Direct Support Worker

A First Name Basis•Opelousas, LA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

A First Name Basis is hiring a Direct Support Worker to provide in-home care to seniors and individuals with disabilities in Eunice, Mamou, Lawtell, Basile, and Opelousas. The role involves supporting clients with personal care, companionship, household tasks, meals, medication reminders, appointments, and safe transportation. Workers document services, monitor and report changes in client well-being, follow care instructions and safety practices, and complete required in-service training. The schedule may include day shifts, weekdays, and weekends, with part-time work available. Compensation is $10.50 per hour, with mileage reimbursement if applicable.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid identification, reliable transportation, and ability to travel to client homes.
Current and valid state driver's license.
Current and valid vehicle registration.
Current and valid vehicle insurance.
Ability to pass pre-employment background, drug, and motor vehicle record screenings.
Willingness to complete competency and skills assessments.
Ability to work independently in home settings.
Willingness to complete background screening and all onboarding requirements.
Compassion, patience, professionalism, and a positive attitude when working with vulnerable populations.
Ability to lift, transfer, and reposition clients weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without assistive equipment.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and stoop for prolonged periods during shifts ranging from 4 to 12 hours.
Strength and stamina to assist with client mobility, including stairs, uneven surfaces, and vehicle transfers.
Fine motor dexterity to assist with grooming, dressing, feeding, medication management, and operating medical equipment.
Adequate vision and hearing to monitor client safety and detect changes in condition.
Ability to perform light household tasks such as cleaning, laundry, and carrying groceries.
Ability to work in private homes with varying layouts, tight spaces, and differing temperatures.
Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle for extended periods and load or unload mobility equipment as needed.

Nice To Haves

Active Home Health Aide or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification.
Clean driving record.

Responsibilities

Provide personal care support, including bathing, grooming, dressing, oral hygiene, and toileting.
Provide companionship and emotional support.
Perform light housekeeping and meal preparation, and assist with feeding as needed.
Provide medication reminders and accompany clients to appointments.
Monitor and report changes in client health and well-being.
Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly client environment.
Ensure proper use of safety equipment.
Document care provided according to company and regulatory standards.
Travel reliably to patient homes and assigned visits across the service area.
Transport clients to appointments, errands, and other scheduled activities using a personal vehicle.
Ensure client safety during transport, including proper seatbelt use and assistance entering and exiting the vehicle.
Complete required in-service training upon hire and annually.
Follow written care instructions and document services provided.