Job description
PURPOSE OF SPECIAL NEEDS CAREGIVER/DIRECT SERVICE PROFESSIONAL (DSP) INTERNSHIP

This program is designed to highlight the career opportunities available to you in becoming a Special Needs Caregiver/DSP, while providing you with the skills that you need to deliver high-quality services and supports that allow people to live their best lives and feel empowered.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND FRAMEWORK FOR CARRYING OUT RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Community support specialist/DSP Intern, you will learn about the role of, and perform entry-level duties under, a qualified DSP for up to three months and up to thirty hours per week. The duties of a DSP are tailored around each individual served and may include support with: participant empowerment, communication, community and service(s) networking, facilitation of services, providing community living skills and supports, education, training and self-development, advocacy, vocational, educational and career support, organizational participation, documentation, building and maintaining healthy friendships and other relationships, keeping the participant at the center (person-centered), and supporting their health and wellness, which may include assisting with daily tasks.

The role of a DSP is complex and requires a specific set of skills and values. The following represents what to expect in the DSP practice:

DSPs assist people who need support to lead self-directed lives and participate fully in their communities.
DSPs recognize the unique gifts, preferences and needs of each person supported.
DSPs recognize the personhood of people they support. They partner with them in making informed decisions and everyday choices about their finances, well-being, relationships, and employment.
DSPs will use knowledge, skills (competencies), and values such as the NADSP Code of Ethics to guide their work and provide quality services.
DSPs continue to learn and develop their professional abilities through ongoing in-service and self-directed education and training.
DSPs understand that quality services occur at the point of interaction with the people that they support.
DSPs realize that their role includes being a mentor and a facilitator.
DSPs inform the people they support regarding their responsibilities and advocate with them for their valued role in society.
DSPs create environments where the people they support feel empowered to have meaningful relationships with friends, their families, and promote integration and inclusion in all our nation’s communities.
DSPs respect the privacy of the people they support and commit to promote their physical and emotional well-being.
PAY: $16 per hour to start with potential for increase. Weekly pay + incentives offered.
SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday 8:30 AM- 3:30 PM with some flexibility.

PROGRAM PERKS

Weekly pay
Employment retention payments at six and twelve months
FREE Interactive training
A variety of schedules available
Play an integral role in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their community
May lead to a long-term career path
QUALIFICATIONS

Must be 18 years or older
Must have a High School Diploma (or equivalent) or a Certificate of Completion
Must have a valid Identification Card or Driver’s License
Must pass a background check and other required health screenings
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

A DSP Intern may work indoors or outdoors and may perform tasks which involve frequent sitting, standing, writing, or performing repetitive motions. On occasion a DSP may perform tasks that involve, but are not limited to bending, twisting, stooping, squatting, pushing, pulling, standing, reaching, walking, and lifting of 25 lbs.