What is a Direct Support Professional?

• Direct Support Professionals provide support and supervision to individuals who have developmental, mental health, or physical disabilities.

Who makes a great Direct Support Professional? 

• Has a passion for helping others.
• Is flexible and dependable.
• Displays the qualities of the company’s core values including service excellence,person-centered care, nurturing relationships, ownership, value in every voice, and authenticity.

About the Individual You'll Support

• This role provides one-on-one support to an adult with disabilities who is very tall and has a large physical stature. The individual enjoys engaging with staff and participating in daily routines and community activities but requires consistent supervision, structure, and support from someone who can remain calm and confident in a variety of situations.
• At times, the individual may exhibit challenging physical behaviors, including attempts to invade personal space, grab or pull on staff or objects, block movement, or engage in other impulsive actions that require immediate redirection.  Because of the individual's size and strength, these behaviors can be physically demanding to manage safely, even when they are not intended to cause harm.
• Successful staff members maintain strong professional boundaries, use approved de-escalation and behavior support techniques, communicate clearly, and respond consistently under pressure. Candidates should be comfortable working in an active environment, able to remain composed during behavioral incidents, and prepared to follow individualized support plans and safety protocols to protect both the individual and themselves.

Why is being a Direct Support Professional so rewarding? 

• Direct Support Professionals get to know new people and create relationships. They also get toparticipatein new experiences and have fun while at work! Direct Support Professionals go home every single day knowing they have made a difference.

What are the responsibilities of a Direct Support Professional? 

• Helps to establish and keep community relationships and friendships.

• Assistsindividuals with daily routines including, but not limited to, household tasks, cooking and eating, individual self-care, socializing, use of leisure time, health and safety, moneymanagementand behavior management.

• Administers medications.

• Provides transportation.

• Documents services and events through an online computer program.

Who are we looking for? 

Applicants must:

• be 18 years or older, with a high school diploma preferred and one year of experience delivering services to individuals with disabilities.
• possess a valid driver’s license, have access to an insured vehicle, have a clean driving record, and need to pass a DHS background study.
• possess basic computer skills to be successful in this position.

Applicant preferences for this specific DSP role:

• Previous experience in corrections, security, law enforcement, military, or similar environments is highly valued due to the importance of remaining calm, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and effectively managing challenging behaviors.
• A mature, professional presence with the ability toestablishclear boundaries and redirect inappropriate attention or behaviors in a respectful manner.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain composed and make sound decisions in dynamic situations.
• Commitment to treating every individual with respect, patience, and professionalism.

Working Conditions:  

The Direct Support Professional is subject to flexible hours, including split shifts, varied days and times, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and overnights, depending on coverage needs of the site and the company. This position may be expected to cover other sites.     This position will travel regularly into the community and work in a variety of settings both inside and outside the site and throughout the community. The Direct Support Professional is subject to frequent interruptions and deadlines imposed. This person sits, walks, bends, lifts, reaches, and moves intermittently during working hours. 

This person is subject to frequent problem-solving activities and has regular contact with individuals, family members, friends, and the public, who may be hostile or emotionally upset. The position may be subject to physically aggressive individuals and may be exposed to infectious diseases, odor, and dust. 

 

Synova Group offers a competitive salary and a full list of benefits, including PTO, paid holidays, health, dental, life insurance, and disability insurance. Paid training is conducted in our Brooklyn Park office and is led by Synova Group employees.  

You will work in an environment that makes you feel proud of what you do and work with others who have a strong desire to support individuals with disabilities. Synova Group focuses on person-centered planning to provide the best care to our individuals. 

Synova Group provides many growth opportunities for those looking to advance their career and places value on internal promotion! 

This position reports to the House Supervisor. The position is classified as non-exempt. 

Synova Group is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer. 

Monday and Thursday 9a-9p + every other Saturday and Sunday 9a-9p