Direct Support Professional IV Coast Supported Living

UCP WORK, Inc.; Goleta (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel Stipend

Cell Phone Stipend

403(b) Retirement Plan

Friends & Family Referral Bonus

Direct Deposit

Anniversary Bonus

On-the-job Training Provided

Job summary

UCP WORK, Inc. is hiring a Direct Support Professional IV in Goleta, California, to provide hands-on support to adults with developmental and physical disabilities. This full-time role includes responsibilities like assisting with daily living activities, mobility support, and medication administration while ensuring dignity and respect. Ideal candidates should have experience with individuals with complex needs and be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Benefits include travel and cell phone stipends, a 403(b) retirement plan, and on-the-job training.

Qualifications

• Experience working with people with developmental disabilities in individual/group settings preferred.
• Knowledge of mobility and transfer equipment is beneficial.
• Ability to provide safe support with personal care and medication.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support with activities of daily living.
• Assist with medication administration.
• Monitor and respond to changes in individuals’ conditions.

Skills

Empathy

Active Listening

Personal Care

Mobility Support

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hoyer lifts

Gait belts

Wheelchairs

Microsoft Office

Job description

Direct Support Professional IV, Independent and Supported Living Services

Job Type: Full Time

Schedule: Sunday- Wednesday 2pm-10pm

Immediate Supervisor: Program Director and Manager, Independent and Supported Living Services

Supervision Exercised: None

Summary

Under the supervision of the Program Director and Manager, the Direct Support Professional (DSP IV) provides direct hands‑on support to adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities in a Supported and Independent Living Services (SLS/ILS) apartment‑based setting. This position implements Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and provides high‑acuity support including activities of daily living (ADLs), mobility assistance, medication support, and household management. The DSP promotes independence, dignity, safety, and skill development while supporting multiple individuals with complex needs in a fast‑paced, community‑based environment. The DSP maintains professional, respectful relationships with people served, coworkers, families, and outside providers while ensuring consistent, person‑centered support.

Essential Functions

• Provide direct support with activities of daily living (ADLs), including hygiene, grooming, dressing, toileting, and personal care.
• Support individuals with mobility needs, including transfers, repositioning, and bed rotations using approved safety techniques.
• Assist with mobility equipment such as wheelchairs, gait belts, and other adaptive devices.
• Provide respectful, person‑centered support that promotes dignity, privacy, and independence.
• Assist with medication administration and support in accordance with training, policy, and certification requirements.
• Monitor and respond appropriately to changes in individuals’ physical or behavioral conditions.
• Follow established care plans, safety protocols, and program procedures.
• Respond calmly and appropriately in urgent or emergency situations, including initiating escalation procedures when needed.
• Implement approved crisis intervention and safety techniques (training provided).
• Support meal preparation, cooking, and nutritional needs.
• Assist with light housekeeping, cleaning, and maintaining safe living environments.
• Support participation in community‑based and on‑site activities.
• Provide flexible coverage across the apartment community as needed to ensure continuity of care.
• Respond to resident calls and requests via program cell phone in a timely, calm, and professional manner.
• Communicate respectfully at all times using appropriate tone and behavior.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of services provided, incidents, and observations.
• Report concerns, incidents, and changes in condition to supervisory staff promptly.
• Collaborate effectively with team members and external service providers.
• Demonstrate patience, empathy, and a consistent person‑centered approach.
• Maintain confidentiality of all individuals served and related program information.
• Adapt to changing priorities, staffing needs, and resident support requirements throughout shifts.
• Attend required trainings, meetings, and ongoing professional development.
• Other related duties, responsibilities, and special projects on an as‑needed basis.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and remain active for extended periods, including outdoors when needed.
• Ability to climb stairs and navigate multi‑level environments.
• Ability to safely push, pull, and maneuver individuals in wheelchairs for extended periods.
• Ability to assist with transfers, repositioning, and mobility support using proper body mechanics.
• Ability to lift or support individuals up to 50 pounds with safe lifting techniques.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, twist, and perform physical caregiving tasks throughout the shift.
• Ability to safely operate and support use of adaptive equipment and mobility devices.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions and documentation requirements.
• Ability to remain alert and responsive to environmental and safety risks at all times.

Note: ADA accommodation available.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least one (2) year of experience working with people with developmental and/or other disabilities in individual and/or group settings preferred.
• Experience supporting individuals with complex physical and/or medical needs strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of or ability to be trained in the use of mobility and transfer equipment (e.g., Hoyer lifts, gait belts, wheelchairs).
• Ability to provide safe support with personal care, mobility, and medication administration in accordance with training and program policy.
• Empathy and active listening skills to support individuals with diverse needs respectfully and professionally.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment while supporting multiple individuals with varying needs.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality regarding people served and other related information.
• Strong communication, empathy, and active listening skills.
• Ability to respond effectively in emergencies and follow crisis intervention protocols.
• Flexibility to work variable shifts and support multiple individuals as needs change.
• Computer proficiency (esp. Microsoft Office – Word, Outlook and web based tools, etc.).
• Will need to be available during any disasters, per disaster plan.
• Must have a reliable phone for communication.
• Valid certification in CPR and First Aid (training included).

Benefits

• Travel Stipend
• Cell Phone Stipend
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Friends & Family Referral Bonus
• Direct Deposit
• Anniversary Bonus
• On‑the‑job Training Provided