Acute Direct Support Professional - Public Safety

Howard Center is a distinguished nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with psychiatric and developmental disabilities. Established with a mission to provide compassionate, innovative, and effective services, Howard Center serves the community by delivering comprehensive care, support, and advocacy. The organization focuses on fostering individual well-being, community inclusion, and personal growth, emphasizing a respectful and dignified approach to care. With decades of experience in the behavioral health and human services fields, Howard Center is recognized for its commitment to high-quality service delivery, a diverse and inclusive workplace, and its role as a leading provider of mental health and developmental support services in Vermont. The agency is committed to equal employment opportunities and values diversity, encouraging people of all backgrounds to contribute to its mission.

The Acute Direct Support Professional - Floater role at Howard Center is a vital position within the public safety team, designed to provide specialized support to clients with a range of intellectual disabilities and complex behavioral needs. This position specifically focuses on clients who may require intense behavioral interventions due to sexualized or aggressive behaviors or those who have legal involvements such as pending charges or convictions linked to adult protective services, child protective services, or the sex offender registry. However, the role is not limited solely to these cases. Professionals in this role also assist clients without these specialized needs, addressing a broad spectrum of support requirements that may include personal care and daily living assistance.

This position offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards, requiring a professional who is comfortable implementing behavior support plans, navigating probation and court procedures, and engaging in risk assessment and crisis de-escalation. The Acute Direct Support Professional - Floater works within a dynamic environment, supporting different clients each day through a rotating schedule, facilitating community integration, skill acquisition, and the achievement of personalized goals as outlined in individual treatment plans. The role demands sound judgment, calmness under pressure, and the ability to provide comprehensive behavioral, mental health, personal, and medical care to clients in need.

Howard Center provides various employment options including full-time and part-time schedules to accommodate different lifestyle needs. This position is non-exempt and unionized, with AFSCME membership dues applicable. The compensation begins at $22.75 per hour, commensurate with experience, and is supported by a comprehensive benefits package that underscores the organization’s commitment to the well-being and professional growth of its staff. The role involves travel within Chittenden County to meet client needs, attend appointments, and manage transportation logistics.

Working at Howard Center means joining a forward-thinking, supportive environment that prioritizes client-centered care and employee well-being. The organization’s values focus on placing clients at the heart of decision making, supporting collective success, and maintaining responsible stewardship of resources. Employees are welcomed into a culture enriched by diversity, ongoing professional development, and engagement in award-winning wellness programs. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to make a meaningful difference while advancing their career in direct support and human services.