DS Professional

Job Title: Direct Support Professional (DS Professional)

Employee Category: Non-Exempt, Full-time

Reports To: Assistant Director of Programs 

SERVICE PHILOSOPHY

Pueblo Diversified Industries (“PDI”) is a Colorado Nonprofit Corporation with a mission to create pathways of opportunity where people with diverse abilities thrive through informed choices, meaningful education and employment, premier residential services, and dynamic social experiences. Pueblo Diversified Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SUMMARY

The DS Professional performs varied and diverse work and is responsible for person-centered service delivery to PDI individuals served. The DS Professional supervises and supports people served and documents and implements individual service and support plans/Provider Care Plans. The DS Professional works to ensure a safe and healthy environment for each assigned individual served and is held to quality standards of care. Per Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) regulations, DS Professionals must participate in onboarding and ongoing annual electronic and practical DS Professional and program specific training, including but not limited to, medical, behavioral and other protocols and Human Rights Committee (HRC) approved processes for people served. DS Professionals ensure continued compliance with all Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) standards. DS Professionals ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone served and always presents self in a professional manner.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assigned to specific programs (per Program Assignment Fact Sheet).
• Follow program goals and best practices in coordination with the Assistant Director.
• Complete all required training (electronic and practical).
• Submit performance evaluations on time.
   

Time and Attendance

• Track time daily via payroll system.
• Clock in/out for work and lunch in real-time.
• Enter PTO and unpaid time-off requests accurately.
• Review and approve timesheet entries.
   

Individual Care and Support

• Assist individuals with:
   
  • Basic ADLs: Mobility, bathing, dressing, feeding, hygiene, toileting.
  • Instrumental ADLs: Medication management.
• Provide 1:1 support as needed (e.g., toileting, cleaning, wheelchair safety).
• Ensure individuals are clean, dry, and properly supported.
   

Individual & Group Management

• Facilitate engaging activities tailored to individuals’ needs.
• Support adaptive equipment usage.
• Maintain supervision and rotate duties as needed.
• Document group activities and monitor individual goals.
   

Service Billing & Tracking

• Track attendance and service notes for each individual on a daily basis.
   

Community Liaison

• Represent the organization (PDI) professionally in the community.
• Help individuals build community awareness and connections.
   

Key Competencies Required:

• Adaptability & Initiative: Flexible and proactive in changing environments.
• Communication: Clear oral and written skills; active listening.
• Customer Service: Responsive and respectful to all stakeholders.
• Dependability & Professionalism: Reliable, ethical, and respectful behavior.
• Problem-Solving & Judgment: Effective decision-making and conflict resolution.
• Teamwork: Cooperative, constructive, and team-oriented.
• Technical & Analytical Skills: Use of tools, data interpretation, and documentation.
• Creativity & Innovation: Ability to develop and apply new ideas.
• Safety & Compliance: Adhere to safety standards and procedures.
• Diversity & Ethics: Culturally sensitive and aligned with organizational values.
   

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL PDI POSITIONS

Basic Requirements

• Minimum Age: Must be 21 or older.
• Screenings: Must pass a pre-hire drug test, background check, and random drug screenings during employment.
• Communication Skills: Strong oral and written communication required.
• Computer Skills: Must be computer-literate and comfortable with Microsoft Office, internet tools, and specialized software; knowledge of assistive technology is a plus.
• Training: Must complete and pass First Aid, CPR, and other required training.
   

Driving Requirements (if applicable)

• Company Vehicle Use: Must be 21+, have a valid driver’s license, and consent to a motor vehicle record check to drive PDI vehicles.
• Personal Vehicle Use: Must provide proof of insurance with required coverage levels.
   

Education & Experience

• Required: High school diploma or GED.
• Preferred: Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
   

Skills & Abilities

• Language: Ability to read manuals, write reports, and speak clearly with individuals and teams.
• Math: Able to perform basic math (add, subtract, multiply, divide).
• Reasoning: Use common sense to follow instructions and solve problems with multiple variables.
   

Work Environment

• Work sites include PDI facilities, community locations, and client residences.
• May be exposed to outdoor weather and moderate to high noise levels.
• Reasonable accommodations are available for employees with disabilities.
   

Work Schedule

• Position Type: Full-time, non-exempt (hourly).
• Standard Hours (Day Program/Vocational):
  • Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (includes 30-minute unpaid lunch).
  • May include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on needs.
     
• Supported Community Connections/Living Services:
  • Hours vary based on individual service needs. 

Physical Demands

• Must regularly lift/move up to 25 lbs, occasionally up to 50 lbs, and rarely up to 75 - 100 lbs (with assistive devices).
• Requires good vision (close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment).
• Frequent physical activity: standing, walking, sitting, reaching, handling objects, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling.
• Must be able to talk, hear, and respond to unpredictable behavior from individuals served.
• Reasonable accommodations are available for employees with disabilities.
   

Travel

• May involve travel to local and surrounding areas based on program assignment.
   

Other Duties

• Job responsibilities may change at any time without notice.
• Not all duties are listed in the job description.