Nature of Work:
We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Direct Care Staff / Direct Support Professionals to provide essential habilitation services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with mobility limitations. This role requires a strong commitment to client well-being, fostering independence, and a supportive approach.
Key Responsibilities:
As a Direct Care Staff / Direct Support Professional, you will be entrusted with a variety of duties to ensure the safety, independence, and overall quality of life for our clients. Your responsibilities will include:
- Personal Care & Support:
- Assisting clients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal hygiene, grooming, feeding, and ambulation.
- Providing assistance and comfort to immobile, ill, or frail clients.
- Reminding and assisting clients with self-administration of medications, following proper training and protocols.
- Monitoring and documenting clients' physical, mental, and emotional conditions, reporting any significant changes to designated parties.
- Assisting with the use of incontinence products and providing bathroom support.
- Household Management:
- Performing essential housekeeping tasks to maintain a clean, tidy, and safe living environment.
- Preparing nutritious meals and assisting clients with eating and drinking.
- Running errands, including grocery shopping and procurement of essential household items.
- Community Integration & Social Engagement:
- Accompanying and transporting clients to appointments (e.g., medical, recreational) and community outings.
- Facilitating and participating in engaging activities to promote social interaction and client well-being. Active engagement and positive social interaction are paramount.
- Administrative & Compliance:
- Accurately documenting services provided and maintaining client records.
- Attending required meetings and participating in ongoing training programs.
- Advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities.
Qualifications:
To excel in this role, candidates should possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Working Knowledge of:
- Best practices and techniques for providing support services to persons with disabilities.
- Standard housekeeping practices, including cleaning, laundry, and proper dishwashing techniques.
- Guidelines for safe food storage and preparation.
Ability to Gain Basic Knowledge (Training Provided):
- Techniques for assisting individuals with bathing and personal hygiene.
- Procedures for assisting with medication administration.
- Relevant laws and regulations governing care providers for individuals with disabilities.
- Preparation of essential documentation and records.
Skills and Abilities:
- Demonstrated ability to build positive and trusting relationships with individuals across a spectrum of physical, psychological, and developmental disabilities.
- Proficiency in creating and maintaining a clean, pleasant, and home-like atmosphere within client residences.
- Ability to foster and sustain a positive working environment.
- Competence in preparing safe, healthy, and palatable meals tailored to client preferences.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with clients, co-workers, and the public.
- Capacity to follow both written and verbal instructions accurately.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Requirements:
- Exceptional ability to provide comprehensive assistance with client mobility, personal care, and hygiene needs.
- Proven capability to perform essential housekeeping duties, run errands, and prepare meals.
- Commitment to maintaining a clean and sanitary environment.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a genuinely caring and empathetic approach.
- Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Any combination of education, training, or experience that demonstrates the ability to effectively perform the duties of this position. Completion of all additional required job-specific training.
- Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
- For positions requiring driving: Valid California driver’s license, current automobile insurance, current vehicle registration, and a recent DMV printout are mandatory.
- Current Health Screening Clearance, including TB Clearance Results.
- Current Standard First Aid/CPR certification.
- Successful completion of the State of California Department of Public Safety background check (FBI/DOJ).
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Vibrant Lives is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and not on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status or employees with military family members, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law.