Direct Support Professional (BA or BS degree required)

About CHOICE: For over 50 years, CHOICE has been creating partnerships and programs that enrich the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Through education, supported employment, therapeutic recreation, and community integration, our organization supports participants to achieve the life they so desire for themselves. Our motto is "No Limits", and our goal is to remove any perceived barriers to enable our participants to realize their full potential, and to experience all that their community has to offer. When you join our team at CHOICE, you help people with disabilities feel a sense of purpose, achievement, and belonging.

About Our Employees: We prioritize hiring the right person for the job, rather than simply filling an opening. We value each employee for who they are and what they can share with the CHOICE community. They come from all walks of life. We have artists, athletes, travelers, nature lovers, foodies, dog people, gardeners, rock climbers, and rock stars -- all passionate people who love to help others find what brings them joy in life.

About Those We Serve: They are the best part of our day. Our reason for coming to work today and sticking around for years to come. They are kind, funny, unique, talented, and selfless. They are our inspiration! They want to get to know you and be your friend, learn about your passions, and go on adventures with you. They are your neighbors and members of your community. Come and meet them!

Primary Responsibilities: A Direct Support Professional (DSP) coaches and supports people with intellectual disabilities at our centers and in the community, by providing the following services:

-Education and Enrichment: Plan and implement educational and recreational activities and programs in CHOICE centers. Employees are strongly encouraged to share their individual talents, interests, and hobbies with our participants. Some topics include health and fitness, cooking, sensory integration, travel, the arts, independent living skills, and much more.

-Employment Support: Provide job coaching, individualized training, and modifications to our participants who are competitively employed in community-based job settings, or for those who hold volunteer positions with various agencies.

-Community Integration: Provide the necessary supports for participants to safely access and participate in community-based recreational activities. This includes driving company vehicles to transport participants to and from community locations. Some examples include museums, sporting events, zoos, parks, and adaptive activities.

-Support Plan Delivery: Receive instruction from Designated Coordinators to implement Positive Support Strategies in accordance with written Support Plans and Assessments. Follow written protocols to assist participants to achieve their daily or weekly goals and objectives. Collect data and report to Designated Coordinators for annual evaluation.

-Care and Supervision: Perform basic health, medical, and personal care procedures according to individual protocols. Provide proper supervision in accordance with licensing regulations, to ensure the safest environment possible.

Development Opportunity: DSPs who have an Associates or Bachelors Degree are eligible for a promotion to the Designated Coordinator position. CHOICE is looking to develop the person who is hired for this position and promote them into the Designated Coordinator role within approximately 1 year of hire, or as the opportunity becomes available. Upon promotion, the wage will increase to $23.00/hour.

Qualifications:

• 4-year BA or BS degree is required, preferably in a field related to Human Services. (A 2-year Associates degree PLUS at least 2 years of related professional experience may be considered in place of a 4-year degree).


• At least 1 year of experience working with people with disabilities is preferred, but not required. Extensive training is provided for this position.


• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record required.


• Must pass criminal background study.


• Ability to physically bend, stoop, reach, and lift at least 40 pounds


• Ability to communicate and present oneself with a professional demeanor

Benefits and Perks:

• $500 sign-on bonus after 90 days of employment


• Generous contribution to an ICHRA healthcare plan of your choosing


• Health Partners Dental plan


• Short and Long Term Disability and AD&D


• Life Insurance


• Employee Assistance Program
  


• 401(k) Retirement Program with company match up to 4%


• Generous flexible PTO program (12 days in first year)


• Two additional weeks of fixed paid vacation time (1 week in July; 1 week in December)


• 7 additional paid holidays per year


• Annual Paid Day Off + $200 bonus awarded on your anniversary


• Daily transportation and cell phone stipends
  


• Eligibility for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program
  


• Use of company vehicle and gas card for work purposes
  


• A commitment from your employer to have an excellent work/life balance

Schedule & Hours: DSPs at CHOICE must be available to work 30 - 40 hours per week depending on assigned duties, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Start and end times can be flexible when assignments allow for it. All work is done in office. Remote work is not currently available.

CHOICE is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance.