Direct Support Professional; Loudon, VA

Empowering People, Building a Culture of Inclusion

At Makom, we are dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to achieve the quality of life they aspire to live. If you are a passionate professional eager to make a meaningful difference in the IDD community, we want to meet you!

About Makom

Makom is a Maryland based non-profit that provides an array of services for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) in Maryland and Northern Virginia. For over 40 years, we have been leaders in delivering innovative services and supports to individuals with IDD across Maryland and Virginia. Our team of over 450 professionals is united by a shared commitment to fostering a workplace culture that’s defined by our core values—Excellence, Inclusion, Integrity, and Self-determination.

At Makom, you’ll become a key part of meeting our transformative mission while working in a community that values your individuality, expertise, and aspirations.

The mission of the organization is “To empower and support people with IDD to achieve a quality of life to which they aspire”. We do that through a continuum of community living supports, from small ‘group homes’ to far more episodic supports for people living in their own homes; in transition-focused services that seek to deliver meaningful career, post-secondary educational, and community living outcomes;

and through a number of supplemental projects and supports, from clinical services to tailored fun, faith and experiential opportunities, all delivered through an intentionally self-determined lens.

The Role:

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our dynamic team. As a DSP, you will play a critical role in ensuring individuals with IDD lead self-determined, meaningful, and fulfilling lives as they engage their communities in pursuit of a quality of life to which they aspire. We DSP supports the person’s needs and aspirations in the following areas:

• Participant Empowerment
• Advocacy
• Communication
• Educational and Career Support
• Community Living Skills and Supports
• Building and Maintaining Relationships
• Education, Training and Self-Development
• Health and Wellness

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides ongoing, personalized support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities based on their unique preferences, goals, and support needs. The DSP builds trusting relationships, promotes self-determination, and helps individuals live meaningful lives in the communities they choose. This role requires emotional intelligence, cultural responsiveness, and a deep commitment to advocacy, health, and empowerment. The DSP role holds with it the below essential duties and responsibilities:

Supporting the Individual

• Person-Centered Support:
  Provide individualized supports based on each person’s unique skills, aspirations, and needs. Help individuals lead self-directed lives, fully engaging and in their communities.
• Skill Development:
  Empower individuals by supporting skill-building and personal growth in alignment with their Person-Centered Plans (PCP)/Individual Support Plans (ISP).
• Community Engagement:
  Facilitate opportunities for individuals to experience community—to build social networks/social capital, to pursue joy and fun, to contemplate and pursue careers—all aimed at leading self-determined and self-directed lives. Participate in the communities in which they live, work, learn, pray and play.
• Daily Living Assistance:
  Provide coaching and support for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) tailored to each individual's needs.
• Health & Safety:
  Ensure living and working environments are clean, safe, and meet the needs of individuals, including compliance with medical recommendations and care plans.
• Adaptability:
  Evolve your approach as individuals’ needs evolve, serving as a key member of their support team.
• Documentation and Compliance:
  Accurately document all relevant data, incidents, behavior support details, communication with staff and family, and support activities using…