Lead Direct Support Professional - job 1 of 3

As a Lead Direct Support Professional at Dungarvin, your primary responsibilities include providing direct support and hands-on assistance to individuals with disabilities. This involves helping with daily living tasks, such as personal hygiene and mobility, while also offering mentorship, encouragement, and guidance to foster their independence.

To qualify for the Lead Direct Support Professional position at Dungarvin, you should be at least 18 years of age, possess strong interpersonal skills, and have a commitment to patient and respectful caregiving. Being adaptable, observant, and able to document effectively is also essential for success in this role.

Dungarvin offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time Lead Direct Support Professionals, which includes medical, vision, and dental insurance, a 401(k) plan with employer match, paid time off, supplemental insurance options, and access to employee assistance programs among others.

Dungarvin is committed to the growth of its Lead Direct Support Professionals by providing paid training and a variety of development opportunities. Employees are encouraged to engage in continuous learning to enhance their caregiving skills and advance their careers.

Dungarvin fosters a culture of diversity and inclusion, which helps create a strong and supportive environment for its employees. The focus on person-centered care empowers staff and the individuals they support, making it a fulfilling workplace for Lead Direct Support Professionals.

When asked this question, demonstrate your understanding of person-centered practices by sharing examples of how you adjust your support based on individual needs, preferences, and strengths, ensuring dignity and respect are at the forefront of your caregiving approach.

Provide a specific situation in which you utilized patience and communication skills to de-escalate the situation. Highlight the occasion and the strategies you employed, showcasing your ability to maintain safety and comfort for both the individual and yourself.

Discuss important qualities such as empathy, adaptability, patience, and strong communication skills. Emphasize how these traits help you build trusting relationships and effectively support individuals in reaching their goals.

Explain your approach to providing a safe environment, such as conducting safety checks or being observant to recognize potential hazards. Share your understanding of the importance of creating a comfortable and respectful atmosphere for the individuals in your care.

Share your genuine passion for supporting individuals with disabilities, emphasizing personal fulfillment from making a positive impact in their lives. Connect this motivation to your desire to help others strive for independence and happiness.

Discuss your strategies for effective time management, such as creating structured schedules and using priority lists. Providing examples of how you’ve successfully juggled multiple responsibilities can illustrate your organizational skills.

Express your viewpoint on the value of teamwork, highlighting how collaboration can enhance the quality of care provided. Share examples of how working with colleagues has led to better outcomes for individuals you’ve supported.

Provide an example of how you actively listened to an individual's needs and took action to ensure they received the appropriate services or support. Talk about the outcome and how advocacy plays a critical role in direct support.

Illustrate your methods for adapting communication styles to meet the needs of the individual, such as using visual aids or being patient and allowing extra time for responses. This demonstrates your commitment to accessibility and clarity.

Convey your openness to constructive feedback, explaining that you view it as an opportunity for growth. Detail a past experience where you incorporated feedback to enhance your caregiving methods, showing your willingness to learn and adapt.