Direct Support Professional

Evergreen Life Services; Texarkana (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company parties

Flexible schedule

Advancement opportunities

Training & development

Job summary

Evergreen Life Services in Texarkana, Texas seeks a Direct Support Worker to maintain a healthy, safe, and therapeutic environment for consumers and follow their plans of care.

You will assist with medications and treatment plans, daily living activities, budgeting, meals, transportation, and community services, while documenting and reporting as required. This mission-driven role supports people with disabilities in home, day programs or group homes.

Qualifications

• Effective reading, writing and verbal communication in English.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and proof of liability coverage.
• Meet all state agency requirements including good standing on abuse/neglect registry.
• Pass drug screen and criminal background check.
• Ability to learn basic computer skills (e.g., log in/out, input data, timesheet).
• Prior direct support worker experience preferred.
• Age: at least 18 (non-driver) or 21 (driver).

Responsibilities

• Maintain a healthy, safe, and therapeutic environment for consumers.
• Assist with medications and treatment plans as needed.
• Assist with home care tasks including budgeting, shopping, and meals.
• Support daily living activities and access community services.
• Complete required documentation according to Evergreen policies and state regulations.

Skills

English literacy

Driver's license

Background check clearance

Computer skills

Direct support experience

Job description

Benefits:

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

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.

Job Summary

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

Essential Job Functions:

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

Qualifications

• Effectively read, write and communicate verbally in English and must be able to read and understand instructions, perform record-keeping and write reports
• Valid driver’s license which meets Evergreen requirements for insurance purposes and proof of liability coverage if a vehicle is owned
• Meet and maintain all requirements of the applicable state agency(ies), including good standing with state abuse and neglect registry
• Submit to and pass drug screen and criminal background check.
• 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
• At least 18 years of age (non-driver) or 21 years of age (driver)

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Constantly moves about to coordinate work
• Regularly moves and positions objects weighing up to 50 pounds while assisting consumers in home, workshop, or job site.
• Regularly assist consumers physically by lifting and positioning them as appropriate
• Constantly alert and aware to consumer’s needs
• Occasionally exposed to viruses and infectious conditions

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Will not supervise

Special Requirements

• Represent Evergreen in public in a fashion that would reflect credibility and professionalism on the organization.
• 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 consumers
• 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

Evergreen is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or any other legally protected status.