Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Vancouver, WA Shifts Available:

All Shifts Available - Day, Swing, and Grave!

Pay Range:

Starting at $22/hour DOE and additional qualifications.

About us:

AKI provides trauma-informed and culturally responsive residential treatment services for youth with behavioral health conditions to successfully transition into their homes and communities.

Job Summary:

Our long-term BRS (Behavioral Rehabilitation Services) group home is seeking Direct Support Professionals to join our dedicated team! Our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide mentorship, emotional support, personal attention, and structured daily routines and living experiences to female-identified adolescents (ages 13-18) in a home like residential facility. They attend public school, community activities, and participate in independent living readiness. Our milieu staff play an integral role in ensuring a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. Our DSPs provide a safe and nurturing space by: Providing supervision, coaching, emotional support, and skill building education one-on-one and in groups Providing transportation to youth to attend scheduled appointments Assembling and serving nutritious meals Actively monitoring youth to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants Planning enrichment and recreation activities, facilitating group and individual learning experiences, assisting with school-work and extra-curricular activities, and maintaining a supportive and structured environment for youth Ideal candidates will be supportive and flexible, as well as culturally sensitive and trauma informed. They communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with both adolescents in the program and other team members. Must be comfortable working in a regulated environment, and work within the parameters of program licensing guidelines. Must have the ability to react promptly, empathetically, and appropriately to the potential challenges involved working in a residential facility. At A+K Ingenuity we strive to create a positive team-based work environment. Our model utilizes a person-centered, trauma-informed, wrap-around approach. We work together to best serve the needs of the youth in care and are strong believers that everyone is a valuable member of the team and adds to the growth of the program.

Values:

Our THRIVE values best describe how we do this work:

• Tenacity This means we are don't give up on the youth we work with. We get to know their strengths and barriers and are unconditional and unyielding in our care despite setbacks.
• Health (relationships, bodies, futures and fun) The four basic pillars of an effective human life are healthy relationships with our selves, families and peers; physically healthy bodies and minds; a belief and active pursuit of a future of contribution and possibility; and engagement in healthy hobbies and recreation.

A+K Ingenuity's program philosophy and practices are anchored on these four pillars.

• Relentless commitment to quality and transparency We understand that high quality programming and practices require a reflective commitment to achieving outcomes. Transparency with our youth, families and care team partners allow us to monitor progress, refine approaches, and continually identify areas where we can improve.
• Innovation Solutions to the complexities of trauma and its manifestations in the youth and families we serve require a steadfast attunement to current and evolving best-practices. Through a culture of continuous learning and active participation with our partner agencies, we pursue and implement innovative practices.
• Visionary advocacy We advocate on behalf of youth in our care to receive the supports and services in their schools, families, and communities they need to thrive. This also entails advocating on behalf of systems improvements that address barriers and advance opportunities.
• Equity and inclusion Respect and value of all people; clients, families, partners, and employees, is central to advancing our mission and vision.

We ensure all youth and families cultures, beliefs, values and preferences are reflected in every aspect of their treatment. Visit our website to learn more about our mission, history and strategy for accomplishing our goal of achieving significant, positive, and long-term clinical outcomes for the clients we serve.

http:

//akingenuity.org/

Education and Work Experience:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: At least 21 years of age Bachelor's Degree in relevant field (High School Diploma may be accepted) Minimum of 1 year employment experience in the child welfare field working with adolescents in a social service setting Basic computer skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, databases and Outlook Demonstrates skills and abilities to work successfully with the special needs of children in care Has effective communication and problem-solving skills.

Valued Experience:

Bi-lingual in Spanish and English, written, read and verbal strongly preferred 2+ years residential care Knowledge of adolescent development, trauma, abuse and neglect, substance abuse and dependence. Lifeguard certification

Other Requirements:

Pass a DCYF criminal history background Meet agency driving requirement

Job Types:

Full-time, Part-time Pay:

From $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Health insurance Health savings account Paid time off Referral program Vision insurance Application Question(s): What type of work schedule are you interested in (on-call, part-time, full-time, or any of these) ?

Education:

High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

child welfare/adolescent care: 1 year (Required) Shift availability: Day Shift (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person