Day Program Direct Support Professional (DSP)

As a Day Program Direct Support Professional at Ability Beyond, your key responsibilities include supporting adults with disabilities in site-based and community-based day programs, assisting them with daily living tasks, and providing transportation to and from activities. You will also engage individuals in recreational and educational activities, help them integrate into the community, and teach valuable socialization and life skills.

To apply for the Day Program Direct Support Professional position at Ability Beyond, you need a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license. While experience in the field is beneficial, it is not required as we provide comprehensive training to help you succeed in your role.

At Ability Beyond, we offer free training for new Day Program Direct Support Professionals. Our comprehensive onboarding program ensures you are well-prepared for your responsibilities. You'll learn everything about supporting individuals with disabilities, including personal care and engagement strategies. Additionally, our supportive team is always available to help you along the way.

As a Day Program Direct Support Professional at Ability Beyond, you will enjoy a variety of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan with a 403B option. Unique to our organization is also eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, making it a rewarding career choice both personally and professionally.

Ability Beyond offers a range of programs for young adults, including the Without Walls (WoW) Program, which focuses on integrating individuals into community experiences, and the Galaxy Program that assists those transitioning out of high school. As a Day Program Direct Support Professional, you will have the opportunity to help these individuals gain valuable life skills and build community connections.

In responding to challenging behaviors, it’s important to remain calm and assess the situation. Show empathy and listen to the individual's needs. Implement strategies learned during training and always follow Ability Beyond's guidelines. Reflecting on past experiences or techniques that worked effectively can also demonstrate your capability to manage such challenges.

When sharing your experience helping someone learn a new skill, highlight the steps you took, such as breaking down the skill into manageable parts, offering encouragement, and adapting your approach based on the individual’s progress. Describe the outcome and how it made you feel, demonstrating your commitment as a Day Program Direct Support Professional.

When discussing your motivation, reflect on your passion for making a positive impact in people's lives, the fulfillment from helping others achieve their goals, and the joy that comes from forming meaningful connections. Share any personal stories or experiences that inspired you to pursue this path as a Day Program Direct Support Professional.

Ensuring safety during community outings involves thorough planning and preparation. Discuss your approach to assessing risks, maintaining communication with team members, and using appropriate safety measures. Highlight your commitment to following Ability Beyond’s safety protocols and ensuring individuals feel secure and supported at all times.

To promote independence, emphasize collaborative goal setting, encouraging choice-making, and teaching life skills in an engaging manner. Discuss methods like positive reinforcement and gradual increases in responsibility to empower individuals to take ownership of their activities, showcasing your understanding of the Day Program Direct Support Professional role.

Collaboration is key in providing the best support. Describe your proactive approach to teamwork, such as regular communication, sharing feedback, and participating in team meetings. Highlight an example where your collaborative efforts led to positive outcomes for an individual you support.

Managing multiple needs in a group setting requires effective time management and flexibility. Discuss your strategy for assessing and prioritizing needs based on urgency, and using active communication with the individuals involved to ensure everyone feels heard and valued, showing your readiness for the Day Program Direct Support Professional role.

Showcase your understanding of person-centered planning by explaining that it emphasizes the individual's preferences, strengths, and needs. Discuss how you would effectively involve the individual in their planning and how this aligns with your approach as a Day Program Direct Support Professional at Ability Beyond.

Engagement in community activities is essential as it fosters socialization, promotes skill development, and enhances overall well-being. Discuss how these opportunities can provide individuals with a sense of belonging and achievement, reflecting your commitment to supporting them as a Day Program Direct Support Professional.

Addressing disagreement involves respectful communication and flexibility. Explain how you would listen to the individual’s concerns, explore alternative options, and work collaboratively to find a solution that aligns with their preferences while maintaining group consensus, showcasing your conflict resolution skills as a Day Program Direct Support Professional.