schedule, that empowers individuals to design, plan, research, and engage in all aspects of daily living like recreation and leisure activities and events that further their progression towards their highest level of autonomy and independence within their lives.

This is an entry level position, no prior experience required- we will train the right candidates! Part-Time and possible Full-Time available.

Values and Attributes

The G-DSP should encapsulate, posses, and magnify the following values and attributes:

1. A passion for supporting and helping people experiencing developmental and/or intellectual disabilities reach their full potential and highest levels of independence and autonomy

2. A dedication to preserving and protecting individuals’ health, safety, privacy, integrity, dignity, personal rights, and well-being

3. A drive to create and capture teachable moments and learning opportunities within each activity and event that further helps individuals practice, build, and strengthen the skills they are targeting as they strive to reach personal goals and milestones

4. A heart for demonstrating, modeling, and encouraging positive solution-seeking, rapport-strengthening direct support techniques, strategies, and skills embedded into each activity and event

5. A commitment to exemplifying and illuminating the core values, mission statement, and culture of FOCUS

6. Excellent time management skills that enable them to plan, be prepared, and still have enough flexibility to adjust and make accommodations within each activity and event based on assigned individual’s needs at any given moment

Areas of Targeted Skill Building and Development within the GROUP Settings

1. Navigating group dynamics with co-workers, supervisors, individuals, and community members in respectful ways

2. Building interpersonal communication skills through creating, teaching, and demonstrating thoughtful, purposeful activities and events

3. Real-World applications to strengthen money and time management within group activities

4. Aiding individuals in identifying emotions and recognizing needs for emotional regulation

5. Teaching individuals new coping skills and strategies and creating opportunities for those skills and strategies to be practiced

6. Demonstrating and modeling appropriate self-advocacy skills

7. Researching community events, activities, and resources and teaching individuals how to do the same

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Adhere to and promote the mission, culture, and practices of the agency

2. Adhere to and comply with agency policies, procedures, and protocols

3. Thoroughly understand, implement, and adhere to individuals’ approved Support Plans and/or amendments

4. Participate in and complete annual mandatory trainings and professional development opportunities as assigned by direct supervisor or Director of Waiver Services

5. Apply knowledge and skills gained through training and feedback to the job

6. Seek information on the range of services available to individuals experiencing developmental and/or intellectual disabilities

7. Provide opportunities for the individual to learn, practice, and strengthen self-advocacy skills

8. Perform advocate responsibilities while demonstrating respect for the processes and people involved

9. Effectively teach skills to people supported

10. Recognize the individual’s need for teaching and preferred learning style and perform individualized teaching based on this information

11. Assess the effectiveness of formal and informal teaching provided and make adaptations where needed

12. Assist in the development, implementations, and on-going evaluation of service plans that are based on the individual’s preferences, needs, and interests

13. Continuously share observations, insights, and recommendations with the individual and supervisor

14. Support individuals to overcome barriers and challenges to establishing and maintaining a network of relationships and valued social roles

15. Identify the individual’s personal strengths, interests, and needed supports for community involvement

16. Use a range of effective communication strategies and skills to establish a collaborative relationship with the individual served

17. Maintain accurate records by collecting, compiling, and submitting data in timely, honest, appropriately ways in accordance with agency, state, and federal policies and regulations

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

1. Must be at least 18 years of age

2. Must be able to pass a background check that meets State of Alaska requirements

3. Possess a High School or General Education Development (GED) diploma

4. Must have a current CPR/First Aid Certificate or be willing to get one within 30 days of hire date

5. Have a valid Alaska driver’s license

6. Have a reliable, safe vehicle that meets minimum State of Alaska insurance requirements

7. Be willing to drive with individuals in your personal vehicle and/or company van

8. Have a smartphone to perform essential job duties, including but not limited to clocking in/out for assigned shifts; recording and submitting mileage; recording and submitting accurate, thorough, and timely documentation of services provided; and communicating with supervisors and other FOCUS office staff as needed

9. Successfully complete all required trainings within the allotted timeframe

Other Job Specific Requirements

1. Basic numeracy, written and verbal communication skills sufficient to undertake support work and communicate with team members, individuals, their families, and other members of their personal support teams, and community members as needed

2. Ability to follow clearly defined policies and procedures

3. Participate in, complete, and apply all required and mandatory trainings

4. Physical Requirements of this position include:

a) Continuously walk, sit, stand, and use hands for simple and firm grasping and fine manipulation

b) Frequently lift and carry 25 to 50 pounds and squat, kneel, stoop, twist uppers body

c) Occasionally push/pull 25 to 175 pounds (example: an individual in a wheelchair)

d) Physical demands of this position can vary based on the personal needs of individuals served; additional information will be given as needed

e) Reasonable accommodations may be made on a case-by-case basis

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $18.25 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid orientation
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you 18 years or older with a valid driver's license?
• Do you have a reliable vehicle that you would be willing to use to transport individuals on a regular basis?
• Do you have experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities?

Work Location: In person