Direct Support Professional (DOT)

At Accord, we believe in creating communities where all people feel included and empowered, regardless of the challenges they face. We are on a mission to help people live their greatest lives. We make it possible for people living with disabilities or mental health issues to achieve their personal or career goals and live life to the fullest. We'd like to think we have the best jobs in the world - keep reading to learn more about working here at Accord.

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.

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

Requirements

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 :

Skills & Experience :

Certificates / Licenses / Certifications

Benefits

Competitive wage $17- $18 per hour and benefit package with PTO, 9 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.

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