Habilitation Specialist/Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Description

FLSA Classification:

Non-Exempt

Reports to:

Director of Adult Services

SUMMARY:

Do you want to play an integral role in a dynamic organization? We are looking for a Habilitation Specialist/Direct Support Professional (DSP) who wants to assist our organization. The right candidate will enjoy learning new tasks and taking on a variety of responsibilities while working in an up-beat, nonprofit environment.

Sherwood Autism Center fosters a team environment, you will work toward one goal: making sure our adults lead active and independent lives. It's more than a career; it's a fulfilling way of life.

What is Sherwood Autism Center?

Sherwood Autism Center is a non-profit committed to our mission to educate, equip, and empower adults with autism as well as other developmental disabilities to promote independence in family and community life by providing the highest quality services. Since our founding in 1974, we have evolved into a multi-faceted organization serving our community through a wide range of impactful educational, vocational, and behavioral health programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Understand and follow ISP programs for individuals with IDD and contribute to the ISP process as assigned by supervisors
• Provide individualized levels of support for consumers that require assistance with behavioral needs, hygiene skills, and other activities of daily living to build independence
• Lead and participate in assigned program activities to facilitate consumer engagement as it relates to their individualized goals and Missouri Quality Outcomes as outlined by DMH
• Plan 1:1 and group activities, including appropriate organization of the instructional environment, in order to support consumer goals within center and community settings
• Complete required daily documentation, including data collection on ISP goals, activity logs, event recording, medication documentation, and required personnel forms
• Foster and promote a cooperative working climate, maximizing productivity and employee morale

COMPETENCIES:

Habilitation Specialist/Direct Support Professional (DSP) candidates who believe they fit Sherwood Autism Center’s culture are encouraged to apply! Sherwood Autism Center’s culture is described as:

• People-oriented- supportive and fairness focused
• Detail-oriented-quality and precision-focused
• Team-oriented-cooperative and collaborative

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The Habilitation Specialist/Direct Support Professional (DSP) position is located within our Adult Habilitation Department. You will be in the midst of activity and energy. This position is:

• A good fit for applicants with gaps in their resume, or who have been out of the workforce for the past 6 months or more
• A good job for someone just entering the workforce or returning to the workforce with limited experience and education
• A job for all ages, including older job seekers, are encouraged to apply

The Habilitation Specialist/Direct Support Professional (DSP) must be able to prioritize, organize and communicate with all levels of the organization. They should be able to maintain confidentiality, be a critical thinker, as well as be concise and detail-oriented. You must have a positive demeanor and great customer service skills.

Requirements

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Must be 18 years of age 
• US work authorization 
• High school diploma or equivalent 
• Valid Class E driver’s license and good driving record 
• Eligibility for MO Highway Patrol Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Clearance 
• An important requirement for all our direct care staff: we require a successful completion of our physical fitness POET assessment prior to commencement of all applicable positions. If you do not pass, we reserve the right to adjust or rescind any offers as needed.
• Level 1 Medication Aide (must be obtained within 90 days of employment)

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• 1(+) year(s) experience working with individuals with Autism and/or related developmental disabilities in an Day Habilitation Program
• BA/BS in Human Services or another related discipline 
• First Aid/CPR Certification (must be obtained within 90 days of employment)
• Abuse/Neglect Training 

BENEFITS:

Sherwood Autism Center recognizes the value of benefits to our employees. We offer competitive wages, and ongoing training. Full time employees are eligible for our robust, comprehensive benefits program including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Ancillary benefit options include Voluntary Short term disability, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Voluntary Accident, Voluntary Critical Illness and Cancer Plan, Voluntary Hospital Indemnity as well as an Employee Assistance Program.
• 10 company paid holidays
• PTO/Vacation
• Paid Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Referral Program with bonuses up to $500

EMPLOYMENT POLICY:

Sherwood Autism Center’s policy is to provide equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected category. Sherwood is proud to be a drug-free workplace.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EEO STATEMENT:

Sherwood Autism Center is committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment because we know that many of the greatest ideas and discoveries as well as best examples of service come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences. We believe that everyone is an equal member of society and should be treated with dignity, respect and kindness. Because we believe inclusivity is critical to our success, Sherwood provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under Federal, State and local law.