Starting Rate: $18.50/hour

The Direct Support Staff – Community Based will provide direct support to individuals with brain injury in the community. This individual will provide support, companionship, socialization, recreation, fitness, assistance with activities of daily living, in-home assistance to the family via respite care, and other non-skilled services requested by the funding agency specific to the needs of the individual being served.

Who We Are

At Advocates, we provide comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges.

We're a nonprofit, mission-driven organization with a person-centered approach, empowering the individuals we support to make choices, build independence, and live full, meaningful lives.

Our work is rooted in respect, compassion, and inclusion, and we envision a world where individual differences are appreciated and celebrated.

At Advocates, we value the ideas, experiences, and contributions of every employee and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where people can learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact.

• Provide support to the individual to organize their home, life and time.
• Provide support to the individual by accompanying him/her to appointments.
• Assist family members of the individual by providing in-home respite care.
• Connect and provide the individual with/to social, recreational and leisure activities in the home and community.
• Provide ongoing monitoring to ensure stability in the home and community.
• Produce and submit all required reports and documentation in a timely manner.
• Facilitate and reinforce limits and boundaries with individuals.
• Attend trainings as assigned (DPPC, BI 101); maintain necessary certifications (CPR/First Aid, SOLVE).
• Ensure that individuals we support are treated with dignity and respect in accordance with Advocates’ Human Rights policy.
• Adhere to all principles related to the Advocates Way.
• Perform all duties in accordance with agency’s policies and procedures.
• Strictly follow all agency Performance Standards.

• High School Diploma or equivalent and life or work experience with individuals with disabilities (brain injury populations preferred). Psychology, social work, special education, recreation therapy, communication sciences and disorders, sociology, and kinesiology/exercise science students are strongly encouraged to apply!
• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Strongly prefer that a candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations.
• Must have sensitivity to the needs of the population
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and ability to use good judgment.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team. 
• Must hold a valid drivers’ license. Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport clients.

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.