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 individuals served and following through on their individual plans of care.

Essential Job Functions

• Ensure the health and welfare of the individuals served.
• Assist individuals with medication and treatment plans as needed.
• Assist individuals with the care and cleaning of their home, including reporting maintenance needs.
• Assist individuals with money management, including budgeting, banking, and shopping.
• Support 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 individuals 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 transportation in a company or personal vehicle as requested.

Qualifications/Experience/Job Knowledge

• At least 21 years of age due to auto liability coverage.
• Effective reading, writing, and verbal communication in English; ability 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 (e.g., turn on/off, log in/out, input data, approve timesheet).
• Prior experience as a direct support worker preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Constantly move about to coordinate work.
• Regularly move and position objects weighing up to 25 pounds while assisting individuals in home, workshop, or job site.
• Regularly assist individuals physically by lifting and positioning them as appropriate.
• Constantly stay alert and aware to consumers’ 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.

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 individuals served.
• Complete all orientation and on‑the‑job training prior to starting work.
• Work assigned shifts as required by management.
• Attend all required training classes.

Employment Variables

• Maintain a good driving record that meets Evergreen’s minimum requirements and have reliable transportation.
• Pass a drug screen and criminal background check.
• Be able to work some evenings when required.

Working Environment

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

Benefits

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