Direct Support Professional

Hillcrest Family Services; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with profit sharing

Paid time off

10 paid holidays

Sick time 80 hours

Wellness days 2

Staff development and training

PSLF eligibility

CEUs through Relias

PerkSpot employee discount

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Hillcrest is seeking dedicated caregivers to support adults and children in daily living activities, healthcare coordination, and community participation. The role emphasizes empathy, clear communication, and teamwork to promote independence and safety.

Work involves documenting observations in the electronic health record, coordinating with healthcare providers, and participating in ongoing trainings and meetings.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills.
• Patience, empathy, and a passion for supporting independence.
• Ability to remain calm and patient in stressful situations.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as cooking, cleaning, showering, toileting and shopping.
• Monitor clients' health and report changes to supervisors or healthcare providers.
• Assist with medical appointments including transportation and coordinating with providers.
• Provide emotional support and encouragement to individuals.
• Recognize and respond to signs of distress or crisis.
• De-escalate challenging behaviors to ensure safety for clients and staff.
• Maintain records of daily activities, progress and observations in the EHR.
• Communicate with supervisors, team members, and family as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Patience and empathy

Calm under pressure

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

• Employee Type FT Non-Exempt
• Required Degree High school
• Manage Others No

Responsibilities

• Assist clients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including cooking, cleaning, showering, toileting, shopping, and managing money.
• Monitor clients' health and report any changes in physical or mental condition to supervisors or healthcare providers.
• Assisting with medical appointments such as transportation and coordinating with healthcare providers.
• Provide emotional support and encouragement to individuals.
• Recognize and respond to signs of distress or crisis situations.
• De-escalate challenging behaviors using positive and approved techniques to ensure safety for all clients and staff.
• Assist individuals in developing and maintaining life skills.
• Facilitate community integration and participation in social and recreational activities.
• Ensure that care plans are followed and updated as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of daily activities, progress and any relevant observations and document these items in the client's electronic health record (EHR).
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, other team members and family members as necessary.
• Complete incident reports with 24 hours of the occurrence and share the report with social workers to ensure accuracy of report.
• Remind and assist clients with self-administration of medications (after approved training and skills validation).
• Participate in team meetings and assigned trainings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education:

• High School Diploma or HSED equivalent required.

Experience:

• Prior experience working with individuals who have chronic mental health issues is preferred.
• Prior experience with health care documentation is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills - including written and verbal.
• Patience, empathy, and a passion for supporting individuals to achieve independence.
• Ability to remain calm and patient in stressful situations

Licenses/Certifications:

• Current and valid driver's license and ability to meet agency driving requirements is required. .
• MandatoryReporterofChild/DependentAdultAbuseCertificationortheabilityto obtain within six (6) months of hire and every three (3) years thereafter required.

Competitive benefits package for full-time employees working 30+ hours a week:

• Health insurance (up to 79% employer paid)
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)with profit sharing and employer match
• Paid time off (accrue up to 80 hours during first year of employment; increases based on tenure with agency)
• 10 paid holidays
• 80 hours sick time
• 2 wellness days
• Staff development and training
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness(PSLF) eligibility for federal student loans
• Employer paid CEU's through Relias
• PerkSpot- employee discount program
• Employee assistance program

About the Organization

Hillcrest is a non-profit organization that assists adults and children in need of help. Every day, Hillcrest builds confidence in hundreds of people and families. We strive to be a leading provider in supporting brain health and wellness. We're a place where compassion is commonplace. Where our passion soars and faith restores.