Personal Support Specialist, PSS

We are looking for a responsible, caring, and compassionate direct support professional (DSP) to join our growing team. The ideal job candidate will be highly dependable and have a passion for helping those with physical and/or mental disabilities live a more fulfilled and happy life. Working one-on-one with each client, you will assess his/her needs and tend to them accordingly with the goal of fostering a positive, encouraging environment.

Direct Support Professional Duties and Responsibilities

• Be a personal companion to clients and act as a supportive friend serving their needs and working to build their independence
• Encourage and foster individuals' preferred hobbies and interests
• Assist with and work to strengthen the individuals' many daily living needs, including but not limited to: nutrition, hygiene, exercise, communication, and socialization skills
• Help individuals to bathe, groom and dress, eat and drink if necessary, always working to improve self-reliance
• Create daily schedules and plans for clients
• Help set individual goals and track client progress, noting any drastic changes; report findings to superiors
• Make phone calls and drive clients to appointments, meetings, events, etc.
• Encourage individual skill development and work towards community integration
• Develop meaningful relationships and connections with clients to make them feel cared for and included in the community
• Follow all health and safety protocol
• Help clean and tidy home for the individuals
• Attend continuing education courses, training and get further certified as the job requires
• Be a compassionate, patient and encouraging support professional at all times

Direct Support Professional Requirements and Qualifications

• Minimum high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Valid driver's license
• CPR certification
• Pass state background check (dependent on state requirements)
• Comfortable working independently and can consistently make good judgments that benefit the client
• Flexible, with a keen ability to handle stress well
• Friendly disposition with a positive ‘can-do' attitude
• Computer literate and technologically savvy
• Experience tracking and recording information
• Enjoy working with developmentally disabled individuals to improve their quality of life
• Can quickly manage stressful situations responsibly and effectively
• Strong interpersonal skills and passionate about helping those in need
• Ability to move and stand for prolonged periods and frequently perform physically demanding tasks