Nature Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Do you love nature? Are you the type of person that marvels at the Earth's natural wonders? Could you spend hours meandering hiking trails? Do you love paddling local streams? Do you enjoy foraging, fishing, or hunting?   If the outside is where you belong, this job might be an excellent opportunity to have a paid hobby. Assisted Independence is an organization dedicated towards helping individuals with developmental disabilities. We are searching for mentors who will help individuals with disabilities in numerous leisure pursuits, including many outdoor activities. As you might love the outdoors, many individuals with disabilities need assistance to access the same beloved wildernesses. With this job, you have an opportunity to make a difference. 

1. Direct Support Professional (DSP)

1.1. The nature of the job as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) is to provide 1:1 care to individuals with developmental disabilities in home and community-based settings.

1.2. Benefits

1.2.1. The following benefits are available to eligible full-time Direct Support Professional (DSP) staff:

1.2.1.1. Paid hourly wages

1.2.1.2. Paid mileage when transporting an individual receiving supports (also available to part-time employees)

1.2.1.3. Health Insurance

1.2.1.4. Short-Term Disability Insurance

1.2.1.5. Flexible work schedules

1.1.1. Direct Support Professional (DSP) staff must complete the following forms after receiving an offer of employment, but prior to providing service to an individual:

1.1.1.1. Indiana Form I-9, accompanied by a second form of identification (I.D.) such as a United States (U.S.) Passport or Passport Card, Voter Registration card, U.S. Military card or draft record, Military dependent’s I.D. card, School card with a photograph or any other forms listed on the I-9 document.

1.1.1.2. Indiana Form W4

1.1.1.3. Indiana Form WH-4

1.1.1.4. Employee Authorization of Direct Deposit

1.1.2. Direct Support Professional (DSP) staff must complete the following trainings prior to providing supports to an individual:

1.1.2.1. Respecting the Dignity of an Individual

1.1.2.2. Providing a Healthy and Safe Environment

1.1.2.3. Protecting an Individual from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation

1.1.2.4. Person Centered Planning

1.1.2.5. Incident Reporting

1.1.2.6. Individual Specific Interventions

1.1.2.7. Health and Wellness

1.1.2.8. Selecting Specific Objectives

1.1.2.9. Communication

1.1.2.10. Diversity

1.1.2.11. Medication Administration CORE A (as applicable)

1.1.2.12. Behavior Support Plan (BSP) Training (As applicable)

1.1.2.13. In-Service trainings semi-annually (not required to attend in-service trainings prior to employment, but required after the first day of employment)

1.1.2.13.1. In-service wages are set at $8 an hour.

1.2. Job Duties

1.2.1. All Direct Support Professional (DSP) staff must adhere to the rules and regulations set forth in Indiana Administrative Code (IAC) 460-6.

1.2.2. All Direct Support Professional (DSP) staff must adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS), Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS), and the Bureau of Quality Improvement Supports (BQIS).

1.2.3. All Direct Support Professional (DSP) staff must abide by the requirements set forth by the Council of Quality and Leadership (CQL) Employment and Community Standards. 

1.2.4. All Direct Support Professional (DSP) staff shall be eligible to provide the following supports:

1.2.4.1. Residential Habilitation and Support (RHS)

1.2.4.2. Day Habilitation (DHI)

1.2.4.3. Respite care (RSPO)

1.2.4.4. Participant Assistance and Care (PAC)

1.2.4.5. Transportation 

1.2.5. All Direct Support Professional (DSP) staff must assist the individual to which is being provided supports with one of the following:

1.2.5.1. Self-care

1.2.5.2. Self-direction

1.2.5.3. Expressive or receptive language

1.2.5.4. Ambulation or mobility

1.2.5.5. Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s)

1.2.5.6. Learning

1.2.5.7. Independent Living

1.2.5.8. Economic Self-Sufficiency 

1.2.5.9. Physical Activity

1.2.5.10. Community Participation

1.3.1. All Direct Support Professional (DSP) staff must submit to Assisted Independence proof of the following prior to employment and prior to the expiration of any document:

1.3.1.1. Application

1.3.1.2. Resume

1.3.1.3. High School Diploma or equivalent

1.3.1.4. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification 

1.3.1.5. First Aid Certification

1.3.1.6. Negative Tuberculin Skin Test

1.3.1.7. Driver’s License 

1.3.1.8. Vehicle Registration

1.3.1.9. Auto Insurance

1.3.1.10. In the event a potential employee is unable to pay for the fee associated with a Tuberculin Skin Test or is unable to obtain a High School Diploma or equivalent, Assisted Independence, LLC will offer to pay the cost of the Tuberculin Skin Test and/or degree verification. A signed agreement must be completed beforehand, and the cost will be taken out of the employee’s first paycheck.

1.3.1.11. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid certification will be provided at no cost by Assisted Independence, LLC. However staff will not be compensated for time spent training.

1.3.1.12. Additionally, Direct Support Professional (DSP) staff must meet the following criteria prior to employment. 

1.3.1.12.1. Free of Felony Convictions

1.3.1.12.2. Inspector General’s Exclusion from Federally Funded Healthcare Organization

1.3.2. All direct care staff working with individuals shall meet the following requirements: 

1.3.2.1.1. Be at least eighteen (18) years of age. 

1.3.2.1.2. Demonstrate an interest in and empathy for individuals

1.3.2.1.3. Demonstrate the ability to communicate adequately in order to: 

1.3.2.1.3.1. complete required forms and reports of visits; and follow oral or written instructions. 

1.3.2.1.3.2. Demonstrate the ability to provide supports according to the individual's Person-Centered Individualized Support Plan (PCISP). 

1.3.2.1.3.3. Demonstrate willingness to accept supervision.