Direct Support Professional

Sevita•Santa Maria, CA

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

Mentor Community Services, a part of the Sevita family, provides community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is a mission-driven role focused on creating fulfilling careers and providing high-quality services. The Direct Support Professional is responsible for providing direct support and assistance to individuals in residential or periodic programs, helping them with daily activities, personal care, health maintenance, and skill development. The role involves working within a team and supporting individuals in their homes and in the community.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Six months of experience in human services preferred.
Must be 18 years of age.
Valid driver’s license in good standing.
Car registration and vehicle insurance if providing transportation for individuals receiving services.
All state-required training and certification completed in mandated timeframes.
Job requires performance of duties that involve potential for exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues. Tasks that do involve exposure are an expectation of employment.
Travel required as needed.

Nice To Haves

On-Call position

Responsibilities

Attends orientation and on-going training as directed; participates in monthly staff meetings.
Works scheduled hours; arrives for work on time; stays on shift until replacement arrives; notifies supervisor in advance when unable to work as scheduled or as soon as possible after the designated start time; may fill in for other shifts where required without causing unapproved overtime, or in the event of emergency.
Works together with others, values others contributions; is courteous; communicates openly; listens; and shows respect to others.
Complies with all established safety policies, procedures and practices and reports all work-related injuries to his/her supervisor.
Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with individual service or program plans; assists with socialization and behavioral development, personal care, housekeeping, recreational activities, transportation, community orientation, shopping, financial management, citizenship, and other activities of daily living.
Accurately documents progress and activity; reviews records and logs to stay abreast of changes in service plans; maintains confidentiality; accurately and timely completes billing documentation as applicable.
Assists with money management, as assigned, and assures safety of individuals’ funds and property.
Maintains healthy and professional relationships with individuals, friends, families, guardians and case managers; greets family members and other visitors; implements Network Customer Service Standards.
Reports any instance of alleged abuse or neglect according to internal and external standards; reports medical, behavioral and other incidents in accordance with Network policy and external requirements.
Maintains confidentiality, respects the rights of persons being served, according to the applicable bill of rights; practices universal precautions; assists individuals in exercising their rights.
May accompany individuals to medical appointments; relays orders and information to and from medical providers as required.
If assigned, accurately administers and documents delivery of medications and treatments; promptly reports administration errors; maintains appropriate security of controlled medications and other medications and supplies.
Monitors individual’s health; documents health concerns; communicates with nurse or supervisor as appropriate; calls 911 in the event of emergency; follows individual health care directives.
Correctly follows procedures in utilizing medical equipment; reports malfunction or disrepair.
Prepares or supports individuals to prepare food in accordance with planned menus and individual choice; knows special diets and prepares individual meals accordingly; monitors mealtime and correctly implements any dining plans.
May transport individuals into the community; drives safely and according to local laws; assures proper use of safety equipment including seat belts, lifts and wheelchair ties; reports accidents to appropriate authorities immediately; reports accidents and safety concerns immediately to supervisor or maintenance personnel.
Performs daily and seasonal housekeeping as directed; maintains neat, clean and safe environment; reports hazards or safety concerns.
Monitors environmental safety and may make minor repairs, change light bulbs, etc.; may perform yard maintenance including keeping walkways safe and snow removal; reports equipment or facilities requiring repairs to supervisor or maintenance personnel as required.
Checks water temperature as required when assisting with bathing; participates in safety drills and protects persons being served in the event of emergency.
Performs other related duties and activities as required.