Direct Support Professional at DIVERSITY RESIDENTIAL HOMES IN – Richmond, Virginia

Want to make a huge impact with amazing people and follow your desire for a career that changes lives? At Diversity, we do this every day! We are a dynamic human service organization that provides a variety of innovative supports to meet the needs of individuals with a developmental disability and/or mental illness. Developmental disabilities include conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, down syndrome, etc. Information about us can be found at www.onediversity.org

We are seeking a Full-time Direct Support Professional (DSP) who is motivated, flexible, bright, energetic, responsible, and organized. The role of the DSP is to support people with a developmental disability/mental illness in every way possible to facilitate personal growth.

Shifts: Variety shifts offered (after 12 pm)

Job Responsibilities:

• Encouraging personal skill development in all areas of life by showing, teaching and talking.
• Building self-esteem by doing things together, rather than doing everything for them.
• Providing opportunities for new experiences.
• Getting involved in the community through recreation, shopping, and building positive relationships
• Encouraging individuals to make choices and decisions in all areas of their lives, and providing the opportunities to learn how to make decisions
• Building a relationship based on respect, to enable you to offer support, guidance and direction
• Encouraging, teaching and assisting with household, community and personal responsibilities such as shopping, cleaning, doctor appointments.
• Supporting people in social situations to learn to feel comfortable and confident with others through appropriate interactions and build positive relationships.
• Documentation/Communication: ensuring information is shared by: completing progress notes at the end of each shift • reading, documenting in communication books before and after each shift as appropriate • writing reports immediately following an event ex. general and behavior event reports, etc.
• Administering medication correctly

Bachelors degree is preferred, but not required. Must have a passion for working with individuals with a developmental disability. Previous experience working with individuals with behavioral challenges or mental illness is preferred. Access to a registered vehicle with proof of insurance. Must pass background investigation and central registry check. Being aware of and competent in dealing with individual medical needs ex. seizures, health concerns, allergies etc. Valid drivers license.