The Arc of Southside is seeking several highly qualified Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide supports to a small group of individuals in community outings and events, in Danville and in the Chatham area. The purpose is to assist individuals in building relationships and natural supports in the community while utilizing the community as a learning environment.
 

JOB PURPOSE

To provide services which support and foster individuals’ abilities to acquire, retain, or improve the skills necessary to build positive social behavior, interpersonal competence, greater independence, employability, and personal choices necessary to access typical activities and functions of community life such as those chosen by the general population. Provides a wide variety of opportunities to facilitate and build relationships and natural supports in the community, and minimize barriers to community participation, while utilizing the community as a learning environment.

Specific duties will include, but are not limited to: assistance with personal needs, communication, access to recreational opportunities and the community, while ensuring health and safety.
 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Promoting Community Engagement:

• Talk with program participants about their interests exploring different types of community events.
• Encourage individuals in actively participate in community planning sessions.
• Explore activities and public events in the community
• Actively pursue volunteer opportunities for and with program participants.
• Participate in planning sessions with program participants.

Activities include:

• Development of self-advocacy skills for program participants.
• Exercise of civil rights (the rights of individuals to receive equal treatment in a number of settings).
• Acquisition of skills that promote the ability to exercise self-control and responsibility over services and supports received or needed.
• Assist with acquisition of skills that enable the individual to become more independent, integrated, or productive in the community.
• Development of communication skills and abilities.
• Furthering spiritual practices.
• Participation in cultural activities.
• Developing skills that enhance career planning goals in the community including assisting individuals in making an informed choice about whether or not a person wants to work. It can also include exploring types of work opportunities and gaining information regarding the person’s employment interest and preferences.
• Development of living skills
• Promotion of health and wellness.
• Development of access to the community, mobility and the ability to achieve the desired destination. This includes access to and utilization of public transportation.

COMPETENCIES:

Leadership – Acts as a positive role-model and demonstrates strong leadership skills
Philosophy – Commitment to principles of Inclusion
Technical Skills – Ability to operate computers, email, and smart phone technology
 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is expected to assist up to three individuals in going out into the community and participate in agreed upon activities. This can include facilitating activities with interests such things as swimming, biking, hiking, animals, gaming, etc.