Day Services Program / Direct Support Professional (DSP) - job 1 of 4

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Dungarvin, your primary responsibilities include engaging individuals in various workshop activities, assisting them with daily life skills, providing personal care, and delivering behavioral interventions as needed. You will lead enriching activities such as music, art, and cooking, facilitating independence while creating a fun and supportive environment for individuals with developmental disabilities.

To become a Direct Support Professional at Dungarvin, you should possess a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 years old, and have a valid driver's license. Although experience with individuals with disabilities is a plus, it is not required. The most important qualities are a compassionate attitude, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.

The Direct Support Professional position at Dungarvin offers a part-time schedule of 32.5 hours per week, specifically Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. This reliable work schedule allows you to enjoy weekends off while making a positive impact during the week!

As a Direct Support Professional at Dungarvin, you will enjoy a range of benefits including competitive pay starting at $20.75/hour, medical, vision, and dental insurance for eligible employees, paid time off, a 401k plan with employer matching, and various growth and development opportunities. We believe in supporting our employees to ensure their satisfaction and well-being.

Dungarvin is committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment for its Direct Support Professionals and the individuals they serve. We celebrate diversity and actively seek to create a supportive atmosphere where every team member can thrive, making sure that everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to the community.

When answering this question, focus on your relevant experiences and how they shaped your understanding of the needs of individuals with disabilities. Highlight any specific skills or interventions you've successfully implemented that helped those individuals achieve their goals.

Use a STAR approach to outline a specific situation where you managed a challenging scenario. Discuss the problem, the actions you took to resolve it, and the positive outcome. This shows your ability to think critically and respond effectively.

Explain the importance of knowing the individuals’ interests and adapting activities to suit those preferences. Mention creative strategies, such as incorporating games, music, or art, to create an engaging workshop that promotes participation.

Describe your familiarity with using electronic documentation systems and emphasize the importance of accurate, timely reporting. Include examples of metrics you would track to monitor progress and communicate insights to the team effectively.

Share personal anecdotes or passions that drive you toward this field. Highlight how rewarding it is to support individuals in their growth and independence, as well as the impact you hope to make in their lives.

Illustrate your understanding of person-centered care by discussing specific ways you demonstrate empathy, build rapport, and create trusting relationships with the individuals you support. Mention active listening and attentiveness as key components.

Discuss the importance of teamwork and communication. Provide examples of how you've worked in teams before, focusing on strategies for sharing responsibilities and aligning on goals that support the individuals in your care.

Focus on personalized approaches that may include step-by-step instructions and hands-on experiences. Talk about using real-world scenarios to teach skills, emphasizing patience and gradual skill-building for long-term success.

Articulate your belief in the significance of respect and dignity. Discuss how understanding each individual's unique needs and preferences fosters an empowering environment that promotes growth and independence.

Explain techniques you utilize for self-care and stress management, such as taking breaks, practicing mindfulness, or engaging with supportive colleagues. Emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and encouraging others even when hurdles arise.