Vocation Direct Support Provider

Destination Ascendigo: Ascendigo's mission is to elevate the spectrum by empowering individuals, inspiring lives, and shattering expectations. We apply this mission equally to those we serve including our participants and clients, and those alongside whom we serve, including our colleagues and broader stakeholder community.

Ascendigo is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We deliver this commitment through therapeutic recreation, employment support, community integration, education, and a comprehensive suite of behavioral health services. Headquartered in Carbondale, CO, Ascendigo employs more than 40 full- and part-time year-round staff members, along with approximately 40 additional team members during our seasonal summer camp programming.

The Ascendigo Promise to our employees is to provide meaningful, purpose-driven work within a culture rooted in R.E.S.P.E.C.T. We champion high performance through thoughtful onboarding, ongoing professional development, and an unwavering commitment to integrity.

Core Responsibilities: The primary responsibility of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) in our Vocational (VOC) Program is to inspire and coach Ascendigo and Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) clients to achieve their goals and see their best selves. DSP’s may also provide services to clients in other Life Enrichment programs, including Adult Comprehensive Experience (ACE) and Residential. The DSP will collaborate with Ascendigo’s Vocational Manager and Clinical Team to learn and implement Behavior Plans or other guiding documents included in the client’s Individualized Plan.

Tasks:

o   Working with clients with any kind of disability.

o   Create community connections and partnerships.

o   Work with HS students in HS throughout the valley.

o   Assist HS students with VOC goals.

o   Keep clients motivated to learn through preference assessments.

o   Use naturalistic teaching methods with our clients to teach them the skills that they need.

o   Take clients into the community while helping them interact with the community and the environment appropriately. 

o   Help client achieve any educational goals in plan and support client in weekly recreational outings.

o   Support client in workplace settings and finishing any job duties client is not able to do.

• Provide onsite instruction and offsite training for all work-related skills needed for independent employment.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the field of autism as it pertains to adults.
• Basic knowledge of physical fitness and exercise regimens and willingness to engage in physical activities including outdoor activities with residents.
• Ability to handle the personal care of residents with sensitivity and caring.
• Possess effective skills in active listening, coaching, and human supervision.

·        Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to collaborate with colleagues.

·        Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

·        Ability to work independently, set priorities and meet deadlines.

·        Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and extended hours.

In addition,

• Must be age 21 or over and have legal working status.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and excellent driving record.
• Must have a clean background check with no felonies or flags.
• Must provide a current CPR/First Aid certification.
• Should have at least a high school diploma.
• Must have flexibility to travel for occasional professional development and resident activities (if applicable).
• Applicants are required to have and use their own smart phone for work duties.  Ascendigo provides a monthly cell phone stipend for this use.
• Basic computer skills (e.g. MS Office, email, social media)
• Must be able to lift and move heavy objects (up to 25 pounds)

Personal Characteristics: should be committed and passionate about the Ascendigo mission of a holistic, active, community-based, independent, and person-centered life. He/she should believe in the dignity and potential of our clients. We also have a commitment to a culture of R.E.S.P.E.C.T. which stands for:

·        R-Recognize the inherent worth of your coworkers.

·        E- Eliminate derogatory words and phrases.

·        S- Speak with people- not at them- or about them.

·        P-Protect the culture of your organization- report and support!

·        E- Empathize- consider what it is like in others’ situations.

·        C-Consider your impact on others before speaking and apologize when you make a mistake.

·        T- Treat everyone with integrity, dignity, and respect.