Question Overview: Working under pressure is a common occurrence for direct support professionals. The ideal candidate will be able to explain a time when they had to work under pressure and how they handled the situation. Did the applicant have a positive outcome?
Sample Answer: I had to help my client with his homework on a Friday night. I was able to finish it in time for him to turn it in on Monday.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be able to tell you about a time when they were faced with a difficult situation and how they handled it. Listen to the applicant's tone of voice and how they explain the situation. Do they seem confident in their ability to handle difficult situations?
Sample Answer: I was caring for a client who was experiencing a seizure. I called 911 and stayed with him until the paramedics arrived.
Question Overview: The ideal applicant will be able to explain a recent problem they faced as a direct support professional and how they handled it. Focus on how the applicant resolved the issue and if they were able to find a solution.
Sample Answer: I was asked to help my client with her bills. I helped her create a budget and set up automatic payments.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of the population they serve. They will be able to explain the different types of disabilities that they have experience with. The applicant should also be able to explain how they interact with individuals with disabilities.
Sample Answer: I have experience working with individuals who have physical and intellectual disabilities. I am able to assist them with their daily routines and help them learn new skills.
Question Overview: Direct support professionals work in close quarters with their co-workers, so it is essential that they are able to resolve conflicts in a professional manner. The ideal candidate will have experience resolving conflicts in a professional manner. Does the applicant have experience working with people who have different personalities?
Sample Answer: I would talk to my co-worker and explain how I felt. I would also listen to their side of the story.
Question Overview: Direct care professionals are responsible for reporting any inappropriate behavior to their supervisor. The ideal candidate will be able to explain how they would handle a situation in which an employee is mistreating a client.
Sample Answer: I would report the incident to my supervisor and ask that they handle the situation.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of the importance of dental hygiene. As a direct support professional, you may be required to help someone brush their teeth, floss, and rinse their mouth. The applicant's answer will help you determine if they are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that their patients are healthy.
Sample Answer: I am willing to brush someone's teeth as long as they are not in pain or discomfort.
Question Overview: Direct support professionals are often required to help individuals with disabilities during a physical attack. The ideal candidate will have experience deescalating a situation and will be able to explain how they would handle a physical attack.
Sample Answer: I would try to calm the individual down and ask them what was wrong. I would then ask the individual if they wanted me to call their parents or another staff member.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will have a firm understanding of the mission statement of YAI. The mission statement is to provide quality services and support to individuals with disabilities and their families. The applicant should be able to explain how they can contribute to the mission statement.
Sample Answer: I can contribute to the mission by being a direct support professional who is caring and compassionate.
Question Overview: Direct support professionals are often the first to notice when a caregiver is treating their patient inappropriately. The ideal candidate will be able to explain a situation where they witnessed someone being spoken to inappropriately. How did the applicant handle the situation?
Sample Answer: I was working with a client who had a physical disability. The client's mother was yelling at him for not eating his dinner. I told her that she needed to speak to him in a calm voice.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about the company and the position. The applicant should be able to explain why they want to work for the company and why they are the best candidate for the job.
Sample Answer: I am very interested in working for your company because I have heard great things about it. I have experience working with adults with disabilities and I am eager to work with your clients.
Question Overview: The ideal applicant will have experience handling problems in the workplace. The applicant's answer should demonstrate their ability to solve problems and work well with others.
Sample Answer: I had a problem with a co-worker who was not doing their job correctly. I spoke to my supervisor about the issue and we came up with a solution.
Question Overview: Direct support professionals often work with people from different backgrounds. The ideal candidate will be able to explain how they are able to work with people from different cultures and ethnicities. Does the applicant have experience working with people from different backgrounds?
Sample Answer: I have worked with people from different backgrounds and cultures. I am comfortable working with individuals who are of a different race or ethnicity.
Question Overview: Direct care professionals are responsible for the safety and well-being of their clients. The ideal candidate will have experience prioritizing tasks and will be able to explain how they would handle a situation where they are needed for two different things at once.
Sample Answer: If I had a phone call, I would let it go to voicemail. I would make sure that my client was safe and then return the call.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be able to explain a stressful situation and how they handled it. The applicant's answer will give you an idea of how they react to stressful situations and if they are able to remain calm in the face of adversity.
Sample Answer: The most stressful situation that I had to deal with was when my client was upset because I had to leave for a few hours. I remained calm and explained that I would be back soon.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be confident and able to speak about their personal life without hesitation. The applicant should be able to speak about their hobbies, family, and interests. The applicant should also be able to explain why they want to work with people with disabilities.
Sample Answer: I am a very outgoing person. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy reading and learning new things. I want to work with people with disabilities because I love helping others and I want to make a difference in someone's life.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will have done their research on the company and understand the company's mission statement. The applicant should be able to explain how they can contribute to the company's success.
Sample Answer: I know that you are a non-profit organization that provides services to those with intellectual and physical disabilities. I am interested in working for your organization because I want to help those with disabilities live a more independent life.
Question Overview: Direct support professionals are responsible for planning and managing their clients' budgets. The ideal applicant will have experience creating a budget and managing their own finances. Does the applicant have experience with creating a budget? Does the applicant have experience with managing someone else's budget?
Sample Answer: I have experience creating a budget for my family. I make sure that we have enough money to pay our bills and save for emergencies.
Question Overview: Direct care professionals are often required to deal with angry clients. The ideal applicant will have experience calming down an individual who is upset. Listen to the tone of voice that the applicant uses when answering the question. Does the applicant seem confident in their ability to deescalate a situation?
Sample Answer: I learned that it is best to remain calm when a client is upset. I learned that it is best to remain calm when a client is upset.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be able to explain their strengths in a way that highlights their abilities. The applicant should be able to explain how their strengths help them in their daily life and how they help them professionally.
Sample Answer: I am a very patient person, which helps me with my job as a direct support professional. I can be calm when dealing with difficult situations.