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.