Direct Support Professional - Residential

Are you a caregiver? Interested in working full-time at just 3 days/week and average $18.67/hour to start if your shift includes a weekend day? Enjoy making a difference in the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities? Come work for Independence Association, where our workers stay over 7 years on average! Our agency has supported people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the midcoast region for over 55 years!

Working as a Direct Support Professional, you will be making a meaningful difference in the lives of residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is a feel good vocation! You will support individuals to be their most independent self in the home, on the job, and in their community. You will assist persons in increasing their independence by teaching daily living skills, maintaining health and hygiene, and supporting positive behaviors. You will build lasting relationships through community outings, functional activities, and daily companionship!

Our highest need schedule is Thursday, Friday and Saturday 6a-6p

With our three-day schedule, you can get 16 days off per month, and receive time and half for working one weekend day, PLUS get an additional paid time off (PTO), up to 96 hours/year to start! Independence Association now offers full time benefits to those who work three 12-hour shifts in a row. When you work 3 days/week, and your shift includes a weekend day, you are adding and extra $2.50 - $3.00/hour to your hourly wage! Example: Base wage = $16/hour - With time and half paid up front, you are actually averaging $18.67/hour and only working 36 hours/week with full time benefits! With experience, you could average more!

WE PAY WEEKLY!

Some Direct Support Professional duties may include:

1. Providing companionship, conversation, and engagement in activities, both in the home and in the community
2. Assisting with care needs (bathing, dressing, grooming, cooking, cleaning, eating)
3. Transportation to appointments and activities
4. Observing, documenting, and reporting data on daily activities
5. Administering medications (paid CRMA classes available to staff with 6 months longevity)

Some Benefits include:

• Weekly pay
• Premium pay on the weekend
• Three-day and Four-day workweeks (lots of work/life balance)
• Paid time off
• Health reimbursement, vision, dental, and life insurance options
• 401k
• Career advancement opportunities (we like to promote from within!)
• Paid trainings for DSP certificate, CPR/First Aid, Safety Care and CRMA
• $500 stipend awarded to all first time Direct Support Professionals who receive their certificate within 3 months

Vaccinations Required: Independence Association is considered a health care agency. All staff must show proof of flu, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccination.

• High school diploma or equivalent (required)
• Licensed driver (preferred)
• Previous caregiving experience (preferred, but not required)
• Ability to physically assist individuals and lift up to 50 lbs
• Willing to assist individuals with varying physical and mental abilities