Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Ames, IA

Location: Ames, Iowa

Schedule: Full-Time | 40 Hours per Week | 5 Days per Week, Including Weekends

Shift: 8-Hour Shifts | Scheduled On-Call Rotation

Important: Initial Training in Clear Lake, Iowa

This position is based in Ames, Iowa; however, all new hires will be required to complete their initial onboarding, hands-on training, and supervised shadowing in Clear Lake, Iowa, before transitioning to independent work in the Ames service area.

The initial training period is expected to take place within the first 30 days of employment. One Vision will provide lodging during required in-person training and shadowing in Clear Lake and reimburse mileage for travel to and from Clear Lake during the training period.

Applicants must be willing and able to travel to Clear Lake to complete these training requirements.

About One Vision

One Vision is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in living fulfilling, independent lives. Through personalized services, innovative technology, and community-based support, we empower individuals to make choices, build meaningful connections, and achieve their personal goals.

As we expand our services into the Ames, Iowa area, we are looking for dedicated and compassionate Direct Support Professionals to join our growing team!

Position Overview

We are seeking a Full-Time Direct Support Professional (DSP) to support individuals receiving services in the Ames area. This position combines hands-on, person-centered support with innovative technology to help individuals live as safely and independently as possible.

In this role, you will provide direct support, promote independence, respond to individual needs, and assist with health and safety concerns. You will also participate in a scheduled on-call rotation to ensure individuals have access to timely assistance when unexpected or urgent situations arise.

This position requires five 8-hour shifts per week, including weekends, as well as participation in an assigned on-call rotation.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individualized support with daily living activities, personal care, medication needs, and community involvement.
• Encourage independence, personal choice, and skill development while promoting dignity and respect.
• Utilize technology and electronic systems to support individuals and maintain accurate documentation.
• Monitor and respond to individual health, safety, and behavioral needs in accordance with established support plans.
• Provide in-person assistance, coaching, and problem-solving support when needed.
• Respond professionally and appropriately to urgent situations, emergencies, and unexpected changes in individual needs.
• Collaborate with team members, supervisors, and other support professionals to ensure consistent, high-quality services.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation of services, incidents, and individual progress.

On-Call Responsibilities

As part of this position, team members will participate in a scheduled on-call rotation supporting individuals in the Ames service area.

During assigned on-call periods, responsibilities include:

• Remaining available and reachable by phone to respond to service-related needs.
• Responding promptly to calls and providing in-person assistance when necessary.
• Assessing situations and coordinating appropriate support, including emergency services or leadership involvement when needed.
• Addressing or escalating health, safety, medication, behavioral, and technology-related concerns.
• Maintaining access to necessary communication systems, electronic records, and emergency contacts.
• Completing required documentation and communicating follow-up needs to appropriate team members.

On-Call Compensation: Employees will receive an additional $25.00 per day for each assigned day of on-call coverage.

Qualifications

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license and proof of insurance.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to respond calmly and professionally in urgent or unexpected situations.
• Comfort using technology, electronic documentation systems, and multiple software platforms.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including bending, kneeling, stooping, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Willingness and ability to participate in scheduled weekend shifts and on-call responsibilities.
• Ability to travel to Clear Lake, Iowa, for required initial onboarding, training, and shadowing.

Preferred:

• 1-2 years of experience in direct support, caregiving, human services, or a related field.
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• Familiarity with medication administration, assistive technology, or electronic health records.
• Experience providing person-centered support and responding to challenging situations.

Training and Onboarding - Clear Lake, Iowa

To ensure employees are fully prepared to support individuals independently in the Ames service area, all new hires will complete an initial training and onboarding period in Clear Lake, Iowa.

This training is expected to occur during the first 30 days of employment and includes:

• New Hire Orientation and required online training.
• CPR certification and medication management training.
• Hands-on instruction and supervised shadowing with experienced team members.
• Training on individual support plans, technology, documentation, and emergency response procedures.
• Completion of required competency assessments before working independently.

One Vision will provide lodging for employees during required in-person training and shadowing in Clear Lake. Employees will also be reimbursed for mileage for travel to and from Clear Lake during the required training period.

Following successful completion of onboarding and competency requirements, employees will transition to their assigned responsibilities in the Ames service area.

Why Work with One Vision?

• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.
• Be part of an exciting expansion of services in the Ames community.
• Work with innovative technology that promotes independence and personal choice.
• Receive comprehensive training and ongoing team support.
• Lodging provided and mileage reimbursed for required initial training in Clear Lake, Iowa.
• Earn additional compensation for assigned on-call coverage.
• Join a mission-driven organization committed to empowering individuals and strengthening communities.

Additional Information

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required background checks, drug screening, and physical assessment.
• This is a safety-sensitive position.
• Regular weekend availability and participation in the scheduled on-call rotation are required.
• On-call responsibilities may include responding in person to individuals receiving services in the Ames area.
• Initial onboarding and in-person training in Clear Lake, Iowa, are required before independent work in Ames.

Join Our Growing Team!

Join One Vision's expansion into Ames and help individuals build greater independence, confidence, and connection within their communities.

Apply today and make a difference with One Vision!