Direct Support Professional - Community Supports in Bennington, Vermont at United Counseling Service of Bennington County Inc

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 Supports

Schedule: 40 hours/week, Monday–Friday

Objective / Purpose

Under the Program Coordinator’s direction, the DSP provides direct support to individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism in community and employment settings. The role focuses on helping individuals build independence, engage meaningfully in the community, succeed in the workplace, and grow personally. Responsibilities include transportation to community activities and employment.

1. Direct Service

• Support individuals’ participation in the community and workplace through meaningful activities and job support
• Provide transportation using a personal or agency vehicle
• Deliver on-site employment support (job coaching, modeling behaviors, teaching tasks, promoting independence)
• Encourage positive relationships with community members, coworkers, and supervisors
• Assist in developing and implementing community and employment goals
• Promote choice-making, skill-building, and positive social interactions
• Serve as a positive role model in all settings
• Provide personal care as needed
• Ensure safety across all environments, including workplaces
• Follow schedules set by leadership (community outings and work shifts)
• Make person-centered decisions to support individual needs
• Advocate for individuals in all settings, including employment
• Communicate using each individual’s preferred method (verbal, sign, assisted, etc.)
• Follow all support plans and Developmental Services (DS) policies
• Attend required trainings

2. Record Keeping

• Collect data aligned with each individual’s Individual Support Agreement (ISA), including goals
• Complete all required documentation accurately and on time (timesheets, progress notes, summaries, expense reports)
• Develop task analyses or job assessments to support progress and independence

3. Networking & Collaboration

• Share relevant information with staff, employers, families, and professionals
• Act as an advocate and liaison for the individual, DS Division, and UCS
• Participate in support teams and DS/UCS team collaboration
• Build and maintain positive relationships with community partners and employers
• Attend treatment plan and employment-related meetings as needed
• Support strong communication among all team members to ensure success in community and work settings

Requirements:

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