Direct Support Professional - Work Life Balance

Position Title: Direct Support Professional - Work Life Balance

Location: South Central WI (primarily Rock Co)

Reports To: Program Coordinator, South Central

Status: Part Time (up to 20 hours weekly)

Pay: $16 - $18/hour, depending on experience

FLSA Status: Not applicable

Are you looking for a position that brings purpose to your life? Would you like to wake up every day knowing that you are making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities? Are you ready to join a team that cares deeply for its staff and has an awesome culture? If this sounds like you, then read on for an exciting opportunity to join us at the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin!

Summary:

The Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin is a statewide, volunteer-driven non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and related disabilities and their families through awareness, education, information, programs, services, and the exchange of ideas and experiences.

DSAW provides programs and services throughout the lifespan (Parent’s First Call for new and expectant parents, children’s services, adult services, employment services, and aging services), as well as educational opportunities and events.

The Direct Support Professional (DSP):

• works one-on-one with individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities in their homes and in the community
• provides individualized, person-centered support and works towards goals that focus on helping the participant become as independent as possible.
• spends their time working one-on-one or in small groups with both children and adults

Late afternoon/early evening hours and/or weekend hours are needed. Some morning hours may be possible. We will work together to find a schedule which works for all parties.

As the face of the organization, successful candidates will be extremely positive, energetic, and have a passion for helping individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities to achieve amazing lives.

Qualifications

Preferred Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Preferred experience with individuals with developmental disabilities
• Minimum age is 18
• An associate degree or bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred
• Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and insured vehicle
• Applicants must pass a background check that meets State of Wisconsin requirements

Interpersonal

• Must be a caring and mature individual who is able to relate well to both children and adults
• Demonstrates warmth, insight, interest, and respect for people with disabilities
• Willingness to accept flexibility with their schedule, including evenings and weekends
• Ability to cope with emergency situations or behavioral situations in a calm and effective manner
• Ability and willingness to be a team player and to work cooperatively with their supervisor
• Ability to communicate professionally with participants and their families

Physical and Environmental Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the Direct Support Professional will be required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; speak and hear clearly. The noise level in the work environment varies from low to high. The job may require the ability to walk, climb stairs, kneel, stoop, and may require the employee to lift and/or move items weighing up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. The job may require extended periods of sitting or standing.

Compensation

Applicants bilingual in English/Spanish are highly encouraged to apply, and may be eligible for higher compensation upon demonstrating proficiency in both languages.

Benefits include the following:

• Thorough onboarding and ongoing training opportunities sponsored by DSAW
• Employee referral program (employee will receive $50 if their referral is hired)
• Relaxed dress code at the discretion of your supervisor
• Annual offsite staff team-building activities
• An amazing mission and culture!

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.