Direct Support Professional - Community Mentor

Make a Living While Making a Difference as a Direct Support Professional (Mentor) with Advocates!

Position Summary: The Mentor works in Self Directed Community Habilitation assisting the individual receiving services in meeting his or her goals as identified in their service plan. The Mentor is an important link between the participant, the Broker/Community Habilitation Coordinator, the community, and the family/ Circle of Support acting as both a provider of direct support but also as an advocate promoting person centered services and community inclusion. The mentor, depending on the plan, may be involved in work that takes place in the home or the community and may involve providing residential support and community support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Follow guidelines and instructions given by the Broker/ASCH Coordinator and the individual/ circle of support to meet the individual’s specific support needs
2. Provide documentation to assist with evaluating service goals
3. Make recommendations as well as offer ideas and suggestions to increase opportunities for community inclusion
4. Teach skills needed to meet the individual’s goals, as identified in the individual’s plan.
5. Follow safeguards as identified in the plan.
6. Provide safe and reliable transportation for individuals in the community.
7. Follow health and safety practices including universal precautions at all times.
8. Submit daily documentation consistent with Medicaid compliance.
9. Maintain confidentiality of all information
10. Participate in required orientation and annual training
11. Maintain safe driving practices and submit updated license and driving insurance information throughout employment
12. Follow all policies and procedures of the organization.

Key Performance Indicators:

1. Demonstrate OPWDD Core Competencies and follow OPWDD Code of Ethics
2. Shows respect for the individual and promotes the individual’s dignity
3. Safeguard the individual
4. Compliance with documentation and other requirements
5. Follow the goals and safeguards identified in the plan.

Pay Rate: The hourly rate for indirect/training is $15 an hour. Depending on the individual supported, the direct pay rate ranges from $15-$32 an hour. 

Must be 18 years of age, have a valid email address, possess a valid driver’s license if required for the job assigned, demonstrate sound decision making skills and good interpersonal skills, demonstrate understanding for the Agency mission and, demonstrate patience and compassion. People working in this position must believe in the philosophy of person centered services, self advocacy, and the right and ability of people we serve to self-direct their supports and services. To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. They must have knowledge of disability related issues. They must have the ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and have the ability to write simple correspondence. They must have the ability to effectively present information. They must have basic reasoning skills including the ability to analyze and problem solve. The individual in this position must be able to tolerate a moderate noise level in the work environment, handle distractions, and while performing this job may be required to sit, stand, use hands, reach, talk, hear, walk, or lift up to 50 pounds. Driving and use of personal vehicle may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Background checks required.

Education & Experience: GED or High School Diploma preferred. Applicable job experience preferred.

Desired Skills and Abilities: Previous experience working 1:1 in a related service environment preferred. 

The duties listed here are not all inclusive and the employee may perform additional duties as required to support the needs of the individual.