Direct Support Professional I

Evergreen Life Services•Bowling Green, KY

About The Position

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. Does the idea of a desk job bore you? Do you want a job that inspires you? A job that gives back to your community? If you answered yes to any of the above, you could be a great fit for a Direct Support Associate at Evergreen Life Services (Evergreen). As a Direct Support Associate, you will help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain life skills, build confidence and live as independently as possible. You will make a difference every time you come to work. Evergreen Life Services is currently in search for Direct Support Associates for the Bowling Green, KY area. JOB SUMMARY Responsible for maintaining a healthy, safe, and therapeutic environment for individuals served and following through on their individual care plans. Evergreen Life Services I want more than just a job. I want to make a difference in people’s lives. I want to make a difference in my community. We want to make a difference too. Working at Evergreen Life Services isn’t just a job; it’s a rewarding career. Sometimes that reward is a smile or a song from a resident, sometimes it’s the reward of knowing you helped a resident to learn daily life skills, like setting a table or preparing a meal. It could be watching a resident make beautiful artwork in one of our studios. Every day you will have opportunities to help those with intellectual or physical disabilities feel that they are a part of a community that cares. 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. We have nearly 2000 employees and more than 1100 individuals served in seven states, including Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Florida. 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. Evergreen, in it's mission is to serve, provide for and champion individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is looking for qualified, caring individuals to work with us.

Requirements

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—is preferred.
Meet and maintain all requirements of the applicable state agency(ies), including good standing with the state abuse and neglect registry.
Submit to and pass a drug screen and criminal background check.
Ability to utilize basic computer skills (e.g., data entry, approving timesheets, etc.).
Prior experience as a direct support worker or in a caregiving capacity.
Must be at least 18 years of age (non-driver) or 21 years of age (driver).
Must have a good driving record that meets the minimum requirements for Evergreen and reliable transportation.
Must pass a drug screen and criminal background check.
Must be able to work a flexible schedule, which includes all shifts, including nights, days, and weekends.

Responsibilities

Ensure the health and welfare of the individuals served.
Assist individuals served with medication and treatment plans as needed.
Assist individuals served in the care and cleaning of their homes, including reporting maintenance needs.
Assist individuals served with money management, including budgeting, banking, and shopping.
Assist individuals served with daily life activities such as meal preparation, reading usage, use of telephone, use of community services (e.g., post office, mass transportation), housekeeping, clothing care, self-care, and personal hygiene.
Make food and non-food purchases for the home when requested.
Prepare meals.
Ensure the maintenance of the home and grounds is done as requested.
Complete all required documentation following applicable state agency(ies) and Evergreen Presbyterian Ministries, Inc. policies and procedures.
Implement behavioral and other programs as trained and requested.
Assist individuals served with their goals as outlined in their plan of care document(s).
Identify potential behavior triggers and defuse or redirect them as needed to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved.
Provide transportation for individuals served in the company or personal vehicle as requested, i.e., appointments, activities, etc.