Youth Direct Support Professional

Description

Youth Direct Support Professional

Grand Junction, CO

One Part-Time Position. 20 hours per week.

Shift work, various hours.

Hiring Range: $17.00 - $18.93 / hr., depending upon education and experience.

This posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Minimum Requirements 

Required: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent. Minimum age 21. 

Preferred: 

• One to two years demonstrated successful working experience in related field i.e., with the I/DD population, or in a mental health field.

• Bilingual in ASL or Spanish

We care about our team! At Ariel we offer an expansive benefit package:

Subject to Eligibility.

• Dental and Life Insurance Premiums are 100% covered by Ariel, which averages to an additional $4.80/hour to your total compensation!

• Vision 

• $50/month; $600/year with Lifestyle Spending Account

• Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Legal & ID Shield through MetLife

• Retirement 403B & 403B employer match up to 4% at one year anniversary

• Mileage Reimbursement

• Employer provided work phone and computer

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

• Wellness Program

• And committed to a Culture of Awesomeness!

Ariel Clinical Services has been in business for over 30 years!

• Ariel has grown significantly since its early days of serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Today, we offer a broad range of services including residential programs, vocational support, foster care and adoption, therapy, and much more. 

• We are proud to say we have expanded our reach beyond the Western Slope! Now, we provide services in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo.

• At Ariel, we deeply value our community and recognize the vital role it plays in the lives of our members and employees. That’s why we’re committed to staying engaged through both financial contributions and hands-on service initiatives.

• As we continue to grow, we’re equally committed to fostering professional growth for our team. Many of our entry-level roles offer clear pathways for advancement within the organization.

Position Summary

Direct Support Professionals are responsible for providing a therapeutic environment for behaviorally and emotionally impaired individuals in community, facility and residential based settings as assigned. 

Ariel Clinical Services Mission

To provide safe, nurturing, and supportive environments for children, families, and adults so that they may have the opportunities to develop their strengths, maximize their potentials and fully participate in society.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Teach youth being served social, behavioral, relational, and daily living skills, according to their treatment plans through a safe and supportive environment. 

2. Attend to and advocate for the youth’s needs (i.e., academic, recreational, community activities, behavioral and personal material needs) Manage challenging behaviors through established training. 

3. Communicate regularly and effectively with supervisor, parents, guardians, case managers and all other individuals involved with the youth.

4. Responsible for supports and assistance with personal care as needed. 

5. Follow all safety procedures and agency policies. 

6. Maintain professional boundaries while establishing a trustworthy and beneficial relationship. 

7. Observe and record individuals’ progress through narrative reports submitting by agency deadline.

8. Represent the agency in a positive and professional manner.

9. Transport individuals in Ariel Vans or personal vehicles, as needed. 

10. Attend supervision, trainings, and team meetings, as directed. 

11. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Knowledge of mentorship roles, relationships and responsibilities.

2. Knowledge of how trauma and behavior are connected and appropriate responses to the behaviors.

3. Knowledge of the type of work Ariel and other social service agencies participate in.

4. Knowledge of community resources (social, public agency, and information) in order to assist clients in accessing these resources.

5. Basic computer knowledge.

6. Knowledge of rules and regulations related to the program.

7. The ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality concerning the youth, their family, background information and treatment.

8. The ability to always represent Ariel in a professional and respectful manner.

9. The ability to be a reliable team player and supportive team member.

10. The ability to provide and role model excellent customer service to the youth and the community.

11. Ability to work independently, prioritize workload, complete a wide variety of tasks in a timely and accurate fashion. 

12. Must be available outside of traditional office hours including nights, weekends, and holidays as necessary to perform the functions of the position.

13. The ability to demonstrate consistent and reliable attendance as scheduled and requested.

14. The ability to effectively communicate verbally, electronically, and in written format in both individual and group settings.

15. Demonstrate skills in critical thinking, conflict resolution, and creativity. 

16. Ability to demonstrate consistent and reliable attendance as scheduled and requested.

Education and Experience

Required: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent. Minimum age 21. 

Preferred: 

• One to two years demonstrated successful working experience in related field i.e., with the I/DD population, or in a mental health field.

• Bilingual in ASL or Spanish

Certifications/Licenses

Required: 

• Valid Colorado Drivers’ License with an acceptable driving record.

• CPR and First Aid 

• Agency/Department training

• CPI

• Van Drivers Training – before driving an Ariel owned vehicle. 

• Informed Supervision 

• QMAP as required.

• Food Handler’s certification

• Brief Suicide Intervention Training (BSIT) certification

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Physical Demands

1. This position requires that the incumbent be capable of bending, sitting, stretching, and/or reaching regularly for periods up to two hours without a break. 

2. This position requires that the incumbent have adequate hand and finger dexterity to properly perform the functions of the position.

3. This position may require lifting regularly up to 25 pounds; pulling or pushing persons in wheelchairs.

4. At times, physical interventions may be required.

5. This position requires the ability to hear and see at a level which is adequate to ensure client and staff health and safety. Adaptive devices are acceptable.

6. This position will require driving.

Work Environment

1. This position can and will be exposed to all environments from quiet to noisy, climate controlled to 

extreme outdoor heat and cold.

2. May work in the community or in the office.

3. Exposure to blood borne pathogens and infectious disease is possible but limited.

4. Exposure to hazardous chemicals is possible but limited.

Required Background Checks & Documentation

1. Central Registry for child abuse

2. Criminal Background Investigation (CBI)

3. CBI Sex Offender Background Check

4. National Sex Offender Background Check

5. Federal Background Investigation (FBI) in CO > 2 years

6. Reference check 

7. Office of Inspector General

8. I-9 documentation

9. Driver’s license 

10. Reliable Automobile with adequate, valid auto insurance