Looking for an Extra Job in Arkansas? Here’s a Side Hustle With Meaning
An extra job can always come in handy. It helps you pay those pending bills, clear your debts, or achieve retirement goals earlier.
What if we tell you that there is a job that can help you give back to society and pays you well? We’re talking about becoming a direct support professional (DSP) at Easterseals. It’s a role that comes with many perks like good hourly pay, child care, and growth opportunities.
The best part is there’s an Easterseals affiliate center in our very own Natural State! Read on to find out more about Easterseals Arkansas, the advantages of working with us, and how to apply for a job.
What Does Easterseals Arkansas Do?
In 1944, Easterseals Arkansas was launched as The Arkansas Association for the Crippled. The idea was to help individuals with disabilities achieve their professional and personal goals.
Soon, it had a speech therapy program, an in-patient facility for children with disabilities, and a rehabilitation center. By 1966, the organization moved its operations to Little Rock’s Lee Avenue vicinity. Further expansion happened with the development of HUD-funded apartment complexes, the adult day center, job-placement programs, and more.
Easterseals Arkansas chapter grew by many folds in the last seven decades. Over the years, it expanded to become one of Arkansas’s most influential organizations in the social sector. Today, it helps thousands of individuals with disabilities become more independent and reach their personal goals. The future looks bright as Easterseals Arkansas looks to expand its work-readiness programs and housing options.
5 Reasons Why You Should Work With Easterseals Arkansas
We give you not one, but five reasons why you should become a direct support professional with Easterseals Arkansas.
1. Helping Those With Disabilities
There are thousands of Americans who are striving to live, learn, work, and play despite their disabilities. This is your chance to bring about a positive change in their lives. After all, there isn’t anything more gratifying than being a personal hero/heroine to someone.
2. Childcare Benefits
The Department of Health Services has rolled out the Essential Worker Child Care Assistance Voucher. It makes eligible DSPs eligible for free childcare vouchers since they come under the essential workers’ category.
You can check with your current childcare provider if they accept vouchers. Else, these vouchers can be used to avail services at our Little Rock or Stuggart preschools. We are one of the few daycare providers accepting vouchers for preschool, after-school, and summer programs.
Remember, this facility is only for essential workers who are employed or are students. It can be a combination of both, but the weekly time spent on work/academic activities should be over 30 hours.
3. Loan Assistance
Since DSPs are frontline healthcare workers, they are eligible for many state and federal student loan forgiveness schemes.
Moreover, Easterseals is a tax-exempt organization under IRC’s Section 501(c)(3). This means that you can make use of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). You can check your loan forgiveness eligibility criteria on the Federal Student Aid website.
4. Great Pay
At the end of the day, we all have households to take care of. With the latest round of pay scale revision at Easterseals, we have ensured that wage isn’t a concern for our DSPs.
Along with an excellent wage structure, we have a 403(b) retirement plan. This lets you secure your future and helps you save taxes at the same time.
Other expenses such as travel, vaccines, PPE kits, and training programs are covered by the organization. Employees are also eligible for a $500 bonus when their referral fills a vacant position.
5. Amazing Workplace
Our current DSPs are a happy bunch who can’t stop gushing about their managers. We believe in growing in tandem with our employees while making the world a better place.
At Easterseals Arkansas, you can rest assured that your career is heading in the right direction. With time, you will certainly make progress and open up new avenues. This includes growth opportunities, paid training, and promotion to leadership roles in the organization.
How Can You Apply for a DSP Role?
The application procedure for a DSP or similar roles is fairly straightforward. In six steps, you can send your detailed job application to us.
- Head to the careers page for DSP roles at Easterseals Arkansas
- Browse for suitable positions near you and click the link for a role you like
- Go through the timings, job details, and other eligibility requirements for the desired role
- If everything is in order, enter your contact information, attach your resume, and click on the ‘Start Application’ button
- On the next page, you need to enter your cover letter, education information, references, and identification details
- Finally, you can review the entered information, e-sign, and send your application
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You don’t need a certification or a diploma to become a DSP. The new joiners will be trained on the job to help them become the best caregiver possible.
Whether you’re between jobs or are looking for a part-time gig, this is a great opportunity. Working at Easterseals Arkansas comes with loads of benefits, especially if you belong to the healthcare or an allied sector.
You can also pass on this information to a friend or a family member who is looking for a job with child care support and similar benefits.