Direct Support Professional - Caregiver - ICF

HOME OF GUIDING HANDS CORPORATION•El Cajon, CA

24d•$19 - $19

About The Position

As a Direct Support Professional, you will play a meaningful role in empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live full, self-directed lives. You’ll provide personalized, high-quality care in a home environment that honors each client’s rights, dignity, preferences, and independence. In this hands-on role, you will support clients in achieving their goals by implementing individualized service plans, fostering daily living skills, encouraging community engagement, and promoting overall well-being. You’ll also ensure accurate documentation and compliance with licensing standards and agency policies to maintain safe, person-centered care. This is more than a job—it's an opportunity to make a real impact every day.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED required; Medical Assistant Diploma or Certificate preferred.
Current CPR/First Aid certification is mandatory.
Must complete all required new hire training, including CPR/First Aid.
Must pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol test within 24 hours of a job offer.
Must pass a pre-employment health screening/TB Test and annual TB tests thereafter.
Previous experience providing services to individuals with developmental, learning, or physical disabilities preferred but not required.
Knowledge of HIPAA Guidelines and client privacy requirements is essential.
Must maintain confidentiality of all Protected Health Information (PHI) and personal client data.
Ability to read, write, and understand the English language.
Able to establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with clients, coworkers, neighbors, volunteers, vendors, and the public.
Possesses a high degree of patience with the ability to navigate and tolerate challenging or frustrating situations.
Strong time management skills; able to multi-task and manage work assignments efficiently.
Able to perform housekeeping tasks including laundry, bed-making, meal preparation, cooking, and cleaning.
Ability to see, talk, hear, walk, bend, stoop, sit, stand, reach, and lift up to 30 pounds repeatedly during a shift.
Capable of safely performing physically demanding job functions and client support needs as required.
Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.
Must possess a valid California driver’s license, proof of a safe driving record (current DMV report required), and have at least 24 months of licensed driving experience.
Must lawfully and safely drive an agency vehicle in all traffic situations and weather conditions.
Must pass required vehicle transportation training and an “observed” road test annually.
Must obtain and maintain a criminal records clearance through DHS and/or DSS (Live Scan fingerprinting).
Must comply with all agency policies, confidentiality requirements, health and safety standards, and regulatory expectations.
Regularly and frequently required to perform physical activities including walking, standing, sitting, reaching, carrying, lifting, bending, twisting, stooping, and kneeling.
Assists with lifting, moving, and transferring adult clients between wheelchairs, shower chairs, toilets, beds, chairs, and other locations throughout the home and community.
Occasionally required to lift up to 50 lbs.
Must be able to perform physically demanding tasks safely and consistently throughout the shift.
May be exposed to viruses, infections, and other health-related risks.
Must adhere to all safety protocols, infection control standards, and use of personal protective equipment as required.
May be assigned to work at any Agency location as operational needs require; responsible for own transportation to and from assigned sites.
Work schedules may be adjusted with appropriate notice based on agency needs.
Must be available and willing to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as necessary to meet service and operational requirements.
Due to the nature of the role, Direct Support Professionals have a “Working Lunch,” and mealtime is included in paid work hours.
Employees must maintain the ability to safely and effectively operate the following equipment and devices: Telephones and fax machines Mechanical lifts (e.g., Hoyer lifts), wheelchairs, adaptive equipment Adjustable chairs and beds Adaptive eating utensils and bath aids Transfer benches Computers and related software Standard household appliances Agency vehicles including minivans and automobiles

Responsibilities

Is knowledgeable of residents’/clients’ rights and ensures an environment that protects privacy, dignity, and overall well-being.
Maintains client comfort, privacy, and dignity in all interactions; promotes a warm, caring atmosphere.
Fully understands client rights, including freedom from restraints and abuse; promptly reports any concerns or violations.
Provides individualized attention that promotes the highest practical physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being.
Reviews and follows each client’s individualized service plan (ISP); contributes observations and information to support ISP updates.
Assists clients with daily living needs, including grooming, bathing, oral hygiene, feeding, toileting, incontinence care, transferring, ambulation, range of motion, communication, and other required supports.
Provides coaching and support to address socially unacceptable behaviors while teaching appropriate alternatives.
Works directly with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Administers medications and performs treatments according to policy; checks vital signs and collects specimens as needed.
Observes clients for changes in condition or behavior and promptly reports findings to nursing staff.
Supports and adheres to procedures related to safety, universal precautions, fire/safety/disaster plans, risk management, and security.
Identifies, reports, and/or helps correct unsafe working conditions and equipment issues.
Maintains confidentiality of resident, employee, and agency information.
Ensures compliance with licensing regulations, agency policies, and all applicable laws.
Upholds a work environment free from sexual harassment, discrimination, and illegal behavior.
Conducts self professionally and tactfully in all communication and interpersonal relationships.
Follows up appropriately with supervisors, coworkers, and clients regarding concerns or complaints.
Completes all required in-service trainings, meetings, attendance expectations, and dress code standards (including personal hygiene).
Performs all responsibilities in accordance with safety and infection-control procedures (handwashing, PPE, proper disposal, etc.).
Helps maintain a clean, safe, and orderly facility; reports environmental deficiencies to Maintenance.
Protects client belongings (clothing, eyewear, cash, equipment, etc.) and follows policies for reporting and locating missing items.
Uses proper body mechanics and lifting devices when moving or transporting clients to prevent injury.
Drives HGH vehicles safely and responsibly.
Transports clients to appointments, activities, and community outings.
Follows all procedures for securing passengers, wheelchairs, and cargo.
Accurately completes all required records and documentation in accordance with agency standards.
Uses computer software for communication, documentation, and data entry.
Promotes positive public relations with clients, families, visitors, and regulatory representatives.
Works cooperatively with all team members; completes tasks with minimal supervision and sound judgment.
Performs other duties as assigned.