Disability Rights Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP)

Pay rate: $19/hour

Creative Works is hiring Direct Support Professionals for our residential programs in the Lewiston/Auburn area. If you are looking for a career to feel proud of, we want to hear from you!

We offer 11 paid holidays, 14 days paid time off, and a comprehensive benefits package options, including but not limited to: health, dental, and vision insurance, short term disability, long term disability, life insurance and 403b retirement plan with company match!

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:

The Direct Support Professional provides quality care to program participants; implements specific procedures and programs; reports pertinent information to the immediate supervisor; and assists the immediate supervisor with tasks to support department operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNTIONS:

Provides quality care to program participants in an environment that promotes their rights, dignity, freedom of choice, and individuality.

Is knowledgeable about the Individual Program Plans (IPP), and provides support to the residents according to their plan. Contributes to the planning process by providing the care planning staff with specific information and observations of the participants’ needs and preferences.

Maintains the comfort, privacy, and dignity of participants in the delivery of services, which may include assistance with grooming, bathing, oral hygiene, feeding, incontinent care, toileting, transferring, ambulation, and range of motion, communicating or other needs.

Must be able to assist with the domestic duties of the program, which may include assistance with grocery shopping, meal planning, cooking, cleaning, general upkeep and other duties as assigned.

Fully understands all aspects of participants’ rights and is responsible for promptly reporting any evidence of abuse or violation of participant rights.

Assists with lifts, moves and transporting participants, using proper body mechanics with lifting devices for accident prevention.

Completes necessary documentation according to the standards set forth by CW.

Communicates and interacts effectively and tactfully with participants, CW team members, family members, guardians, case workers, and other stakeholders.

Transport individuals, as needed, using personal vehicle (i.e., to appointments, work, etc.).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assists and transports participants for appointments, errands, and community outings.

Performs all job responsibilities in accordance with the CW Safety and Health policies.

Ability to use positive behavior reinforcement.

Ability to follow and implement IPP plan.

Comply with all CW policies.

Ability to remain patient and empathetic.

Ability to remain flexible and quickly adapt to changing circumstances.

Must be able to problem solve and offer solutions.

Teamwork oriented, but also able to work independently.

Ability to adapt communication methods according to the individual’s need.

PHYSICAL WORK TOLERANCES:

This position is very active and requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, and crouching.

Must frequently assist in lifting non-living loads up to 50 lbs.

Must frequently assists participants with transfers.

While performing this job the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and see to the extent necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or GED

Experience supporting people with brain injuries and/or disabilities preferred.

Must have or be willing to obtain trainings within the Agency’s specified timeline including but not limited to: DSP, CPR/FA, CRMA, Welle, QBISP.

Must have adequate writing skills to maintain documentation standards, reports, IPPs, and any other writing expectation in the program.

Valid U.S. Driver’s License

Satisfactory driving record per agency’s insurance company standards

Must have ability to communicate well in the program, including the ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language so that the support of the participant receiving services can be met, and so that the relationship and work with co-workers, doctors, therapists and others in the community is successful.