Career Opportunities

Direct Support Professionals and Job Coaches (DSP & JCs) provide individualized support to people with disabilities.  The actual job varies because everybody is different, and has different needs, abilities, and interests.  It’s the DSP & JC that gets to know the person best, because he/she spends the most time with him/her.  The DSP & JC will communicate information with the rest of the team that helps the group decide what services are needed, and the best way to provide the services. The JC figures out what motivates each person and finds ways to improve the person’s job performance. The DSP figures out what each person enjoys and finds ways to improve the person’s quality of life by adding opportunities for fun!

Available Positions

Direct Support Professionals and Job Coaches must have a high school diploma or GED and a driver’s license.  High School seniors in good academic standing will also be considered.  Background checks are conducted to screen for certain disqualifying criminal convictions.

All Direct Support Professionals and Job Coaches must have a positive attitude, work well with other people, be able to follow directions, and represent the agency in a professional manner.

The ideal Direct Support Professionals or Job Coach is able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, can think creatively, has good problem solving skills, and is self-motivated.

All Direct Support Professionals and Job Coaches are required to assist in maintaining a positive work environment, treat people respectfully, encourage participation and independence, and maintain confidentiality. All DSP & JCs are trained to utilize “people first” language and provide supports consistent with individualized plans and Personal Outcomes Measures™.  All DSP and JCs are required to comply with agency policy.

All Direct Support Professionals and Job Coaches are required to become CPR certified and First Aid certified.  Many positions require the ability to become certified to pass medications.  All DSP & JCs are required to study and pass selected modules from the NDCPD Developmental Disabilities Curriculum.  Study time is paid, training is available online or in the classroom, and individualized assistance is provided on request.

Depending on the position and assignment, Direct Support Professionals may

• perform, assist, or provide training with specific skills (example: meal preparation, laundry, or pre-vocational work skills such as staying on task)
• provide assistance with personal care (example: brushing teeth, changing attends)
• implement detailed behavior plans which require consistent personal interaction
• participate in community activities (concerts & other events, dinner at a restaurant, shopping, etc.)
• work independently: exercise time management skills, utilize good judgment, and call a supervisor for direction when appropriate

Residential

Depending on the position and assignment, Job Coaches may

• perform, assist, or provide training with specific job skills
• supervise employees with disabilities on job sites
• implement detailed behavior plans which require consistent personal interaction
• ensure that the customer’s requirements are met on a job site by performing quality checks and re-doing work if necessary
• work independently:  exercise time management skills, utilize good judgment, and call a supervisor for direction when appropriate

Employment