Job Titles
Direct Support Professional
A Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for providing care and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The main duties of a DSP include assisting with daily living tasks such as meal preparation, personal hygiene, and transportation. DSPs also provide emotional and social support to their clients by engaging in meaningful activities and building positive relationships. Other responsibilities may include administering medication, managing finances, and maintaining accurate records. A DSP should have strong communication and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team. This job requires a great deal of patience, compassion, and dedication to helping others. The employee must be 18 years of age, meet requirements for criminal Background check, and have a High School Diploma.
Responsibilities and Duties:
- Attention to detail, especially when adhering to specific protocols and rules while carefully following instructions to care for the needs of the consumers
- Integrity to ensure clients feel safe and comfortable when tending to personal activities such as helping them bathe.
- Trustworthiness and dependability so clients and their families feel comfortable relying on them
- Interpersonal skills when working with clients, including having compassion and being sensitive to their emotional needs when they are in extreme distress or pain
- Physical stamina when performing tasks such as lifting or turning their participants.
Qualifications: - Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must be able to bend, stoop, push, pull, reach, sit and walk for periods of time.
- Successful clearance of background checks.
- Basic computer skills.
- CPR/First Aid training (Preferred)
- High school diploma or equivalent.
What makes a good Direct Support Professional?
Since Direct Support Professionals spend a large majority of their time interacting with consumers, strong communication, interpersonal and listening abilities are needed to be successful in their role. They should be empathetic and dedicated to finding ways to improve the health and wellbeing of their consumers.
Direct Support Professionals must regularly take and store detailed reports on their participant’s progress to later report to their Program Manager/QIDP so strong organizational skills are important for an impressive candidate to have. They should also work well under pressure and calmly handle high-stress emergency situations, as patients’ health may drastically and unexpectedly change.
Mentor
We are looking for mentor’s who are experienced professionals who provide guidance, support, and advice to individuals with disabilities and their families. The primary role of a mentor is to help their team develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence, and to assist them in achieving their personal goals.
A successful mentor should possess a range of skills and qualities, including excellent communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and a deep understanding of their mentee challenges and their ultimate goals within their home and in the community.
We are looking for mentors that are patient, compassionate, and able to provide constructive feedback in a supportive and non-judgmental manner. In addition to providing guidance and support, a mentor may also be responsible for helping their mentee establish strategies to communicate and advocate things that are important to them to their support team. The also guide the family in provide empathetic listening and supports to their family member in a way that is respectful and with dignity. The Mentor may also be involved in helping their mentee and the persons family, identify and pursue opportunities for personal development and growth.
Atwater Advocates Mentors are tasks with the following qualifications to be effective in their role.
- Empathy and Compassion: A mentor should be able to understand and relate to the mentee’s unique experiences and challenges. They should be able to provide emotional support and encouragement and be patient and understanding.
- Knowledge and Expertise: A good mentor should have a good understanding of the disability and its impact on the mentee’s life. They should be knowledgeable about resources and services available to help the mentee and be able to share this information effectively.
- Communication Skills: A mentor should be able to communicate effectively with the mentee, using clear and simple language. They should be able to listen actively and provide feedback and guidance in a constructive and supportive manner.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: A mentor should be able to adapt to the changing needs and circumstances of the mentee. They should be able to adjust their approach as necessary and be open to new ideas and approaches.
- Respect and Non-Judgmental Attitude: A mentor should be respectful of the mentee’s autonomy and decision-making abilities. They should avoid making assumptions or judgments about the mentee based on their disability and treat them as an equal.
Qualifications: - Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Successful clearance of background checks.
- Personally have a diagnosed developmental disability
- Have experience advocating for or with a direct family member with a disability.