Direct Support Professional (PT/2nd)

As a Direct Support Professional at Verland, your main responsibilities include providing individualized care and support to residents with complex physical and intellectual challenges. You will implement care plans, assist with daily living tasks, engage in active treatment activities, and maintain a safe living environment. Additionally, you'll facilitate social, recreational, and home activities while documenting residents' progress.

To qualify for the Direct Support Professional position at Verland, candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and reliable transportation. You should be physically capable of lifting and transferring clients and must be willing to complete a thorough background check, as well as a physical and drug screening. A passion for helping others and strong communication skills are essential!

Verland offers a comprehensive two-week paid training program for new Direct Support Professionals. This training includes essential topics such as daily living skills, personal hygiene, social engagement practices, and understanding individual support plans. The goal is to ensure that each employee is well-prepared to provide the highest quality of care to residents.

Direct Support Professionals at Verland typically work part-time, specifically from 6pm to 6:30am on Saturdays and Sundays. This schedule allows for flexibility, enabling you to balance work with other commitments while still making a valuable contribution during evening and overnight hours.

At Verland, Direct Support Professionals enjoy an array of benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurances; flexible spending accounts; a 403b plan with company match; and career development resources. After working a minimum of 30 hours, employees can also take advantage of paid time off, paid holidays, and tuition reimbursement for core positions.

When answering this question, be specific about your previous experiences. Highlight any relevant work or volunteer experiences, emphasizing your understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Discuss your ability to foster a positive and inclusive environment.

In your response, outline a specific example from your past experience where you managed a challenging situation. Explain the steps you took to de-escalate the situation, maintain safety, and provide support to the client. This will show your problem-solving skills and ability to stay composed under pressure.

When discussing this, emphasize your commitment to understanding each client's unique needs and preferences. Talk about your methods for collaborating with team members and family members to tailor care plans effectively while providing examples of past successes in your approach.

Share examples of skills you have worked on with clients in the past. Whether it's through active treatment activities, socialization efforts, or daily living tasks, detail your strategies for engaging clients and promoting their independence while maintaining a supportive environment.

For this question, highlight your familiarity with maintaining accurate and timely records of client progress. Discuss the importance of documentation in personal care settings and how this supports effective communication among team members.

Express your genuine interest in the mission of Verland and how it aligns with your personal values and career goals. Discuss specific aspects of Verland that attract you, such as its commitment to exceptional care and community support, and articulate your desire to contribute to these efforts.

In your response, explain your organizational skills and ability to remain focused under pressure. Discuss strategies you use to prioritize tasks effectively and communicate with your team to ensure that all responsibilities are met in a timely manner.

Discuss your approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing the importance of communication and understanding in resolving disputes. Provide examples of how you foster positive relationships and mediate issues among individuals to create a harmonious living environment.

Identify a strength that would benefit your role, such as empathy, communication skills, or adaptability. Provide examples of how this strength has helped you be an effective Direct Support Professional in the past, focusing on client outcomes.

Emphasize your dedication to maintaining a safe environment. Discuss specific protocols you follow for health and safety, including personal protective measures, regular monitoring of residents, and communication with healthcare professionals to ensure client well-being.