Disability Support Worker Jobs in Springfield, MO

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL – SOAR

This is an entry level human services position providing desired support to persons with disabilities, in community settings, to help individuals lead more fulfilling lives. Employees will use positive support techniques to bring about meaningful and positive lives and to assist individuals in meeting their goals.

These techniques will be used in structured situations and generalized into "everyday" situations such as mealtimes, life skills, hygiene, or community activities. This employee assists in the implementation of personal plans and establishes effective interpersonal relationships with each person served as well as community members.       

Individuals being supported may have some form of Intellectual Disability/Developmental Disability.  These individuals may be prone to poor social & communication skills, impulsive behaviors, poor decision making, and verbal/physical aggression. Individual Support Plans target a broad range of skill deficit areas such as communication, self-determination, problem solving, self-care, and socialization.

Close supervision and direction is received from the Community Support Coordinator and the Program Supervisor.  This is a non-exempt, hourly position.

Essential Job Functions

Mission and Core Values

Serves as an ambassador of the mission and purpose of The Arc of the Ozarks

Knowledge and understanding of The Arc mission statement and will uphold in their daily work.

Supports The Arc knowing that any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks which could be included in the position.

Care and Support of Individuals

Provides support and training to persons served in daily life skills such as personal hygiene, weekly cooking and grocery shopping, cleaning, and other activities of daily living.

Takes appropriate action in case of a fire and/or disaster. Encourages the development and maintenance of a safe environment for persons served at SOAR. Developing plans for evacuation and training in securing emergency services such as the police, the fire department and ambulance.

Provide training in basic money management, shopping skills, developing relationships, volunteering, leisure skill development.

Maintains confidentiality of persons served.

Documentation and Quality Supports

Implements outcomes and strategies of individual personal plans under the supervisor of the Community Support Coordinator and Program Supervisor; provides supports as identified in the personal plans.

Actively participates in team meetings.

Community Involvement

Initiates opportunities for community inclusion and access. Provides support to persons served in becoming active participants in their communities.

Supports persons served in participating in varied meaningful vocational, domestic, and leisure activities in the community of their choosing. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to work independently in one-on-six community setting.

Ability to exercise good judgement and discretion.

Ability to demonstrate appropriate role modeling skills through acceptable attire, speech, and interactions.

Ability to work varied and flexible hours, accept and adapt to changes in assignments, methods, policies, etc.

Ability to work with and respect persons with disabilities, their families, and advocate for their rights.

Ability to accurately report and record data and observations.

Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.

Ability to stand, stoop, lift up to 50 lbs, and pull and push items.

Ability to pass with satisfactory performance CPR and First Aid.

Ability to maintain a consistent record of punctuality and attendance.

Ability to safely transport individuals supported to a variety of community locations.

A licensed and insured driver, with ability to obtain a Missouri Class E driver license

Minimum Experience and Training Qualifications

Be a minimum of eighteen years of age and possession of a diploma from an accredited High School or the equivalent. Experience working with persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.

• Successfully complete a course in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation and First Aid
• Successfully complete a 16 hours course in Medication Administration.
• Successfully complete a 10 course in MANDT System Workshop
• Successfully complete a course in OSHA regulations on Health and Safety.
• Successfully complete a course in Abuse & Neglect
• Successfully complete a course in Electronic Documentation

• Other trainings per department or per home location may be required, refer to policy 8.106 for specific requirements.

Traits and Characteristics Desired

The Direct Support Professional will be a person who is passionate about working with individuals with disabilities and increasing their independence as a valued member of the community.  A sincere dedication to the mission and the people served by The Arc of the Ozarks is crucial.

The Direct Support Professional must demonstrate the ability to establish rapport, effectively communicates, and cultivates a positive work culture with not only their team, but staff from other departments, guardians, individuals served, internal and external stakeholders.

The Direct Support Professional should be open to feedback, possess a growth mindset, and a willingness for learning opportunities in order to better themselves and The Arc of the Ozarks.