Home / Apply / Direct Support Professionals

Direct Support Professionals

Part time / Hourly Position

We are currently hiring DSPs. No licensure or certifications required however, applicant must be 18 years old and have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. We have a new hiring wage of $15.00/hr with the potential to earn quarterly bonuses after the initial 90 day introductory period. Typical DSP to guest ratio is 1:2 depending on guest needs and level of care. We are seeking caring individuals with seasoned hearts of serving others. WE are truly a home away from home for staff and for the guests we serve. Non-clinical atmosphere with opportunities to engage in community activities and activities at the respite house located in Berne. All inquiries may call me (Sherrie Kizer) at either 260-589-3351 or 260-273-2922.

Qualifications & Characteristics

  • Commitment to the mission and values of the program.
  • Possess a gift of caring
  • Evidence of good physical health, drug free and free of communicable disease i.e. TB.
  • Ability to read, understand and clearly communicate verbally and in writing.
  • Able to lift the equivalent of 1/3 your total body weight.
  • Demonstrates responsibility, flexibility, dependability and sense of humor.
  • Willing to accept training and supervision.
  • Minimum 18 years of age, High School Education, Diploma or HSE
  • Past or present Certified Nursing Aide (CNA), Qualified Medical Assistant (QMA), Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP), or individual with significant experience or willingness to learn all aspects of caring for individuals with disabilities.
  • Willing to become CPR & First Aide certified.
  • Willing to be trained in Core A & Core B Medication Administration

General Responsibilities

  • Build positive relationships with guests and their family or guardian.
  • Maintain confidentiality of guests and families
  • Follow instructions per parents, PCISP, risk plans, and summary page for guest care.
  • Assure guest safety at all times.
  • Provide guest personal care needs (bathing, restroom, etc.) as needed.
  • Assist guest as needed with dressing.
  • Assist guests as needed in getting in and out of bed.
  • Encourage self-help abilities as indicated.
  • Assist guests in taking medications as specified in care plan by following Core A & Core B Medications Administration guidelines.
  • Plan, prepare and assist with feeding our guests appropriate meals as needed.
  • Exhibit patience and common sense in dealing with undesirable behavior.
  • Perform necessary housekeeping tasks to maintain a clean and safe environment.
  • Write needed items on household shopping list and report maintenance needs to the office.
  • Practice infectious control procedures.
  • Attend on-going staff training/development and renew certifications and medical tests as required.
  • After 90 introductory period be willing to mentor and shadow new employees with care skills and medication administration.
  • Follow the policies and procedures, Employee Handbook, and any new or revised policies and procedures presented by Agape Respite Care, Inc.
  • Be directly responsible to the Director of Agape Respite Care, Inc.

FAQs

What exactly is a DSP?

A person who works directly with people who have a diagnosis of an intellectual and/or developmental disability. DSPs aim to assist individuals in realizing their full potential. DSPs help people integrate and engage in the community. In the past, DSPs were trained as caregivers/care providers.

What is Respite Care?

Respite care is a special name for a short-term break for caregivers (parents/guardians). When you look after someone who has special needs, it is a 24-hour, all year long responsibility. Parents and guardians need a break from time to time to look after their own needs, other children, and a time to refresh. Down time for them and also a break for their loved one. An opportunity for their loved one to meet new people, get out of their home and to make friends with new activities.

This is where respite care helps – This is where YOU can help!