Direct Support Professional - SCL - Lutheran Services in Iowa

If you are a person with a passion to support others, great communication skills, and an interest in being able to set your own schedule, this may be the position for you!

Our Services for People with Disabilities team is searching for dedicated, compassionate caregivers to work part-time and/or full-time as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in the Ames & surrounding area. (Story and/or Boone County) The Iowans we serve are seeking a life of greater confidence and independence, and it's our privilege to empower them toward success every day.

We are currently looking for a part time DSP, available to work mainly in the afternoons between 12:00pm and 7:00pm with consumers within an age range of 16 to 50 years old to support them in building the skills they need to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

This position works well paired with secondary employment, as you will be the one in charge of organizing your schedule with your assigned caseload of consumers you will be supporting, along with the support of your program supervisor when first setting your schedule. You can determine the amount of hours you are available, from a minimum of 10 hours per week, though most DSPs start at around 20 hours per week with the potential to work up to full time if desired.

Consistent and reliable communication is needed. Much of the job is independent, so communication is important for when you need support, you or your consumers need to reschedule sessions, or if a change or emergency situation comes up and your supervisor needs to reach you. Must have a reliable vehicle. A big part of the position involves driving your consumers to activities in the community to help them fulfill needs or work on skills. To do this, you will be driving consumers around town in your own vehicle while providing services. Mileage is reimbursed at the end of each month. An open mind is also needed. Things are ever changing in the world of social services, and there is always something new to learn. The most important thing you can bring with you to this position is an open mind and a willingness to learn new things from trainings, your fellow LSI employees, the community, and your consumers themselves.

Other helpful but not required things: -Spanish speaking skills; -home access to a computer for documentation; -prior knowledge or experience working with intellectual disabilities or mental health disorders like ADHD, ODD, Autism, Borderline Personality disorder, etc. If this sounds like something that fits you and your interests, apply today!

What We Do

As one of Iowa's most trusted human services agencies, LSI has a legacy of serving children, adults, and families for more than 150 years. Our Services for People with Disabilities wrap care around individuals across the state, from providing occasional respite care or weekly services, to 24/7 support in either a shared apartment environment or one-on-one care through our hourly supported community living (SCL) program. You can make a direct impact on the lives of the Iowans we are privileged to serve.

What You'll Do

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) works with adults and children with intellectual disabilities or chronic mental illness. During a regular shift, our hourly DSPs meet with multiple individuals one at a time, spending two to four hours with each of them. DSPs are there to provide support, assistance, and instruction in learning independent living skills like:

- Money management

- Socialization

- Cooking

- Personal hygiene

What You'll Need

Qualified candidates for this job will have either a high school diploma or a GED. Experience working with Supported Community Living (SCL) or with people with disabilities is preferred, but not required.

How We'll Support You

On top of joining the best team around, you can also receive:

- A competitive salary

- Comprehensive benefits

- A flexible schedule

- A 401(k)

- Generous paid time off

- Health, dental, life, and vision insurance

- Mileage reimbursement

- Career-building opportunities

- Special Team LSI perks like gym discounts, pet insurance, and cell phone discounts through Verizon

Who We Are

LSI is an equal opportunity employer. At LSI we respect diverse life experiences, cultures and heritages, and strive to provide that all voices are heard and valued. You can learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion at https://lsiowa.org/who-we-are/

Why You'll Love Working Here

"I enjoy working with people with disabilities because I'm able to make a difference in their lives and it has made a positive impact in my own." - Amber, LSI Contract Monitor

Ready to get started? Apply today!