Direct Support Professional (FT/1st)

As a Direct Support Professional at Verland, your primary responsibilities include providing individualized care and support for individuals with complex needs. You'll engage in daily activities that promote skill development, assist with personal hygiene, meals, and transportation, and ensure a safe living environment. Your role is crucial in enriching the lives of residents while also recording daily observations and support progress.

To become a Direct Support Professional at Verland, you need at least a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver’s license. Reliability and the ability to lift clients without restrictions are also essential. Additionally, candidates must successfully pass a background, physical, and drug screening, and complete two weeks of paid training that covers essential care skills and support plans.

Verland provides a comprehensive two-week paid training program for new Direct Support Professionals. This training focuses on daily living skills, personal hygiene practices, social engagement, and understanding individual support plans. Completing this training is essential for effective performance in your role and ensures you provide the best care for our residents.

Direct Support Professionals at Verland enjoy a robust benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, offered after 30 days of employment. Additionally, there are flexible spending accounts, a 403b plan with company match, paid time off, eight paid holidays, tuition reimbursement for core positions, and resources for mental health and personal well-being.

To apply for the Direct Support Professional position at Verland, you can visit their official website to find the application process. It's a straightforward procedure that allows you to submit your application online, ensuring you take the first step towards a fulfilling and impactful career.

When answering this question, emphasize your passion for helping others and how seeing the positive impact you can make in someone's life motivates you. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your dedication to community service and compassion for individuals with challenges.

Discuss your approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing patience, active listening, and communicating effectively. Provide an example from a previous experience if possible, showing how you managed to de-escalate a situation and ensure the resident felt supported and understood.

Articulate your understanding of exceptional care by discussing personalized attention, respect, dignity, and the importance of building trust with residents. Highlight specific strategies you would use in your work to embody this philosophy.

Share your direct experiences where you assisted with personal hygiene, mobility, or daily living skills. Be sure to explain how you approached these tasks respectfully and with dignity, ensuring the comfort of the individuals you supported.

Explain your method for prioritizing tasks, such as assessing immediate needs, creating a daily plan, and remaining flexible. Share examples of how you’ve successfully managed multiple responsibilities while ensuring all residents received the care they required.

Discuss various strategies, like interactive activities, individualized goal-setting, and reinforcement of learned skills. Mention the importance of tailoring methods to each resident's unique needs, abilities, and interests, to support their development effectively.

Talk about your commitment to safety, including following protocols, recognizing potential hazards, and preemptively addressing issues. Include your strategy for fostering a culture of safety among both residents and fellow staff members.

Address the importance of respect and understanding in such scenarios. Discuss how you would calmly engage the resident, listen to their concerns, and attempt to find common ground while ensuring they feel supported and respected in their choices.

Identify potential challenges like emotional stress or communication barriers. Discuss strategies to manage these challenges, such as seeking support from colleagues, prioritizing self-care, and maintaining open lines of communication with supervisors.

Connect your values and professional goals with Verland’s mission. Highlight aspects such as their commitment to exceptional care and community support that resonate with you, showcasing your desire to contribute positively to the organization.