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 Manager/Day Program Supervisor

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.

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 the home, workshop, or job site.
Regularly assist individuals served physically by lifting and positioning them as appropriate.
Constantly be 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 that 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.

Evergreen Life Services

I want more than just a job.
I want to make a difference in people’s lives.
I want to make a difference in my community.

We want to make a difference too. Working at Evergreen Life Services isn’t just a job; it’s a rewarding career. Sometimes that reward is a smile or a song from a resident, sometimes it’s the reward of knowing you helped a resident to learn daily life skills, like setting a table or preparing a meal. It could be watching a resident make beautiful artwork in one of our studios. Every day you will have opportunities to help those with intellectual or physical disabilities feel that they are a part of a community that cares.

Whether you provide direct care in our adult day care or in a group home, or you serve in a support or corporate office role, you will be an important part of the Evergreen team.

We have nearly 2000 employees and more than 1100 individuals served in seven states, including Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Florida.

If you are looking for a place where you can make a difference, at Evergreen Life Services you will change lives. Every employee is a valuable part of the team, because at Evergreen, everyone matters.

Evergreen, in it's mission is to serve, provide for and champion individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is looking for qualified, caring individuals to work with us.