Direct Support Professional

About the role

Evergreen Life Services (ELS) is a charitable, non‑profit organization that provides a full range of professional services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in the 1950s, we serve more than 1,100 individuals with disabilities in eight states. Our mission is to serve, provide for, and champion individuals with disabilities. Working at Evergreen Life Services isn’t just a job; it’s a rewarding career where every employee is a valuable part of the team.

Job Summary: Responsible for maintaining a healthy, safe, and therapeutic environment for consumers and following through on their individual plans of care.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the health and welfare of the consumers.
• Assist consumers with medication and treatment plans as needed.
• Assist consumers in the care and cleaning of their home, including reporting of maintenance needs.
• Assist consumers with money management, including budgeting, banking, and shopping.
• Assist consumers with daily life activities such as meal preparation, reading usage, telephone use, community services (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 maintenance of the home and grounds as requested.
• Complete all required documentation in accordance with applicable state agency(ies) and Evergreen Presbyterian Ministries, Inc. policies and procedures.
• Implement behavioral and other programs as trained and requested.
• Assist consumers with their goals as outlined in their plan of care documents.
• Identify potential behavior triggers and defuse or redirect as needed to ensure safety and well‑being of all involved.
• Provide consumer transportation in company or personal vehicle as requested.

Qualifications

• Effective reading, writing, and verbal communication in English; ability to read and understand instructions, perform record‑keeping, and write reports.
• Valid driver’s license meeting Evergreen requirements for insurance purposes and proof of liability coverage if a vehicle is owned.
• Meet and maintain all requirements of the applicable state agency(ies), including good standing with state abuse and neglect registry.
• Pass drug screen and criminal background check.
• Ability to learn basic computer skills (e.g., turn on/off, log in/out, input data, approve timesheet).
• Prior experience as a direct support worker preferred.
• At least 18 years of age (non‑driver) or 21 years of age (driver).

Physical Demands and Working Environment

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

Supervisory Responsibilities

Will not supervise.

Special Requirements

• Represent Evergreen in public in a manner that reflects credibility and professionalism.
• Desire to work with people with disabilities and enhance their quality of life.
• Function successfully in stressful situations.
• Demonstrate high moral standards to serve as a positive role model for consumers.
• Complete all orientation and on‑the‑job training prior to starting work.
• Work assigned shifts as required by management.
• Attend all required training classes.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Company parties
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Tuition assistance
• Vision insurance
• Wellness resources