Direct Support Professional - Community Connections
THE ARC OF THE OZARKS · Springfield, MO 65803
Direct Support Professional – Community Connections
Department: Community Connections
Position Type: Full-Time and Part-Time Positions Available
Location: Various locations throughout Christian, Greene, and Webster Counties
Position Summary
The Arc of the Ozarks is seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our Community Connections team. This is an entry-level human services position providing support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in community settings.
DSPs help individuals build independence, reach their personal goals, develop life skills, and become active members of their communities. This position includes supporting individuals with daily living activities, community activities, shopping, cooking, money management, relationships, volunteering, and leisure activities.
Full-Time & Part-Time Opportunities
We currently have both full-time and part-time positions available. Hours and assignments may vary based on the needs of the individuals and teams.
Applicants must be willing and able to travel throughout Christian, Greene, and Webster Counties. Community Connections employees may work at various community locations and must be comfortable safely transporting individuals to different locations throughout the service area.
What You'll Do
- Provide support and training with daily living skills, including hygiene, cooking, grocery shopping, cleaning, and other activities of daily living.
- Help individuals develop money management, shopping, relationship-building, volunteering, and leisure skills.
- Support individuals in participating in meaningful activities within their communities.
- Implement strategies and outcomes outlined in individual personal plans.
- Encourage independence, community involvement, and personal growth.
- Maintain confidentiality and accurate documentation.
- Participate in team meetings and work closely with supervisors and other members of the individual's support team.
What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate is someone who is passionate about working with individuals with disabilities and helping them become more independent and involved in their communities.
Candidates must be able to:
- Work independently in a one-on-six community setting.
- Exercise good judgment and discretion.
- Communicate effectively.
- Work flexible and varied hours.
- Respect and advocate for individuals with disabilities.
- Accurately document information and observations.
- Stand, stoop, lift up to 50 pounds, and push/pull items.
- Safely transport individuals to various community locations.
- Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.
- Pass CPR and First Aid training.
Minimum Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is preferred.
- Must have a valid driver's license and be an insured driver, with the ability to obtain a Missouri Class E driver's license.
- Required training will include CPR/First Aid, Medication Administration, MANDT, OSHA Health and Safety, Abuse & Neglect, Electronic Documentation, and other department-specific training as required.
Why Join Community Connections?
This is an opportunity to make a direct impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities while helping them build independence, develop meaningful skills, and become active members of their communities.
If you are dependable, compassionate, flexible, and passionate about helping others, we would love to hear from you!