Full Time Direct Support Professional Jobs in Iowa

Position SummaryThe Direct Support Provider (DSP) provides individualized support and assistance to individuals served by North Star Community Services. The DSP promotes each person's independence, dignity, choice, safety, and quality of life while assisting with daily living activities, community participation, personal goals, and other supports identified in the individual's service plan.The DSP is responsible for providing person-centered services in accordance with North Star Community Services policies and procedures, applicable state and federal regulations, and the individual's identified needs and preferences.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesPerson-Centered SupportProvide respectful, compassionate, and individualized support to people receiving services.Promote independence by encouraging individuals to participate in decisions and activities to the greatest extent possible.Support individual choice, rights, dignity, privacy, and self-determination.Follow each individual's service plan, support strategies, and established procedures.Assist individuals in developing and maintaining skills that promote greater independence.Daily Living AssistanceAssist with activities of daily living, as appropriate to the individual's needs and service plan.Provide assistance with personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, meal preparation, eating, mobility, and household activities when required.Assist with medication-related responsibilities within the scope of training, authorization, and applicable regulations.Maintain a clean, safe, and supportive living and working environment.Community IntegrationSupport individuals in participating in community activities, appointments, recreational activities, employment, education, and social opportunities.Encourage meaningful relationships and participation in activities of the individual's choosing.Provide transportation or transportation assistance when assigned and authorized.Promote opportunities for individuals to develop and maintain community connections.Health and SafetyMonitor individuals for changes in physical, emotional, or behavioral condition and promptly communicate concerns to the appropriate supervisor.Follow emergency procedures and established health and safety practices.Respond appropriately to accidents, injuries, illnesses, behavioral concerns, and other emergencies.Follow approved behavior support strategies and other individualized protocols.Maintain appropriate supervision based on each individual's needs and service plan.Protect individuals from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other forms of harm and report concerns as required.Documentation and CommunicationComplete required documentation accurately, timely, and in accordance with agency requirements.Document services provided, significant events, incidents, health concerns, and other required information.Communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, individuals served, families, guardians, and other members of the individual's support team as appropriate.Maintain confidentiality of individual, employee, and agency information.Attend staff meetings, trainings, and other required activities.Professional ResponsibilitiesMaintain professional boundaries with individuals served and their families.Treat all individuals with dignity, respect, and fairness.Follow North Star Community Services policies, procedures, and standards of conduct.Maintain required certifications and complete mandatory training within established deadlines.Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, flexibility, and a willingness to work as part of a team.Perform other duties as assigned.Required QualificationsMust be at least 18 years of age.High school diploma or equivalent preferred; additional education may be required based on program or regulatory requirements.Ability to successfully complete required background checks and employment screening.Ability to successfully complete required agency and program training.Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record may be required for positions involving transportation.Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.Ability to work effectively with individuals who have varying physical, intellectual, developmental, behavioral, and/or support needs.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesThe successful candidate should demonstrate:Compassion, patience, and respect for individuals receiving services.Ability to establish positive and professional relationships.Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.Ability to recognize and report changes in an individual's condition or needs.Ability to remain calm and professional during challenging situations.Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.Strong communication and interpersonal skills.Dependability and accountability.Commitment to person-centered services and promoting individual choice and independence.Physical RequirementsThe physical requirements of this position may vary depending upon the individuals and program supported. Employees may be required to:Stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach for extended periods.Assist individuals with mobility and transfers as required by the individual's needs and established procedures.Lift, carry, push, or pull items within the requirements of the position and applicable safety guidelines.Respond quickly to emergency situations.Perform personal care and other physical assistance duties when required.Reasonable accommodations may be available for qualified individuals with disabilities.Work EnvironmentThe Direct Support Provider may work in a variety of environments, including individual residences, community settings, employment sites, recreational settings, and other locations where services are provided.The position may require working evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, or variable schedules depending upon program and individual needs.ConfidentialityThe employee is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all information concerning individuals served, their families, employees, and North Star Community Services. Information may only be accessed, discussed, or disclosed as permitted by law and North Star Community Services policies and procedures.Performance ExpectationsThe Direct Support Provider is expected to consistently demonstrate:Respect for the individual – Treats each person with dignity, respect, and compassion.Person-centered support – Supports individual choice, independence, and personal goals.Safety and well-being – Maintains a safe environment and responds appropriately to health and safety concerns.Reliability – Reports to work as scheduled and fulfills assigned responsibilities.Communication – Communicates effectively with individuals, coworkers, supervisors, and other members of the support team.Documentation – Completes required documentation accurately and timely.Professionalism – Maintains appropriate boundaries and represents North Star Community Services professionally.Teamwork – Works cooperatively with coworkers and other professionals to provide quality services.Equal Employment OpportunityNorth Star Community Services is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to legally protected characteristics in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.Applicants for this position will be required will have completed a criminal conviction history and dependent abuse registry check and reviewed prior to confirmation of an offer of employment.