Direct Support Professional - Now Hiring

North Star Community Services provides quality services that enable persons with disabilities to realize their potential, pursue dreams, and enjoy life. Every employee is responsible for ensuring that each person served is treated with respect and dignity. Every employee has a role to play in this mission.

Position Title Direct Support Professional                                          

Reports To:  Assigned Assistant Director of Adult Day Care Services or Supported Living Services, Day Habilitation Supervisor, or Service Coordinator

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt          

This description summarizes the typical job functions; it is not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties.  Additional related duties may be assigned. 

Position Summary: 

Direct Support Professionals work with individuals with mental, physical or developmental disabilities through supporting clients in day-to-day activities facilitating person-centered care plans.  This position helps clients in reaching individual goals following individual behavior plans, teaching self-care skills, aiding community engagement activities, socialization, learning and other client daily activities either in a group or individual setting.  May assist clients in cooking meals and doing laundry and other Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). 

Expectations of All Employees: Participate as a member of a team, get along with others, and incorporate the core values of respect and dignity toward everyone. Attend and complete required training.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Participate in the person-centered planning process, and any other team meetings on behalf of persons served.
• Provide personalized and loving care, training and support based on the needs of the individuals and their written person-centered plan.
• Instruct, supervise, and assist persons served in the development of social, leisure, recreational, communication, problem-solving, safety, independent living and other skills in accordance with the person-centered plan, and the scope of services as defined by Iowa Administrative Code.
• Plan, prepare, and lead social, educational, and community-based activities based on program/service.
• Provide thorough documentation of services using the designated database, including client activity and progress toward goals.
• Ensure environments are comfortable, productive, and stimulating.
• Instruct and provide assistance with basic housekeeping, including laundry, dishes, and light cleaning within the program area.
• Review and update monthly safety procedures with each person served as needed.
• Physically assist with mobility and personal cares such as transferring, eating, and toileting as needed.
• Assist with scheduling and maintaining appointments as needed.
• Provide medication management when needed.
• Utilize agency and/or public transportation, as needed.
• Communicate with family members and other care providers as directed (i.e., communication logs, etc.).
• Handle emergency situations according to established procedures.
• Report incidents and other safety issues to the supervisor.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Preferred skills, training, and qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Previous human services in a similar role, professional or personal experience 

supporting individuals with developmental disabilities or mental illnesses with 

challenging behaviors, preferred. 

• Must maintain active First Aid and CPR certification.  
• Basic computer skills with the ability to access and enter data into designated databases.
• Basic typing skills.
• Meet requirements for background checks, including criminal records and abuse registry
• Valid driver’s license, ability to be covered by agency insurance, and willingness to drive agency vehicles.
• Possess a reliable vehicle to fulfill responsibilities in the absence of an agency vehicle

Physical Requirements:  

• Ability to safely assist clients with moving, such as repositioning clients using mobility aids, and transferring them from wheelchairs.
• Occasional lifting of 75 pounds,
• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and using a step ladder.  
• Frequent sitting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions, such as data entry and keyboarding.
• In cases where individuals exhibit challenging or aggressive behaviors, they may need to use physical interventions and must have the strength to do so safely.

Required qualifications:

• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• 18 years or older

Preferred qualifications:

• Reliable transportation to and from work
• Own a personal vehicle
• Valid auto liability insurance
• Background check