Direct Support Professional at Evergreen Life Services in Minden, LA

Evergreen Life Services is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

Title: Direct Support Professional I

Reports To: Home Director I & II

Classification: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Created: November 29, 2013

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for maintaining a healthy, safe, and therapeutic environment for individuals served and following through on their individual care plans. Administer medication as allowed by appropriate state medication administration guidelines.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Ensure the health and welfare of the individuals served.
• Assist individuals served with medication and treatment plans as needed.
• Assist individuals served in the care and cleaning of their homes, including reporting maintenance needs.
• Assist individuals served with money management, including budgeting, banking, and shopping.
• Assist individuals served with daily life activities such as meal preparation, reading usage, use of telephone, use of community services (e.g., post office, mass transportation), housekeeping, clothing care, self-care, and personal hygiene.
• Make food and non-food purchases for the home when requested.
• Prepare meals.
• Ensure the maintenance of the home and grounds is done as requested.
• Complete all required documentation following applicable state agency(ies) and Evergreen Presbyterian Ministries, Inc. policies and procedures.
• Implement behavioral and other programs as trained and requested.
• Assist individuals served with their goals as outlined in their plan of care document(s).
• Identify potential behavior triggers and defuse or redirect them as needed to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved.
• Provide transportation for individuals served in the company or personal vehicle as requested, i.e., appointments, activities, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE/JOB KNOWLEDGE

• Effectively read, write, and communicate verbally in English and must be able to read and understand instructions, perform record-keeping, and write reports.
• Valid driver’s license—which meets Evergreen requirements for insurance purposes and proof of liability coverage if a vehicle is owned—is preferred.
• Meet and maintain all requirements of the applicable state agency(ies), including good standing with the state abuse and neglect registry.
• Submit to and pass a drug screen and criminal background check.
• Ability to utilize basic computer skills (e.g., data entry, approving timesheets, etc.).
• Prior experience as a direct support worker or in a caregiving capacity.
• Must be at least 18 years of age (non-driver) or 21 years of age (driver).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Constantly moves about to coordinate work.
• Regularly moves and positions objects weighing up to 50 pounds while assisting individuals served in home, workshop, or job site.
• Regularly assist individuals served physically by lifting and positioning them as appropriate.
• Constantly alert and aware of the needs of individuals served..
• Occasionally exposed to viruses and infectious conditions.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities or medical conditions to perform essential functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Will not supervise.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Represent Evergreen in public in a fashion that would reflect the credibility and professionalism of the organization.
• Desire to work with people with disabilities and enhance their quality of life.
• Function successfully in stressful situations.
• Demonstrate high moral standards to be a positive role model for individuals served.
• Complete all orientation and on-the-job training before starting work.
• Work assigned shifts as required by management.
• Attend all training classes as required.
• Other characteristics of a successful DSP include but are not limited to the following characteristics: patience and composure, effective communication, dependability, effective interpersonal skills, awareness and attention to detail, advocacy, etc.

EMPLOYMENT VARIABLES

• Must have a good driving record, which meets the minimum requirements for Evergreen and reliable transportation.
• Must pass a drug screen and criminal background check.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, which includes all shifts, including nights, days, and weekends.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• May be required to work in a variety of settings and environments both indoors and outdoors.