Description The Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Day/Community provides structured programming within a Sycamore Services facility and facilitates community integration through educational programs, recreational activities, and life skills training. Unlike residential DSPs who provide in-home support, this role focuses on engaging individuals in a dynamic day program environment, helping them develop independence, build social connections, and access community resources. Responsibilities include assisting with daily living skills, leading group activities, and ensuring a safe, supportive setting where individuals can achieve their personal goals. Through effective communication, positive reinforcement, and individualized support, Day/Community DSPs empower individuals with disabilities to enhance their quality of life and participate fully in their communities. This position requires patience, creativity, and a strong commitment to supporting and uplifting others in a structured and community-centered setting. Duties/Responsibilities: Consumer Focus • Assist and support consumers to develop strategies, make informed choices and follow through on responsibilities. • Promote consumer partnership in the design of support services. • Provide opportunities for consumers to be self-advocates by encouraging and assisting the consumer to speak on his or her own behalf. • Honor the choices and preferences of consumers. • Observing and reporting on consumers health, behavioral changes, ensuring medical needs are met. • Safeguard and respect the confidentiality and privacy of individuals supported. • Promote human, legal and civil rights of all people and assist others to understand these rights. • Assist individuals served with navigating life transitions, whether into employment, further education, etc. Communication • Use effective communication skills to build rapport and channels of communication by recognizing and adapting to the range of consumer communication styles. • Maintain knowledge of and use modes of communication appropriate to the communication needs of consumers. • Collaborate with other Direct Support Professionals, therapists, social workers, and families to provide cohesive support. • Use terminology appropriately, explaining as necessary to ensure consumer understanding. Facilitation • Maintain collaborative professional relationships with the consumer and all support team members (including family/friends) and follow ethical standards of practice. • Assist in the development of an individualized plan based on participant preferences, needs and interests. • Plan and lead various activities that promote skill development and social interaction. • Assist in the implementation of an individualized plan to achieve specific outcomes derived from consumers’ specific preferences, needs and interests. • Assist in the review of the achievement of individualized consumer outcomes. Supports & Instruction • Assist the consumer to meet his or her physical and personal management needs by teaching skills, providing support, and building on individual strengths and capabilities. • Assist consumers with household management and transportation needs to maximize his or her skills, abilities and independence. • Support consumers in the development of friendships and other relationships. Sycamore Services Team • Promote and uphold the agency’s mission statement. • Promote a sense of team through mutual respect and assisting co-workers as needed. • Work with a variety of individuals in different settings. • Maintain all required documentation and needed data. • Maintain accurate time/billing records and submit as supervisor requests. • Perform other duties as needed. Requirements • 18 Years of age or older. • Excellent people and communication skills required. • Ability to work flexible/non-standard hours. • Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation. • Ability to keep accurate documentation. • Ability to manage multiple individuals served while simultaneously, ensuring that each individual receives appropriate attention. • Ability to effectively communicate with consumers, families, and team members as needed. Education and Experience: • High school diploma or demonstrated equivalent competency required. • Experience working with persons with disabilities in the community preferred. • Knowledge of community and community activities preferred. Physical Requirements: • Ability to lift a minimum of 35 pounds; upper body leverage strength required. • Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time. • Ability to travel to Sycamore Services locations, events, and into the community as needed.