Direct Support Professional (DOT)

Accord is looking for DSP (DOT) professionals to join our team! This role is for the people we support in the Twin Cities.

Work with individuals who have developmental or other disabilities attending the Day Supports Program and assist them to become more integrated in their communities by maximizing their strengths, interests, and abilities. Support may occur in a variety of settings and may include providing personal care, assisting with daily living activities, teaching/developing skills, advocating with the individual, assisting in communication and self-expression, and ultimately supporting the individual in meeting their own goals. Position reports to the Sr. Program Manager of Day Support Services.

$500 Bonus: This position requires the ability to pass and maintain Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) certification and to operate large vehicles transporting people with a range of disabilities. You will recieve a $500 bonus once you successfully pass the DOT certification, required within the first 60 days of employment.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Listen-Learn-Lead: Model the mission and values of Accord, helping people to live their greatest lives.
• Provide services for adults with developmental or other disabilities, including mental illness and/or chemical dependency issues, attending Day Support Services. 
• Guide and encourage individuals receiving services through relationship building and direct interaction and help them engage in personal goal setting and building essential living skills. 
• Provide programming that nurtures the needs, self-expression, and goals of persons supported. Examples of programs include Community-Based Skill Building, Healthy Relationships, and Personal Empowerment and Self-Advocacy. 
• Support people to achieve personal outcomes that characterize a high quality of life.
• Listen carefully and communicate respectfully and clearly with the people you support.  
• Support people to choose, understand and learn new skills.  
• Understand, follow through, and document support plans, goals, activities, and progress in meeting goals.  
• Support people with daily living skills and personal support needs.  
• Facilitate activities that provide people with connections to the community.  
• Assist people in planning and structuring activities.  
• Bring your own skills, strengths and interests to supporting peoples’ activities.  
• Support people to exercise their rights and responsibilities in all areas of their lives. 
• Engage in respectful communication.  
• Use person-first or preferred language when appropriate.  
• Maintain confidentiality and support privacy at all times.  
• Talk with people and include them in discussions about their lives. 
• Support people to have optimal health and well being.  
• Administer medications accurately and reliably.  
• Monitor medical conditions thoroughly and consistently.  
• Ensure that people are free from abuse, neglect and exploitation.  
• Complete needed reporting and documentation. 
• Provide safeguards and appropriately support challenging situations.  
• Support individuals with positive behavioral techniques to avoid challenging situations and promote respect and dignity.  
• Know the proper techniques and be able to respond to emergencies such as accidents, fires, tornados, or other situations

• Represent the agency to the people we support, our community partners and external constituents.  Serve as a positive role model for others.
• Provide transportation to individuals supported; travel throughout the Twin Cities Metropolitan area.
• Complete all required and assigned training related to the position

Credentials/Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education: 

• High School Diploma or GED.
• CPR/First Aid certification perferred.

Skills & Experience:

• Experience working with individuals with developmental or other disabilities preferred.
• Comfortable helping people with hygiene and medical routines when needed.
• Excellent time-management, organizational, and people skills.

Certificates/Licenses/Certifications

• A valid driver’s license and clean driving record is required. 
• Must be able to pass and maintain Federal DOT certification.
• Approved Background check is required.
• Ability to pass and maintain all required trainings such as CPR/First Aid, Medication Administration, and Positive Behavioral Support Training. 

Competitive wage (starting at $17+) and benefit package with PTO, 8 paid holidays, health, dental, vision, and life insurance, NO COST short & long-term disability insurance, retirement savings plan options, employee wellness program, tuition assistance program, career advancement, mileage reimbursement for providing direct services, a positive, friendly work environment and much more.