Sycamore Services is seeking a Direct Support Professional to make a difference in other's lives and your own by providing training in daily living skills and promoting community involvement for people with disabilities. A non-profit organization devoted to enhancing the quality of life for those we serve by empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other challenges that can limit daily activities. We offer personalized services across home, community, and office settings, tailored to meet the unique needs of each person we serve.  

Supervises: None

Work Environment: 100% Residential

Reports To: Director, Program Coordinator, and Team Lead.

Location: Morgan County, Indiana

Purpose: 

• Direct Support Professionals support the emotional, physical, and personal well-being of individuals with disabilities, encouraging growth in a residential setting.
• A DSP requires patience, compassion, strong communication skills, as well as having a strong commitment to promoting independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
• Provide opportunities and support that help the individuals supported to be viewed with respect and as integral members of their communities. 

Responsibilities: 

• Assist and support consumers to develop strategies, make informed choices, and follow through on responsibilities.
• Use effective communication skills to build rapport and channels of communication by recognizing and adapting to the range of consumer communication styles.
• Assisting with daily living activities such as bathing, grooming, and meal preparation.
• Observing and reporting on consumer's health, and behavioral changes, ensuring medical needs are met.
• Provide opportunities for consumers to be self-advocates by encouraging and assisting the consumer to speak on his or her behalf.
• Honor the choices and preferences of consumers.
• Promote human, legal, and civil rights of all people and assist others to understand these rights.
• Safeguard and respect the confidentiality and privacy of individuals supported.
• Use terminology appropriately, explaining as necessary to ensure consumer understanding.
• Maintain collaborative professional relationships with the consumer and all support team members (including family/friends) and follow ethical standards of practice.
• Assist in the implementation of an individualized plan to achieve specific outcomes derived from consumers’ specific preferences, needs, and interests.

Supports & Instruction: 

• Assist the consumer in meeting his or her physical and personal management needs by teaching skills, providing support, and building on individual strengths and capabilities.
• Assist consumers with household management and transportation needs to maximize his or her skills, abilities, and independence. Helping individuals develop life skills, such as budgeting, cooking, and social interactions.
• Implementing strategies to manage challenging behaviors and promote positive interactions.

• High school diploma or demonstrated equivalent competency required.
• 18 Years of age or older.
• Assist consumers with household management and transportation needs. 
• Assist the consumer in meeting his or her physical and personal management needs by teaching skills, providing support, and building on individual strengths and capabilities.
• Experience working with persons with disabilities in the community preferred.
• Excellent people and communication skills are required.
• Ability to work flexible/non-standard hours.
• Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation.
• Ability to keep accurate documentation.
• Support consumers in the development of friendships and other relationships. 
• Promote and uphold the agency’s mission statement.
• Promote a sense of team through mutual respect and assisting co-workers as needed.
• Work with a variety of individuals in different settings.
• Work a flexible schedule with non-standard hours.
• Maintain all required documentation and needed data. Maintain accurate time/billing records and submit them as supervisor requests and adapt to the range of consumer communication styles.
• Perform other duties as needed. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Sit for long periods.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 35 pounds; upper body leverage strength required.
• Travel to Sycamore Service locations, events, and residential homes. Travel will depend on the consumer’s needs. 
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See the differences between colors, shades, and brightness. 

Sycamore Services, Inc. Benefits: 

• Job Advancement Opportunities: We are committed to supporting your professional growth and career development through various advancement opportunities within the organization.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Health coverage to ensure you and your family stay healthy and well-cared-for. 
  • Life Insurance: Financial security for you and your loved ones in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
• 401(k) Profit Sharing Program: Build your financial future with our 401(k) plan that includes a profit-sharing component, helping you save for retirement while benefiting from the company’s success.
• Credit Union Access: Enjoy the convenience and benefits of membership with the Indiana Members Credit Union, offering a range of financial services and products.
• Transportation: Assistance with transportation needs to support your commute and reduce travel-related stress.