Direct Support Professional - Starts at $18.00/hour in Florida, New York at HEALTH AND BEHAVIORAL DIMENSIONS INC

Job Title: Direct Support Professional

Pay Type: Hourly - Starts at $18.00/hour

Schedule: Works 40 hours, 5 days per week, including one weekend shift. Holidays and overtime may be required. Position is categorized as essential personnel for the purposes of providing disaster service.

Travel Required: Yes

Location: Onsite at Group Homes & Adult Day Training (ADT) Facility - Locations throughout Broward County

Employment Type: Full Time

Title of Supervisor: Group Home Manager

Who We Are:

Health & Behavioral Dimensions, Inc. (HBD) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with 9 locations throughout Broward County, Florida that provide residential and day services. Our work is driven by a shared commitment to providing personalized, high-quality residential, adult day training programs and support services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals with intensive behavior challenges. HBD is looking for qualified and caring Direct Support Professionals to join our team!

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Company-Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Company-Paid Life insurance of $35,000
• Company-Paid AD&D Insurance
• Paid time off
• 401k
• Educational & Professional Development Opportunities - Become a RBT (Registered Behavior Technician)

What You Will Do:

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides hands-on care for adult individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and intense, complex behaviors. The DSP helps clients with daily living activities, personal care, and skill development. This support empowers individuals to live as independently and safely as possible.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Applies preventative and physical crisis management interventions to de-escalate intense behavioral challenges that may include physical aggression, property destruction, self injurious behaviors, sexual inappropriateness, elopement, pica and/or other maladaptive behaviors.
• Assists clients to maximize their potential on their personal life goals.
• Guides and supports individuals to learn new skills in relationship building, communication, community safety and increased independence.
• Engages individuals with recreational activities such as art, games, theatre, karaoke, exercise, etc.
• Accurately documents client behavioral information, incident reports, and daily progress.
• Assists clients with daily hygiene, grooming, feeding, dressing, bathing, and toileting.
• Administers medication to clients as prescribed and instructed.
• Arrives to work on time and ready to work as scheduled for each shift.
• Drives clients to outings and appointments using company vehicles.
• Communicates necessary information clearly and professionally with clients, their families, and staff.
• Cleans and sanitizes areas of the house, grounds, vehicles, and work area as assigned.
• Shops and prepares meals for clients.
• Follows HIPPA and safety requirements and protocol.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualification & Skill Requirements - What We are Looking For:

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Required to have at least 2 years of experience providing direct services in a medical, psychiatric, human services, group home setting, or in working with persons who have developmental disabilities.
• Has the ability to stay calm, focused, and non-judgmental during high-stress behavioral events.
• Skilled in proactive crisis intervention, and safety protocols.
• Has basic computer skills and ability to use a tablet or computer to record data and complete incident reports.
• Experience working with electronic health records (EHRs) and systems required.
• Has strong patience, empathy, and compassion.
• Has strong problem-solving and adaptability skills.
• Communicates clearly and professionally with staff, clients, leadership, visitors, and external guests.
• Must have a valid Florida Driver’s License. Must be able to travel throughout the work day.
• Certifications:
  • Must have or is able to obtain an APD (Agency for Persons with Disabilities) approved CPR/First Aid certification by the completion of orientation. Must maintain certification during employment.
  • Must have or is able to obtain PCM (Professional Crisis Management Level-2) certification within 30 days of employment; required to maintain certification throughout employment.
  • Have or is able to obtain certification in medication administration and Applied Behavioral Analysis training (20 hours) within 3 months of employment. Must complete and maintain additional APD-required training and certifications.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to regularly move up to 50 pounds, and apply approved physical holds.
• This person will frequently move about their workspace.
• Ability to often maneuver and exert force when helping a client, applying emergency response support, and/or transporting items.
• Possess strong visual and auditory ability to detect and discern client activity and safety in the area.

EEO Statement: HBD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under national, provincial, or local law, where applicable, and those with criminal histories will be considered in a manner consistent with applicable state and local laws.

HBD is committed to supporting employees and applicants who may need a reasonable accommodation. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, participate in the interview process, or otherwise participate in the hiring process due to a disability, please contact HR at HR@HBDFL.com or (954) 667-4599. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered on an individualized basis and in accordance with applicable law.

E-Verify: This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

All applicants will be required to successfully complete The Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse) background screening, as mandated by section 435.12, Florida Statutes. More information can be found here https://info.flclearinghouse.com.