Direct Support Professional-Driver

About the Role

OPARC believes that all individuals deserve the human right to be valued members of society regardless of their intelligence or physical capabilities. OPARC exists to make training, employment, and social opportunities available and to be the champion for thousands of people with disabilities in Southern California.

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides person-centered support, assistance, and transportation to adults with disabilities in a community or on-site setting. This role conducts routine health and wellness checks, assists with mobility and daily living activities, ensures accurate documentation, maintains confidentiality, and provides personal care support while preserving participant dignity and independence.

Responsibilities

• Program Participation & Engagement
  • Implement active programming and respectful interactions with participants at all times.
  • Maintain visual supervision of participants during on-site and off-site activities, ensuring safety and dignity.
  • Provide support, assistance, and training to participants in all program areas per their established program plan and scheduled activities.
  • Transport participants (approx. 6-8) to and from the day program daily using an OPARC vehicle.
  • Transport up to 8 participants and 1 support staff daily into the community in an OPARC vehicle, following all driver training guidelines, speed limits, participant safety, and vehicle maintenance.
• Participant Health Monitoring
  • Perform routine wellness checks, including intake/output tracking, hydration monitoring, and documentation.
  • Assist participants with mobility, transfers (to/from wheelchair, toilet), positioning, and use of adaptive equipment.
  • Report unusual lapses in behavior or health to management immediately.
  • Adhere to protocols for behavioral interventions and/or Restricted Health Care plans.
• Support and Assistance
  • Ensure the safety of all participants.
  • Provide assistance, training, and supervision in community or on-site settings.
  • Coordinate activities related to Individual Service Plans (ISP) and report changes to the Assistant Program Manager.
  • Provide personal care support (feeding, incontinence care, toileting, hygiene, dressing, grooming) while preserving participant dignity and independence.
• Documentation & Compliance
  • Maintain confidentiality of all medical and personal information per HIPAA and agency policies.
  • Report participant or staff-related incidents to the Program Manager.
  • Complete required daily documentation, including postural supports, medical conditions, medication logs, progress notes, communication books, incident reports, data collection, and attendance records.
• Team Collaboration
  • Communicate regularly with program staff and management regarding participant needs and observations.
  • Work closely with Case Managers and Supervisors to facilitate participant goals.
  • Participate in staff meetings and trainings related to behavior intervention, health, safety, and participant care.
  • Provide support and guidance to other direct support staff when needed.
  • Provide subbing support in other licensed OPARC programs when applicable.
• Environmental Safety & Infection Control
  • Follow all health and safety protocols, including infection control, PPE usage, and cleaning/sanitizing routines.
  • Monitor the program environment for safety hazards and report concerns immediately.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Valid California driver’s license and clean driving record for transporting participants in an OPARC vehicle.
• Three (3) years of driving experience.
• Proof of current vehicle insurance (if driving a personal vehicle for OPARC business).
• Ability to pass a Department of Justice (DOJ) background check, fingerprint clearance, complete TB test, pre-employment physical, and provide proof of required immunizations.
• Preferred experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) or in a similar caregiving, nursing, behavioral, or human services role.
• Ability to work in outdoor environments with potential allergens, extreme temperatures, humidity, noise, slippery/uneven surfaces, and indoor warehouse settings lacking climate control.
• CPR, First Aid, and Crisis Intervention (e.g., CPI) certifications—or ability to obtain upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (Spanish, ASL, etc.) is a plus.

Work Environment

• Able to work in both indoor and community-based environments.
• Willing to support individuals during community outings, job coaching, and/or volunteer activities.
• Able to lift up to 25 pounds independently and up to 150 pounds with assistance.
• Assist with physical transfers if necessary.
• Able to push a wheelchair with a seated participant up to one (1) mile.
• Standing, walking, sitting, pushing, bending, and pulling required.
• Squatting and repetitive motion may be necessary.
• Use chemicals in accordance with manufacturer’s labeled instructions.
• Adhere to the proper care and responsible use of OPARC-issued property, tools, and equipment.

Schedule

8:00 am - 3:30 pm (6-7 hours, Monday – Friday, with a ½ hour unpaid lunch). Varied hours based on program need.