Direct Support Professional - South Bay

CIVITAS; Chula Vista (CA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick Leave

PTO

401k matching

Flexible Scheduling

Mileage reimbursement

Job summary

Civitas is seeking a Direct Support Professional to provide compassionate, person-centered support to adults with developmental disabilities across the South Bay, including Chula Vista and surrounding communities. You will deliver Day Program, Tailored Day Services, and Independent Living Services in home and community settings.

The role requires flexible hours, a valid driver’s license, and a reliable vehicle.

Qualifications

• Reliable personal vehicle and valid driver’s license is required.
• Strong communication and flexible hours are essential.
• Onboarding includes CPR/First Aid and background clearance.

Responsibilities

• Deliver 1:1 support in homes and community settings.
• Assist with daily living activities and personal care.
• Document activities and shift reports using AxisCare.
• Monitor health and safety and report changes to supervisors.
• Travel within South Bay and provide mileage reimbursement.
• Support community participation and ISP development.

Skills

Reliable vehicle

Valid driver’s license

Strong communication skills

Flexibility

Reliability

Education

CPR/First Aid certification

Tools

AxisCare app

MileIQ

Job description

Direct Support Professional – South Bay (Chula Vista & Southern San Diego County)

Pay: Starts at $21.00 per hour

Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications

Supervision Exercised:Persons Served

Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides compassionate, person-centered support to adults with developmental disabilities, helping them lead safe, meaningful, and independent lives. This position serves clients across South Bay (Chula Vista & Southern San Diego County) and surrounding communities, delivering a variety of individualized services including Day Program, Tailored Day Services (TDS), and Independent Living Services (ILS). Under the supervision of the Supported Living Coordinator, the DSP delivers direct care in home and community settings, assisting with daily living activities, skill-building, and social engagement. This role requires flexibility, professionalism, and a deep commitment to individual dignity and autonomy.

Services Provided

As a Direct Support Professional in the South Bay (Chula Vista & Southern San Diego County) region, you will deliver a range of individualized services, including:

• Day Program– Support clients in structured daytime activities that promote social engagement, skill-building, and community participation.
• Tailored Day Services (TDS)– Provide flexible, personalized support designed around each individual's unique goals, interests, and daily routines outside of a traditional facility setting.
• Independent Living Services (ILS)– Assist clients in developing and maintaining the skills needed to live as independently as possible, including household management, budgeting, transportation, and self-advocacy.

Essential Functions

Primary Responsibilities (80% or more):

• Deliver 1:1 support to individuals in their homes and during community outings.
• Assist with personal care, including hygiene, bathing, dressing, eating, mobility, and toileting as needed.
• Support individuals in developing independent living skills based on their goals and Individual Support Plans (ISPs).
• Promote health and safety through active observation, intervention, and assistance.
• Assist with medication intake (if applicable) and monitor overall well-being.
• Monitor and record vital signs as needed, ensuring any changes are reported to appropriate healthcare professionals.
• Utilize the AxisCare mobile app to document daily activities and shift reports.

Secondary Responsibilities (20% or less):

• Assist with household tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and laundry.
• Support individuals in accessing employment and community resources.
• Encourage and support community participation, relationship-building, and social inclusion.
• Collaborate on ISP development and provide feedback to the individual's support team.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions.
• Submit documentation in a timely, accurate, and professional manner.

Travel Requirements

This position requires regular travel within the South Bay (Chula Vista & Southern San Diego County) region. Travel duties include but are not limited to:

• Traveling to and from client locations within the service area.
• Traveling between multiple clients during a single shift.
• Driving clients to appointments, errands, community activities, and other destinations.
• Accompanying and assisting clients on public transportation as needed.
• Operating a company van to transport larger groups of clients safely.

Personal Vehicle & Mileage Reimbursement

DSPs are required to use their personal vehicle to transport clients within the service area as part of this role. Civitas provides a Mileage Reimbursement Program to compensate employees for work-related mileage driven in their personal vehicles. Mileage must be accurately logged through the MileIQ mobile app for timely reimbursement processing.

Additional Expectations

• Maintain open and timely communication with supervisors and the support team.
• Report changes in individuals' needs, behavior, or home environment.
• Follow all Civitas policies, including compliance with Wage Order 15 and the 80/20 rule for personal attendants.
• Represent Civitas and persons served with professionalism and respect in the community.
• Perform additional duties as needed by the assigned Coordinator.

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Civitas is committed to the growth and development of our team. DSPs will have access to a variety of professional training opportunities, including but not limited to:

• Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)– Training in applied behavior analysis principles to better support individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Pro-ACT (Professional Assault Crisis Training)– Techniques for safely and respectfully de-escalating crisis situations and ensuring the safety of clients and staff.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to assist with both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing transfers.
• Must be able to work in a variety of settings, including homes, community locations, and outdoors.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 25 lbs.

Qualifications

• Must have a reliable personal vehicle to travel to work and within the South Bay (Chula Vista & Southern San Diego County) service area.
• Valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
• Must be comfortable operating a company van when required.
• Experience with Day Programs, Tailored Day Services (TDS), or Independent Living Services (ILS) is a plus.
• Prior DSP experience is preferred but not required — we will train the right person. If you have a passion for care and any caregiving background, we want to hear from you!
• Previous experience in long-term care, home health, or assisted living settings is preferred.
• Familiarity with working with individuals with disabilities is highly desirable.
• Successful completion of all onboarding requirements, including background clearance, CPR/First Aid certification, and mandated training.
• Strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality and following all Civitas conduct standards.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build rapport with clients.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Reliability, adaptability, and a genuine passion for person-centered care.
• Mileage Reimbursement: IRS standard rate (currently $0.67/mile) for travel exceeding 30 miles/day
• Paid Training: All onboarding and in-service trainings are compensated at the standard hourly rate

Additional Benefits (Based on Full-Time Employment Status)

• Sick Leave: Per California Healthy Workplace Healthy Family Act (40 hours)
• PTO: 80 hours of PTO for full-time employees, 40 Hours for Part-time
• Employee 401k – Including up to a 3% employer match.
• Flexible Scheduling: Adaptable caseload management and work hours

Join our team of dedicated professionals who are making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities across the South Bay (Chula Vista & Southern San Diego County) community. Whether supporting clients through Day Programs, TDS, or ILS, your work will help empower others to live fulfilling and independent lives!