Direct Support Professional

Make a difference in the life of someone! Our employees love the work they do. We provide support to developmentally disabled and elderly in home settings and day programs. Come join our team! We provide paid training teaching you how to be successful on the job. We currently are seeking Direct Support Professionals for our group homes (variety of shifts, FT and PT), day program (M-F day hours, PT and FT), and for our Home Care Based Services, where you assist in someone's private home (variety of shifts and days, FT and PT).

AIRES provides a variety of small group residential facilities, day programs, foster care, life-skills training, vocational training and rehabilitation and in-home services for adults and children with special needs in Arizona.

A non-profit organization established in 1978, AIRES (pronounced air-eez) has been recognized for its innovative services by the President's Commission on Mental Retardation, the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, Best Practices for the State of Arizona and the American Network of Community Options and Resources.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Providing our consumers with the highest quality of care and services is our mission. AIRES has an uncompromising commitment to quality and integrity—employees are expected to perform their duties and responsibilities to our high standard of quality.
Some of the duties and responsibilities vary in intensity and frequency depending on the assignment.

Advocacy—Assists consumers with achieving personal goals; works on behalf of consumers to overcome barriers; helps consumers participate in activities of their choice; respects consumer’s personal beliefs, choices, and interests

Health Maintenance—Provides care and assistance to promote good health; helps consumers receive medical care and communicates with medical professionals; administers medications according to physician instructions; records information regarding health events, conditions, and status; provides First Aid/CPR and seeks emergency medical care when needed

Personal Care—Helps consumers with eating, grooming, dressing, bathing, and toileting; assists consumers with their mobility including lifting them from a seated or laying down position, helping them walk and maintain stability

Living Skills Development—Helps consumers develop living skills such as cooking, money management, household shopping, doing laundry, personal hygiene, etc; teaches work-related skills and job preparedness; supports consumers in job search process and maintaining job performance; records progress on skill development and achievement

Behavior Development—Serves as role model and mentor, demonstrating the desired behaviors, and coach the consumers using approved techniques and strategies; uses approved physical intervention techniques when necessary to protect consumers and others

Operational Support—Maintains cleanliness of program; drives company vehicle to transport consumers to their activities; completes tasks that are beyond the consumer’s abilities; follows policies and procedures for handling money

Professional Behavior—Acts in a professional manner and communicates effectively with others; completes training programs; attends required meetings

AIRES provides excellent benefits. All employees must pass fingerprint clearance check. Visit our office and learn more about employment with us. (M-F 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Direct Support Professional-must be 18 yrs, starting wage of $8.75/hr
REQUIREMENTS
Because of the essential duties and responsibilities of the DSP position, applicants for the position must: 1) be able to lift up to 75 lbs, be able to walk, bend, squat, turn in the knees, back, wrists and shoulders, and grasp with both hands (in order to perform CPR/First Aid and required Client Intervention Techniques); 2) have full vision and hearing or correctable adequate vision and hearing; 3) be able to speak, read, and write English; and 4) for some positions, employees must be able to pass a TB test.

In order to perform these functions and meet the requirements put forth by the Division of Developmental Disabilities, applicants for the DSP position must: 1) be 18 or 21 for positions that require the employee to be driver; 2) for assignments that require the employee to drive a vehicle, must meet the qualifications of a driver as established by our insurance carrier and AIRES policy; 3) have a high school diploma or GED; 4) be able to pass a background check and receive a fingerprint clearance card from the Department of Public Safety; and 5) be able to provide 3 verifiable non-family references including 1 previous employer.

We have very competitive wages and great benefits. Full-time, part-time and on-call positions are available. No experience is necessary. Training sessions are paid. Our qualifications are:

Application can be completed at 824 E. Fort Lowell, Tucson, 85719. M-F 9-4 (behind 820 building)