Direct Support Professional Western MA Chicopee

May Institute is an award-winning nonprofit organization that provides educational, rehabilitative, and behavioral healthcare services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, brain injury, and behavioral health needs.

We are looking for Direct Care Professionals to work with individuals with autism and developmental disabilities in one of our many residential or day habilitation programs. We offer a variety of different schedules, exciting career paths, an excellent benefits package, and an opportunity to engage in life changing work.

Our aMAYzing benefits include: generous paid time off policies, ongoing training and education, tuition or student loan forgiveness programs, a robust benefits program, and a diverse workforce dedicated to respect and open communication throughout the company. Join our team and see what it means to truly BE aMAYzing

WORK PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

POSITION: Direct Support Professional (DSP)

STATUS: Non-Exempt

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver's license required with a min of 2 years of licensed driving experience preferred.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

General Description:

Under the supervision and direction of the Program Coordinator (PC) or Program Manager (PM), the Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides direct care support to increase independence for individuals served at the May Institute, either in the (educational or residential setting). Support services are designed to promote the self-determination, independence, productivity, integration and inclusion in community life of the individuals we serve. This is accomplished through culturally competent programs aimed at teaching new skills in the areas of self-care, behavior management, community integration and other activities of daily living. The direct support professional carries out with respect and dignity and with adherence to May Institute policies and procedures and the Mission, Vision, and Values of May Institute.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Direct Support Professional implements individualized programs/plans (e.g. IEPs, ISPs, Treatment Plans, etc.). They assist with individual Personal Care including but not limited to; toileting, dining, cleaning, personal hygiene, etc. The Direct Support Professional interacts appropriately with individual(s) served. They interact in a manner that encourages participation. The Direct Support Professional is helpful, supportive, and respectful of differences with regards to the age, gender and culture of the individual being served. They implement skill acquisition procedures as designed (task analyses, discrete trial instruction, etc.) to help individuals learn new skills and increase level of independence. The Direct Support Professional demonstrates an understanding of the philosophy of the May Institute and demonstrates proficiency in using applied behavioral analysis. They implement function-based behavior support procedures for individuals with clinically significant behavior support needs as designed and aderes to behavior support plans (individualized and program-wide). The Direct Support Professional completes documentation accurately and in accordance with required timelines (e.g. behavior data collection, skill acquisition data collection, individual-specific incident reporting, employee accident reporting, etc.). They implement health and safety protocols as designed (individualized and system-wide) and in accordance with funder, licensure, and accreditor requirements and state and federal regulations. The Direct Support Professional manages groups of individuals in the program and the community while adhering to The May Institute's Professional Standards. They effectively work with more than one individual at a time, encouraging participation in the program, providing support, and offering assistance in a manner that is respectful. The Direct Support Professional provides transportation of individuals within the community as required. They operate company vehicles safely and defensively at all times. The Direct Support Professional addresses vehicle maintenance needs by logging concerns or reporting to supervisor. They complete additional operational duties: laundry, labeling clothes, cleaning/organization, cooking, adhering to work schedules, establishing schedules for individuals served, and/or assisting and teaching clients to complete the aforementioned duties according to their individual plans. The Direct Support Professional follows safety plans and completes routine safety checks multiple times a day to maintain a healthy environment for residents, correcting and/or reporting any concerns to the manager on-call including but not limited to: maintenance issues, loose chemicals and cleaning supplies, functioning of alarms, items that may be used as weapons (e.g., kitchen equipment, utensils).

Promote safety, wellbeing, and independence of individuals served

The Direct Support Professional prioritizes client well-being and outcomes throughout service delivery, adhering to all local and state guidelines (e.g., as a Mandated Reporter). Supervisory duties are conducted to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals within their program during assigned shifts. Assistance is provided to assigned individuals in personal hygiene and self-care tasks as well as emergency medical care (if needed). Participation is required to enhance quality of services provided through both review and curation of all relevant social and medical information of individuals in their care as well as in the organization's continuous improvement processes to increase productivity and reduce inefficiencies.

Preserve the rights of all individuals served and their families

The Direct Support Professional promotes the rights and dignity of individuals served throughout service delivery, by encouraging individual autonomy and choice in delivery of programming supports and services. They will adhere to all Policies and Procedures pertaining to Individual Protections and Records, following ethical and confidentiality standards of the May Institute.

PROFESSIONALISM

The Direct Support Professional builds constructive working relationships characterized by high levels of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual respect. This includes displaying a positive attitude when interacting with others, promoting cooperation and teamwork, and contributing to a work environment that embraces and appreciates diversity. Effective and professional communication is required, including, but not limited to, giving and receiving feedback, collaborative skills to complete tasks/reach goals, as well as demonstrating proficient listening skills by offering assistance when needed and being responsive to others' ideas and input.

PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS

The Direct Support Professional takes personal responsibility for quality and timeliness of work. The pursuit of quality in achieving goals entails attending to important details, demonstrating ongoing commitment to learning and self-improvement, effective time and resource management skills, with the ability to stay focused on tasks despite distractions and interruptions. Work product quality is also balanced with meeting appropriate deadlines. When errors or problems occur, these are acknowledged and corrected with little delay. If conflict or stressful situations occur, composure is maintained, and a dynamic approach is taken, as needed, to adapt goals and methods to achieve solutions. This position's duties are conducted punctually (e.g., arriving to work and scheduled meetings on time) and is pursuant to all policies, procedures, and guidelines of the May Institute (i.e., requesting time off work, call out procedures, etc.), Federal, State, and Local laws/regulations, as well as any relevant licensor, accreditor, and/or Funder guidelines. This includes timely provision and maintenance of all required documentation as needed for continued employment (e.g., background check information, TB test, driver's license, transcripts, licenses/certifications) and completion of all required trainings (e.g. Safety Care, CPR/First Aid, Mandated Reporting, etc.).

LEADERSHIP

The Direct Support Professional practices effective conflict-resolution skills and addresses concerns in a timely manner, with appropriate parties, and in accordance to May Institute Policies and Procedures. They ensure the safety and well-being of individuals served by adhering to requirements, training, protocols, policies, procedures and plans.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The ability to move independently throughout a wide range of environments is required.

*Check one on each line. Items checked need not total 100% and may be estimates.

May Institute is an Equal Opportunity employer of qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law. May Institute also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of the protected categories.

• Chicopee, MA, USA