Direct Support Professional, II

A group of concerned parents joined forces in 1953 to provide better lives for their children who, because of developmental delays and intellectual disabilities, were not able to participate in everyday society. At the time, little was known about intellectual disabilities. It was very common for doctors to counsel parents to place their children in institutions for most of their lives.

Emboldened by their collective desire to raise their children in the home and their refusal to accept that institutionalization was the only option, groups around the country organized and implemented action plans at the local level to give their children fuller lives in the community.

Our independent local 501(c)(3) nonprofit is known as Arc of Greater New Orleans. We currently serve over 500 children and adults in Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, and St. Tammany parishes.

Are you looking for a career that makes a difference in your local community? Join us at the Arc of Greater New Orleans! We are actively hiring Direct Support Professionals for both day and night shifts.

Pay: $10/hr

Our Direct Support Professionals in our Supported Living Services department are the first point of contact between the Arc of Greater New Orleans and our participants. They are responsible for the overall direct support of program participants assigned. They are responsible for participant needs (hygiene, chores, outings, etc.). Direct Support Professionals must be alert and able to respond to participant needs at all times while supporting a normalizing home that encourages independence.

• Responsible for daily decisions concerning DSP services within the policy/procedure guidelines
• Communicating with their program supervisor regarding participant related activities
• Maintaining a caring and safe environment for participants
• Completing scheduled training and continued education
• Working with the participant, family, case manager, and team to develop and implement a service plan
• Practicing preventative safety/health care techniques, including immediate treatment of illness
• Acts as a skilled trainer based on participant needs (i.e., cooking, chores, budgeting, etc.)
• Implements and documents outcomes and methods per ISP and/or Behavior Management
• Advocates for all participants, as appropriate
• Drives morning or afternoon route, including picking up participants from their homes or dropping them off at their homes

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• 1-2 years of verified work experience instead of high school diploma
• Previous experience working with persons with developmental disabilities is preferred
• Cell phone with data plan required
• Must have a valid LA driver's license

• This role requires heavy activity, including sitting, standing, walking, carrying, and prolonged periods of activity while assisting another person
• This position requires the ability to lift both light and heavy items as needed, occasionally
• Ability to drive another person to and from various locations

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. This job description shall not constitute or be construed as a promise of employment or as a contract between the Arc of Greater New Orleans and any of its employees.

The Arc of Greater New Orleans is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability-protected veteran status, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Individuals who require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act in order to participate in the search process should notify the Human Resources department.