Direct Support Professional 1 (DSP) - Mankato at Lifeworks Services Inc – MANKATO, Minnesota

Lifeworks is seeking a full-time Direct Support Professional I to advocate for and support individuals with developmental disabilities or related conditions—helping them build skills, access opportunities, and achieve the goals that matter most to them.

Position Title: Direct Support Professional I

Department: Day Services

Hours: Full-time; Monday – Friday (non-exempt)

Location: Lifeworks Services – Mankato

Compensation: $17.50 - $19.00 per hour

Sign on bonus: up to $1,500 (to be paid out at 60 days and 120 days of employment)

Bonus Eligible: Yearly

What we offer employees:

• Lifeworks offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes:
• 18 days of PTO accrued in the first year of employment
• 11 paid holidays (New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and a Personal Holiday)
• Medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D insurance, short & long-term disability coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Savings Account (FSA), and prescription drug coverage
• Up to $3,000 annually in tuition reimbursement
• 403(b) retirement plan – Lifeworks contributes 3% of your salary and matches up to 4% of employee contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Why Work at Lifeworks

Lifeworks is an industry leader on the forward edge of partnering with people with disabilities in innovative, person-centered ways. Disability inclusion is our true north, guiding every service we provide and ensuring that people with disabilities have opportunities, can thrive, and defy expectations. The Lifeworks Team is collaborative, passionate, and strategic, using a person-centered approach to increase access in our communities.

You’ll succeed in this role if you:

• Are passionate about working at a mission-driven organization which promotes self-determination and choice for people with disabilities.
• Enjoy developing innovative opportunities which enhance everyday lives.
• Seek out diverse perspectives and are willing to learn with and from others.
• Are engaged by supporting others in building new skills, exploring their interests, and meeting their goals.
• Are flexible and like working in a fast-paced environment which can change day to day.
• Can communicate effectively both through writing and speaking with others.
• Are tech savvy and familiar with video meeting software, like Zoom, and Microsoft Office products like Outlook, Word, and Microsoft Teams.
• Are open to learning new skills which will help you be successful in this role and expand your career opportunities.

How you’ll be spending your time:

• Identifying, implementing, and documenting individuals’ preferences, attributes, goals, outcomes, and support needs—including positive support and training strategies—as detailed in the Support Plan Addendum (SPA). This includes both community and center-based services that promote person-centered support.
• Following person-centered plans, outcomes, and goals, including opportunities for choice and what is important to and for the person. Supporting person-centered service development such as sharing ordinary places, growing in relationships, making choices, being respected, and contributing to the community where individuals live and work. This may include attending a person’s support team meeting.
• Providing information or training to co-workers regarding individuals’ service requirements and support needs.
• Providing support and assistance necessary for individuals to complete personal care routines (eating, bathroom, and medical assistance).
• Arranging and/or providing necessary transportation to and from community sites in conjunction with other staff and team members, including driving individuals in a personal or Lifeworks vehicle.
• Building and sustaining relationships within the community to enhance access to inclusive social opportunities for individuals.
• Attending regularly scheduled trainings and team meetings.
• Building community relationships and teaching skills for independence and volunteering; coordination with employment teams may be required.
• Following safety procedures and assisting in identifying safety needs for self and others. Performing other duties as assigned.
• Collaborating with the Team Lead to improve planning, support, and social opportunities for persons served.

• High school diploma required.
• Access to reliable transportation for work driving purposes.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance.
• Candidate must complete and pass a pre-employment background study; a physical and drug screen; and have access to reliable transportation for work purposes.

Equity Statement:

Lifeworks strives to be radically accessible, diverse, equitable, and inclusive. We appreciate the vibrancy of differences, center the voices of silenced and marginalized people, and champion universal rights.

Lifeworks Services is committed to hiring people from a variety of diverse cultures with diverse life experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status; genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Lifeworks Services is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage members of diverse groups to apply.