Direct Support Professional - Community/Employment at UNITED COUNSELING SERVICE OF BENNINGTON COUNTY INC – Bennington, Vermont

Description: Why join UCS?Since 1958, United Counseling Service (UCS) has been dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to individuals and families in our community. Through a wide range of programs, services, and educational opportunities, we strive to meet the diverse needs of those we serve. Our team includes professionals from various fields, including administration, clinical services, nursing, education, case management, psychiatry, and direct support, working across 17 facilities throughout Bennington County.As a proud affiliate of Vermont Care Partners—a statewide network of 16 non-profit community-based agencies—we deliver comprehensive mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental services across Vermont. We are currently seeking compassionate, motivated team players to join us in making a positive impact and building a stronger community.

UCS Offers Generous Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Generous paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid short term and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career development opportunities
• Free clinical supervision towards licensure
• Loan repayment and tuition assistance program
• Award winning worksite wellness program
• An inclusive workplace supported by an active Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging committee.
• Rewarding experience making a difference in the community.

We believe a dynamic and inclusive workforce will strengthen our organization and enhance the services we provide. Therefore, it is our goal to hire a diverse workforce and cultivate a culture where our employees feel accepted and included, hold a valued place within our organization and are equally able to contribute to their fullest extent, assisting in fulfilling our mission of building a stronger community.

Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Community & Employment Supports

Objective/Purpose

Under the direction of the Program Coordinator, the Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides direct support to individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder in both community settings and employment settings. The DSP helps individuals build skills for increased independence, meaningful community involvement, successful workplace integration, and overall personal growth. This includes providing transportation to and from community activities and to and from the individual’s place of employment.

Major Responsibilities

1. Direct Service

• Facilitate individuals’ inclusion in the community and workplace by developing meaningful community-based activities and supporting individuals at their obs.
• Provide transportation to and from community activities and transport individuals to and from their place of employment, using a privately owned or agency vehicle.
• Provide on-site employment support, which may include job-coaching, modeling appropriate work behaviors, assisting with task learning, and promoting independence on the job.
• Support quality programming in all settings, including community locations and employment sites.
• Encourage positive relationships with community members, coworkers, and supervisors at places of employment.
• Assist in developing and implementing both community and employment support goals.
• Promote choice-making, skill development, and positive social interactions in community and work environments.
• Serve as a positive role model for individuals in all settings.
• Provide personal care assistance, as needed.
• Teach and support increased skill-building using appropriate instructional methods.
• Maintain safety of individuals across all environments, including workplaces.
• Follow established schedules created by the Administrator and Coordinators, including community outings and work shifts.
• Make informed, person-centered decisions to support high-quality services and individual needs.
• Advocate for individuals across all settings, including places of employment.
• Use each individual’s primary mode of communication (e.g., spoken language, sign language, interpreter, facilitated communication) and respond to their unique communication style.
• Follow all support plans and Developmental Services (DS) policies.
• Attend all required trainings.

2. Record Keeping

• Collect data required by each individual’s Individual Support Agreement (ISA), including community and employment goals.
• Complete all DS and agency documentation accurately and on time, such as timesheets, progress notes, monthly summaries, and expense vouchers.
• Develop task analyses or job assessment forms as needed to support growth, independence, and measurable job-related performance.

3. Networking & Collaboration

• Share necessary information with staff, employers, coworkers, professionals, and family members as appropriate.
• Serve as an advocate and/or liaison on behalf of the individual, the Developmental Services Division, and UCS.
• Participate as a member of the individual’s support team and the broader DS/UCS teams.
• Encourage and maintain positive relationships with community partners, employers, and other workplace contacts.
• Attend treatment plan or employment support meetings as requested.
• Promote ongoing communication among all team members to support success in both community life and employment.

DSP Qualifications

Education & Experience

Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Preferred:

• Direct Service experience preferred
• Experience with individuals with intellectual disabilities preferred

Skills

• Proficiency in using Microsoft Outlook for internal e-mail communication

Licenses/Certifications & Other

• Valid Driver’s License
• Reliable transportation to transport clients on occasion

Requirements: