Direct Support Professional - Community Supports

Why join UCS? Since 1958, United Counseling Service (UCS) has been dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to individuals and families in our community. Through a wide range of programs, services, and educational opportunities, we strive to meet the diverse needs of those we serve. Our team includes professionals from various fields, including administration, clinical services, nursing, education, case management, psychiatry, and direct support, working across 17 facilities throughout Bennington County. As a proud affiliate of Vermont Care Partners - a statewide network of 16 non-profit community-based agencies - we deliver comprehensive mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental services across Vermont. We are currently seeking compassionate, motivated team players to join us in making a positive impact and building a stronger community.

UCS Offers Generous Benefits · Competitive pay · Generous paid time off · Medical, dental, and vision insurance · Retirement plan with employer match · Employer paid life insurance · Employer paid short term and long-term disability insurance · Employee Assistance Program · Career development opportunities · Free clinical supervision towards licensure · Loan repayment and tuition assistance program · Award winning worksite wellness program · An inclusive workplace supported by an active Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging committee. · Rewarding experience making a difference in the community.

We believe a dynamic and inclusive workforce will strengthen our organization and enhance the services we provide. Therefore, it is our goal to hire a diverse workforce and cultivate a culture where our employees feel accepted and included, hold a valued place within our organization and are equally able to contribute to their fullest extent, assisting in fulfilling our mission of building a stronger community.

Under the direction of the Program Coordinator - Connections, the Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Connections is responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to the instruction and monitoring of individuals’ skills for developing maximum independence and inclusion into the community. The DSP will provide direct supports to those with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder in community settings for community activities and enhanced integration.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1.0 DIRECT SERVICE

• Facilitates individual’s inclusion into the community through development of meaningful community-based activities.
• Provides transportation to and from community-based activities by privately owned vehicle or by agency vehicle.
• Assures quality programming is occurring in the community.
• Facilitates personal relationships with members of the community.
• Assists with developing client community support goals.
• Encourages individuals to pursue their goals and make choices with community activities and integration assisting with positive engagement and social skills.
• Acts as a role model for the individual and the community.
• Attends all trainings as assigned.
• Provides personal care assistance as needed.
• Implements methods to teach increased skill building.
• Keeps individuals safe across all settings.
• Follows schedules created by Administrator and Coordinators.
• Is empowered to make decisions concerning individuals and programming to allow for high quality services.
• Acts as an advocate for clients across all settings.
• Utilizes a person’s primary mode of communication, i.e., such as ensuring the use of a translator or sign-language interpreter, or facilitated communication (FC) as applicable, understanding the individual’s unique communication style and/or responding in accordance with developmental need.
• Follows all support plans per Developmental Services (DS) policy.

2.0 RECORD KEEPING

• Collects data as required by the individual’s Individual Support Agreement (ISA).
• Completes Developmental Services and agency paperwork including, but not limited to, time sheets, progress notes, monthly summaries, and expense vouchers in a timely and accurate manner.
• Constructs task analysis/job assessment forms applicable to each job to ensure performance is measurable.

3.0 NETWORKING

• Provides needed information to other staff, professionals, and family, as needed. Serves as advocate and/or liaison on behalf of individual served, the Developmental Services Division and UCS.
• Participates as a member of the individuals, Developmental Services, and UCS teams.
• Encourages and advocates for positive relationships with other community entities.
• Participates in treatment plan meetings as requested.
• Encourages and ensures ongoing communication between team members.

*In addition to the above, performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATIONAL/EXPERIENCE/CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Relevant experience in human services field preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License required