Job Coach / Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Position Type:

Part-Time Location:

Rhode Island, community-based

Reports To:

Executive Director / Service Supervisor Position Summary Better Life Network, LLC is seeking compassionate, dependable, and motivated individuals to join our team as Job Coaches / Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) . Better Life Network provides person-centered, community-based and employment services to adults with developmental disabilities throughout Rhode Island. Our goal is to meet each individual where they are while helping them build the skills, confidence, independence, and experiences necessary to move toward what comes next in their life. The Job Coach/DSP provides direct support to individuals participating in employment services, vocational training, community-based supports, internships, recreational activities, and independent living experiences. This position is highly community-based and requires staff to work directly alongside individuals in workplaces, businesses, fitness facilities, recreational settings, and other locations throughout the community. Essential Responsibilities Employment & Vocational Support Provide individualized job coaching at community-based employment, internship, volunteer, and vocational training sites. Assist individuals with learning and completing job responsibilities safely and effectively. Break down workplace tasks into manageable steps based on the individual's abilities and support needs. Provide verbal, visual, modeling, gestural, and physical assistance when appropriate. Help individuals improve workplace skills including attendance, punctuality, communication, task completion, problem solving, professionalism, and appropriate workplace behavior. Encourage independence by gradually reducing support when an individual demonstrates increased competency. Communicate professionally with employers, supervisors, coworkers, families, and members of the individual's support team. Help individuals identify their strengths, interests, preferences, and potential employment goals. Direct & Community-Based Support Support individuals while participating in meaningful activities within their local communities. Assist with activities focused on independence, social skills, communication, self-advocacy, health and wellness, recreation, and daily living skills. Encourage individuals to make choices and participate actively in planning their activities. Promote community inclusion and the development of natural supports and relationships. Provide transportation to community activities and service locations when required. Maintain appropriate supervision while encouraging the greatest level of independence possible. Documentation & Professional Responsibilities Complete accurate and timely service documentation, progress notes, attendance records, and other required documentation. Document progress toward individual goals and identify areas where additional support may be necessary. Maintain confidentiality and follow all Better Life Network policies regarding client information. Follow individual service plans, safety procedures, behavior support strategies, and emergency protocols. Immediately report incidents, injuries, safety concerns, or significant changes to the appropriate supervisor. Maintain professional boundaries and serve as a positive role model for the individuals supported. Participate in required orientation, training, supervision, and staff development activities.

Qualifications Required:

At least 18 years of age. Valid driver's license and reliable personal transportation. Current automobile insurance. Current automobile inspection. Current automobile registration. Ability to travel throughout the local community to provide services. Ability to successfully complete required background check. Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently in community settings while following established service plans and organizational policies. Dependable, punctual, patient, and comfortable working with individuals with varying levels of support needs.

Preferred:

Previous experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Experience in special education, human services, vocational rehabilitation, job coaching, social work, behavioral health, recreation, fitness, or related fields. Experience working in community-based settings. College coursework or a degree in special education, social work, psychology, human services, rehabilitation, education, kinesiology, or a related field. Experience is preferred but not required. Better Life Network is willing to train motivated candidates who demonstrate reliability, professionalism, patience, and a genuine interest in helping others become more independent. Ideal Candidate The ideal Better Life Network Job Coach/DSP understands that effective support is not about doing everything for someone. It is about teaching, encouraging, modeling, and providing the appropriate level of assistance so that individuals can become increasingly confident and independent. Successful team members are flexible, creative, dependable, comfortable working in different community environments, and able to build positive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries. Physical & Community-Based Requirements This position may require employees to: Stand or walk for extended periods. Participate in community, recreational, vocational, and fitness-related activities. Assist individuals with tasks requiring bending, reaching, lifting, or carrying. Drive between service locations. Work in a variety of environments including businesses, gyms, stores, restaurants, recreational facilities, and outdoor community settings. Reasonable accommodations may be provided in accordance with applicable law. About Better Life Network Better Life Network LLC provides person-centered services designed to help adults with developmental disabilities build meaningful, fulfilling lives through employment, independence, wellness, and community participation. Our services emphasize real-world experiences, transferable skills, meaningful relationships, personal choice, and consistent opportunities for growth. Meeting you where you are. Guiding you towards what's next. Better Life Network LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without unlawful discrimination and in accordance with applicable federal and Rhode Island employment laws.

Pay:

$20.00 - $24.00 per hour Expected hours: 1.0 - 30.0 per week

Benefits:

Flexible schedule On-the-job training

Work Location:

In person