Direct Support Professional

Village Behavioral Health (VBH) is a licensed behavioral health organization providing residential facilities and crisis services. Our mission is rooted in the belief that "it takes a village" to foster healing, stability, and recovery. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, person-centered, trauma-informed care to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises throughout Virginia.

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides person-centered support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) in home and community-based settings. The DSP is responsible for supporting individuals in developing and maintaining daily living, social, and community skills; promoting health, safety, and wellness; and honoring each person's rights, preferences, and goals as outlined in their Individual Support Plan (ISP), behavior support plan, and agency policies and procedures. The DSP plays a key role in helping individuals live meaningful, self-directed lives in the least restrictive, most integrated community setting.

Hourly Pay Range: $17/hour plus, depending on experience

We are currently hiring full-time, part-time, and PRN (as-needed) staff to support our homes in North Chesterfield, Richmond, Highland Springs, and Henrico.

All full-time employees are expected to work every other weekend, 12-hour shifts.

Shifts Include:

Monday-Friday

• Day: 7am-3pm
• Evening: 3pm-11pm
• Overnight: 11pm-8am

Weekends:

• Day: 8am-8pm
• Evening: 8pm-8am

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Person-Centered Supports & Skill Building
  • Implement each individual's ISP and any applicable behavior support, nursing, or risk management plans as written.
  • Support individuals with daily living skills (e.g., hygiene, dressing, toileting, eating, money management, housekeeping, cooking, laundry, medication routines as trained/authorized).
  • Teach and role-model skills that increase independence, self-advocacy, and self-determination.
  • Encourage individuals to make choices in all areas of daily life, honoring dignity of risk while following safety plans.
  • Provide support in communication (including use of adaptive communication devices as applicable), problem solving, and decision-making.
  Health, Safety, and Wellness
  • Promote and maintain a safe, clean, and healthy environment in the home and community in accordance with DBHDS/Medicaid regulations, agency policies, and infection prevention practices.
  • Follow all agency and regulatory requirements for incident reporting, serious incident response, and documentation.
  • Observe individuals for changes in physical or mental health, behavior, or functioning and promptly report concerns to the House Manager/Program Supervisor and/or nurse.
  • As trained and authorized, safely administer medications and treatments, document accurately, and follow medication management policies and procedures.
  • Support individuals in attending healthcare, dental, behavioral health, and other appointments; provide accurate information to providers and follow through on recommendations as directed.
  Community Inclusion and Engagement
  • Assist individuals to access and participate in community activities of their choice (e.g., work, volunteering, church, recreation, shopping, social clubs, special events).
  • Support individuals to build and maintain natural supports, friendships, and relationships while respecting boundaries and privacy.
  • Provide or coordinate transportation, using agency vehicles or personal vehicle as authorized, in accordance with agency and insurance requirements.
  • Identify and encourage opportunities for new experiences, learning, and community integration consistent with the individual's goals, preferences, and tolerance.
  Documentation and Communication
  • Complete all required documentation (progress notes, data sheets, behavior tracking, medication records, incident reports, logbooks, etc.) accurately, objectively, and within required timeframes using paper and/or electronic systems.
  • Document services in clear, behaviorally-descriptive language that reflects the individual's response and progress toward outcomes.
  • Communicate effectively with the House Manager, Nurse, Case Manager/Support Coordinator, team members, and families/guardians as authorized and appropriate.
  • Immediately report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or rights violations in accordance with agency policy, DBHDS regulations, and Virginia law.
  Teamwork, Professionalism, and Boundaries
  • Maintain professional boundaries with individuals, families/guardians, and coworkers at all times.
  • Participate in team meetings, ISP meetings, staffing's, and trainings as scheduled.
  • Follow instructions and feedback from supervisors and participate in performance evaluations and coaching.
  • Demonstrate dependable attendance, punctuality, and adherence to assigned schedules.
  • Represent A Village Youth & Family Services in a professional, respectful manner in the home and community.
  Compliance, Training, and Quality Improvement
  • Complete and maintain all required trainings within specified timelines (e.g., New Hire/Orientation, Human Rights, Person-Centered Practices, Behavioral Support, Medication Administration, CPR/First Aid, OSHA/infection control, emergency preparedness, crisis management, EVV/EHR use, and any DBHDS or payer-required training).
  • Follow all agency policies and procedures, state and federal regulations, DBHDS/Medicaid requirements, and human rights regulations applicable to ID/DD services.
  • Participate in drills, audits, quality improvement activities, and corrective action plans as requested.
  • Look for opportunities to improve the quality, safety, and effectiveness of residential services and offer constructive suggestions to leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Valid Driver's License and reliable transportation
• At least one (1) year of experience working directly with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities or in a related human services field preferred (group home, day support, special education, residential, or behavioral health).
• Ability to pass all required background checks and screenings, which may include: Virginia State Police criminal background check, Central Registry CPS check, OIG/LEIE or other exclusion list checks, DMV driving record, TB screening and/or other health screenings as required.
• Must complete and maintain current certifications in: CPR/First-Aid, medication administration, crisis or behavior intervention training as required by agency and DBHDS.
• Ability to maintain calm, professional demeanor in crisis or high-stress situations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to listen, follow directions, and give clear information.
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to use email, electronic documentation systems, and online trainings.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, or support individuals and equipment as needed (with or without reasonable accommodations) and to perform household tasks.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; "roll-up-your-sleeves" mentality and willingness to help where needed.
• Ability to complete detailed documentation in a timely and accurate manner.

The success of our agency depends upon the success of our team! Join VBH to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic, creative, and fulfilling work environment.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Performance Bonuses
• CEU Training/Professional Development Stipend
• 401K

Village Behavioral Health is an equal opportunity employer.