Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with daily living activities and community integration.
- Company: Advocates is a non-profit dedicated to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Benefits: Starting pay of $18.50/hour, flexible hours, and opportunities for advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: High school diploma required; experience with diverse populations preferred.
- Other info: Join a strong-knit community that values your ideas and contributions.
Advocates is seeking enthusiastic, motivated team players to provide valuable care to individuals in a residential setting! Advocates promotes a healthy work-life balance and offers many generous perks of employment and room for advancement. We are a strong-knit community that values the ideas and contributions from our staff.
The Direct Support Staff position is an entry-level role where you can support individuals with developmental disabilities and start your career in human services! In this role, you will provide ongoing support, guidance, and role modeling directly to individuals served in a residential setting. You will be responsible for assisting residents with activities of daily living such as cooking, personal hygiene, and dressing. You will also be responsible for administering and managing medication, following Individual Support Plans (ISPs), transporting residents to appointments when needed, and completing shift notes. Direct Support staff ensure the program is a welcoming, comfortable and safe environment. You will get to work closely with parents and/or guardians to collaborate on how to best support each individual. You will also support residents of the program with community integration by doing things such as group activities, taking trips to events, and volunteering.
Minimum Education Required: High School Diploma/GED
Additional Shift Details: Tuesday 5p-11p, Wednesday and Thursday 3p-11p, Saturday 9a-5p
Responsibilities:
- Support individuals in daily activities inside their home and in the community by promoting self-advocacy, decision-making and empowerment.
- Provide guidance and role modeling as appropriate.
- Assist individuals with planning and implementation of daily activity schedules and routines.
- Assist individuals to identify and develop person-centered goals and plans to address any concerns, wants or needs.
- Encourage active participation in community events and other integrated activities.
- Assist individuals with home maintenance and perform cleaning responsibilities.
- Document shift notes summarizing any applicable occurrences, observations, concerns or progress.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent degree. Experience working with the population preferred!
- Excellent interpersonal, judgement and coaching skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to utilize basic computer applications.
- Desire to thrive in a fast-paced, client-centered, team-oriented environment.
- Must hold a valid driver's license, have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport clients.
- Strongly prefer a candidate that will have a demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations.
Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Other
Industries: Non-profit Organizations
Direct Support Staff employer: Advocates
Contact Detail:
Advocates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Direct Support Staff
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the principles of person-centred care. Understanding how to support individuals in a way that respects their preferences and promotes their independence will set you apart as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have working with diverse populations. Advocates values cultural competence, so showcasing your ability to connect with individuals from various backgrounds can strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your approach to teamwork and collaboration. Since you'll be working closely with parents and guardians, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a team is crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to share examples of how you've promoted self-advocacy and empowerment in previous roles or experiences. This will show your commitment to supporting individuals in achieving their goals and making their own choices.
We think you need these skills to ace Direct Support Staff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Direct Support Staff position. Understand the responsibilities and qualifications required, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any experience you have working with individuals with developmental disabilities or in similar roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in interpersonal communication and support.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the role and the values of Advocates. Mention why you are passionate about supporting individuals in a residential setting and how you can contribute to their community.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Advocates
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In your interview, make sure to express your enthusiasm for supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in people's lives.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role requires excellent interpersonal skills, be prepared to showcase your ability to communicate effectively. Practice answering questions clearly and concisely, and consider providing examples of how you've successfully communicated in past roles.
✨Highlight Teamwork Experience
Advocates values team players, so be ready to discuss your experience working in a team-oriented environment. Share specific examples of how you collaborated with others to achieve common goals, especially in challenging situations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle various situations related to daily living activities, community integration, and supporting individuals' needs. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.
