Direct Support Professional / Job Coach (35 hrs Mon-Fri)

Progressive Directions, Inc. (PDI) – Columbia, TN

Are you looking for a career where you can help someone build real independence, explore their community, develop job skills, and reach goals that matter to them?

Progressive Directions, Inc. (PDI) is hiring a full-time DSP Job Coach for our MAPS Program in Dickson, Tennessee to work directly with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This is not a traditional caregiving role. As a MAPs Job Coach, you will help participants build the skills, confidence, connections, and independence they need to work, live more independently, use technology, explore their community, and pursue hobbies and interests they choose for themselves.

Schedule

• Full-Time
• Approximately 35 hours per week
• Non-Exempt/Hourly Position
• Flexible schedule required based on participant needs
• May include days, afternoons, evenings, nights, and weekends

The MAPs Coach reports directly to the MAPs Program Director and does not have supervisory responsibilities.

What You'll Do

Employment & Career Development

Help participants

• Explore career interests and employment opportunities
• Obtain, maintain, and advance in competitive integrated employment
• Develop workplace and pre-employment skills
• Receive on-the-job coaching and support
• Explore customized employment and self-employment opportunities
• Find volunteer and internship opportunities
• Develop career goals
• Connect with benefits counseling and employment resources

Independent Living Skills

Support participants as they learn skills such as:

• Home safety
• Personal hygiene and self-care
• Health management
• Meal planning and basic food preparation
• Grocery shopping and budgeting
• Personal money management
• Household responsibilities
• Using enabling technology to increase independence

Community Navigation

Help participants

• Identify activities, organizations, and community resources that match their interests
• Build relationships and natural supports within their community
• Learn how to navigate their neighborhoods
• Develop transportation and travel skills
• Participate in community activities
• Work toward traveling more independently

Enabling Technology

Support participants in learning how to use technology that can increase independence at:

• Home
• Work
• School or training
• Community activities
• Transportation
• Daily living

Technology may include tablets, smartphones, apps, remote supports, reminders, scheduling tools, and other enabling technology.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide direct and remote support to MAPs participants based on their individualized goals.
• Help participants work toward goals established throughout Years 1, 2, and 3 of the MAPs program.
• Work with the MAPs Program Director to develop individualized community resource maps.
• Promote participant choice, independence, dignity, respect, self-determination, and quality of life.
• Encourage participants to make informed choices and take an active role in setting their own goals.
• Help participants develop skills rather than simply completing tasks for them.
• Maintain participant safety while encouraging independence and appropriate risk-taking.
• Document services, activities, observations, progress, and participant responses accurately and on time.
• Maintain confidentiality of participant information.
• Communicate concerns or changes involving participants to the MAPs Program Director.
• Administer medications according to Medication Safety requirements when applicable.
• Maintain professional relationships with participants, families, natural supports, employers, community partners, and other resources.
• Attend required meetings and training.
• Follow all PDI policies, procedures, safety requirements, and emergency procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Why PDI?

For 50 years, Progressive Directions, Inc. has supported people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Tennessee.

Our mission is simple: Helping the people we support attain personal success through Pride, Dignity, and Independence.

The MAPs program takes that mission even further by helping participants build the skills, technology, community connections, and confidence needed to create the life they choose.

If you want a job where your work can directly help someone gain greater independence at home, at work, and in their community, we encourage you to apply.

Progressive Directions, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

What We're Looking For

Successful MAPs Coaches are patient, dependable, creative, encouraging, and comfortable helping someone learn to do things for themselves rather than doing everything for them.You should also have:

• Excellent verbal, written, and listening communication skills
• Basic computer and tablet skills
• Comfort learning and using new technology
• Ability to provide both in-person and remote supports
• Strong organization and documentation skills
• Ability to work independently
• Reliable and consistent attendance
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality
• A genuine commitment to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving greater independence

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid unrestricted driver's license
• Ability to utilize enabling technology
• Ability to successfully complete required MAPs certifications and training
• Ability to successfully complete CPR and First Aid certification
• Ability to successfully complete Medication Administration training when required
• Ability to complete Relias and other required PDI training

Employment Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successfully completing applicable requirements, including:

• Criminal background screening
• Drug Test
• Required registry and employment eligibility checks
• TB screening or assessment within required timeframes
• Any additional security or program-related clearances
• Required MAPs and PDI training and certifications

Physical Requirements

This position may require employees to sit, stand, and walk for varying periods of time. Depending on the needs of the person being supported, employees may also need to bend, stoop, kneel, push, pull, assist with transfers or mobility, and lift or support up to approximately 50 pounds.