Medical Direct Support Prof-Driver

OPARC•Montclair, CA

8d•$0 - $24•Hybrid

About The Position

The Medical Direct Support Professional (MDSP) is responsible for performing routine wellness checks and monitoring the health status of individuals, assisting with mobility and daily living activities. They ensure accurate documentation, maintain confidentiality, and provide personal care support while preserving participant dignity and independence. OPARC believes that all individuals deserve the human right to be valued members of society regardless of their intelligence or physical capabilities. OPARC exists to make training, employment, and social opportunities available and to be the champion for thousands of people with disabilities in Southern California.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
Valid California driver’s license and clean driving record while transporting participants in an OPARC vehicle.
Ability to pass a Department of Justice (DOJ) background check and fingerprint clearance.
Must complete TB test, pre-employment physical, and provide proof of required immunizations (as applicable).
Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) or in a similar caregiving, nursing, behavioral, or human services role.
Compassionate, respectful, and person-centered in approach.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to follow individual support plans and document services accurately.
Reliable, punctual, and able to maintain professional boundaries.
Physically able to assist with personal care, mobility support, and emergency procedures, as needed.
Willingness to assist with feeding, toileting, behavioral supports, and other direct care needs.
Comfortable using basic technology for documentation and communication (e.g., email, electronic records).
Able to work in both indoor and community-based environments.
Must be able to work in outdoor environments, which can include, but is not limited to allergens, excessive heat, excessive cold, excessive humidity, dampness or chilling, excessive noise and/or slippery and uneven walking surfaces and indoor warehouse-type settings that may lack heating, air conditioning, and have concrete flooring.
Willing to support individuals during community outings, job coaching, and/or volunteer activities.
Able to lift up to 25 pounds by self and up to 150 pounds with one other person.
Assist with physical transfers, if necessary.
Able to push a wheelchair with a seated participant up to one (1) mile.
Standing, walking, sitting, pushing, bending and pulling required.
Squatting and repetitive motion may be necessary.
Use chemicals in accordance with manufacturer’s labeled instructions.

Nice To Haves

CPR, First Aid, and Crisis Intervention (e.g., CPI or PRO-ACT) certifications — or ability to obtain upon hire.
Bilingual (Spanish, ASL, etc.) is a plus.

Responsibilities

Assist in monitoring the health status of individuals by observing for signs of illness, distress, or changes in condition and promptly reporting observations to nursing staff or program management.
Perform routine wellness checks such as intake/output tracking, hydration monitoring, and documentation.
Assist participants with mobility, transfers to/from wheelchair, toilet, positioning, and use of adaptive equipment.
Adhere to any protocol for behavioral interventions and/or any Restricted Health Care plans.
Provide personal care support while preserving participant dignity and independence, including feeding, incontinence care, toileting, hygiene, dressing, and grooming.
Follow individualized care plans for participants with complex medical needs such as contractures, ileostomy, urostomy, or gastronomy tubes, or who are medically fragile.
Be knowledgeable of, and provide training directed toward achieving the chosen goals of each individual.
Respond appropriately to medical emergencies such as seizures, choking, falls, or any other medical emergencies.
Implement established Emergency Action Plans.
Assist in administering first aid, as necessary.
Report unusual lapse in behavior and health to management staff immediately.
Daily accurate documentation of care provided, postural supports, medical conditions, participant behavior, incidents, and other relevant information per program and regulatory guidelines.
Maintain confidentiality of all medical and personal information per HIPAA and agency policies.
Assist with tracking and documenting medication administration logs per occurrence, if applicable.
Provide and complete all required documentation including but not limited to progress notes, communication books, special incident reports, data collection, and participant attendance.
Provide required documentation on all activities, training, and participant progress on a daily basis.
Transport participants from home to community settings utilizing an OPARC vehicle.
Transport participants and assigned support staff to and from day program on a daily basis.
Maintain active programming and respectful interactions with participants at all times.
Compile programming supplies and equipment needed for community outings daily prior to arrival of participants.
Encourage participant engagement in program activities, adapting participation based on medical needs and personal preferences.
Maintain visual supervision of participants during on-site and off-site activities, ensuring safety and dignity are maintained.
Provide support, assistance, and training to participants in all program areas per their established program plan and in conjunction with the scheduled activities.
Communicate regularly with program staff, nurses, and management regarding participant needs and observations.
Work closely with Case Managers, LVN, RN, and Supervisor to assure participants’ goals are being met.
Participate in staff meetings and training related to health, safety, and participant care.
Provide needed support and guidance to other direct support staff when assistance is requested and/or observed.
Provide subbing support in other licensed OPARC programs, when applicable.
Follow all health and safety protocols, including infection control procedures, proper PPE usage, and cleaning/sanitizing routines.
Monitor program environment for safety hazards and report any concerns immediately.
Actively participate in all monthly required trainings and pass all competency-based tests.