Direct Support Professional

Our mission is to serve, provide for, and champion individuals with disabilities. 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, today we are proud to serve more than 1,100 individuals with disabilities in 8 states. Working at Evergreen Life Services isn’t just a job; it’s a rewarding career. 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. 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.

About the role

Responsible for maintaining a healthy, safe, and therapeutic environment for individuals served and following through on their individual plans of care.

Responsibilities

• 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 home, including reporting of 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 (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 are done 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 individuals served with their goals as outlined in their plan of care document(s)
• Identify potential behavior triggers and defuse or redirect as needed to ensure safety and well-being of all involved
• Provide individuals served transportation in company or personal vehicle as requested
• Represent Evergreen in public in a fashion that would reflect credibility and professionalism on the organization

Requirements

• At least 21 years of age due to auto liability coverage
• Effectively read, write and communicate verbally in English and must be able to read and understand instructions, perform record-keeping and write reports
• Meet and maintain all requirements of the applicable state agency(ies), including good standing with state abuse and neglect registry
• Ability to learn basic computer skills (i.e. turn on/off, log in/out, input data, approve timesheet)
• Prior experience as a direct support worker preferred
• Must have a good driving record which meets the minimum requirements for Evergreen and reliable transportation
• Must be able to pass drug screen and criminal background check
• Must be able to work some evenings when required
• Desire to work with people with disabilities and enhance their quality of life
• Function successfully in stressful situations
• Demonstrate high moral standards so as to be a positive role model for individuals served
• Complete all orientation and on the job training prior to starting work
• Work assigned shifts as required by management
• Attend all training classes as required

Physical Requirements

• Constantly moves about to coordinate work
• Regularly moves and positions objects weighing up to 25 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 to consumer’s needs
• Occasionally exposed to viruses and infectious conditions

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

Benefits

• Company parties
• Flexible schedule
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development
• Tuition assistance

Working Environment

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