Direct Support Specialist - Full-time at Evergreen Supported Living

Evergreen Supported Living is looking for creative and dedicated individuals to provide compassionate support and advocacy through work as Direct Support Professionals. Excellent experience for anyone interested in the fields of medical, and social work. Evergreen is a team-oriented, high energy environment that strives to encourage greater independence and community integration for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Top reasons to work at Evergreen:

• Competitive compensation; annual wage increases, and incentive bonuses.
• Excellent benefits; Insurance eligibility for employees who work 30 hours or more per week and effective following 60 days of employment.
• Paid time off; PTO eligibility for employees who work 30 hours or more per week.
• Sick Leave
• Career advancement and professional development opportunities!
• Employer provided/paid training and certifications
• Employee Assistance Program for employees and household members
• Agency vehicles for client transportation
• Potential for college or grad school internship credit
• Evergreen welcomes LGBTQ+ and is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Hiring for the following Shifts: All shifts include weekends.
12:30pm - 8:30pm - Saturday - Wednesday (Thursday & Friday off) (2 openings)
7:30am - 3:30pm - Tuesday - Saturday ( Sunday & Monday off) (1 opening)
2:30pm - 10:30pm - Thursday - Monday (Tuesday & Wednesday off) (1 opening)
Weekend Availability Required

Hiring Bonus : $1,000

New employees of Evergreen will receive a hiring bonus of $1,000 paid out as follows:

$250.00 - Paid out on the first check after successful completion of a two (2) day new hire orientation and DSHS Residential Services Curriculum forty (40)-hour training.

$250.00 - Paid out after successfully completing a ninety (90) -day probationary period.

$500.00 - Paid out after successfully completing a six (6)-month probationary period.

Scope:

Direct Support Professionals provide support of individualized program goals, plans and community based activities focusing on client choice, health and safety. DSP's provide quality compassionate care by performing tasks involving direct or indirect personal care and assisting with activities of daily living. DSP's use skills and knowledge learned in DSHS Residential Services Curriculum, continuing education, and nurse delegation training. All delegated tasks are performed under the direction, supervision, and delegation of a registered nurse. All tasks will be performed adhering to policies and procedures set forth by Evergreen Supported Living, WACs, and DDA Policies. Direct Support Professionals model ESL values, the promotion of client independence, and the values described in the DSHS Residential Service Guidelines.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Job Responsibilities:

1. Establish a relationship with clients to ensure effective instruction, support, and service delivery.
2. Assist clients in promoting independence, learning basic living skills, adapting to the community environment and establishing supportive relationships within the community.
3. Assist clients in areas of personal care, home management, meal planning, shopping and health maintenance.
4. Provide Positive Behavioral Support using identified strategies in the Positive Behavioral Support Plan; identify and suggest strategies as client needs change.
5. Interact with family/guardians, client extended support team, case managers, peer providers, coworkers, and the public in a positive, professional manner.
6. Provide client transportation as necessary to support client needs.
7. Utilize Individualized Instruction and Support Plan to facilitate client goals, participate in annual and as needed client assessment process, and collect data to support assessment of goals and client current needs.
8. Promote and practice teamwork through respectful interactions with other staff.
9. Facilitate quality client care through appropriate communication with fellow DSPs,
10. Program Management, Leadership, clients and guardians, according to ESL's Policies and Procedures.
11. Maintain daily progress notes and any other appropriate documentation in accordance with ESL policy and program standards, or other regulatory policies.
12. Perform cleaning, minor repairs, and maintenance at assigned site; maintain cleanliness of agency vehicles and report any issues affecting any safe operations or maintenance of agency vehicles at assigned site. Practice safe driving and diligence utilizing agency vehicles and ensure that vehicles are ready for next use, including gas and sanitizing.
13. Participate in scheduled staff meetings, trainings and other meetings as required.
14. Assist all clients in being actively involved in daily activities to achieve greater independence using strength based, person-centered planning.
15. Prepare, maintain and submit all required client documentation according to ESL's policies and procedures.
16. Provide quality care for all stages of client life and in settings outside of the client home as required.
17. Maintain State required certifications and annual continuing education credits.
18. Provide training and orientation for new staff and members of the client care team to ensure continuity of care.
19. Maintain all client appointments in Therap and communicate with the care team to ensure all staff are aware and prepared for client medical appointments.
20. Facilitate client health through assisting clients to identify health concerns, schedule and participate in healthcare appointments, document physician instructions, and communicate outcomes to the care team.
21. Provide medication assistance and administration and all nurse delegated tasks under supervision of nurse delegator and according to ESL's policies, state practices and standards.
22. Assist clients with pericare, toileting, bathing and other hygiene and grooming tasks in a manner that promotes respect and dignity.
23. Clean and sanitize client homes, agency spaces, and vehicles in compliance with ESL's infection control procedures.
24. Promote DSHS Residential Service Guidelines values in all client care.
25. Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications & Education:

• Employee must be at least (18) years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Certification in CPR/First Aid/Bloodborne Pathogens/Food Handlers Card
• Nursing Assistant Registration (NAR)
• Ability to proficiently read, write, and communicate
• Must have and maintain a valid state driver's license with no restrictions, proof of good driving record, and retain the ability to be insured through ESL's insurance provider.
• Must be able to pass and maintain a DSHS background check and fingerprint clearance.
• Must be able to successfully complete all required training in the required time allotted.
• Must be able to physically transfer, assist with transfers, and/or lift clients who require physical assistance.
• Must be able to reach, stand, bend and assist clients with physical activities.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times to assist clients.

Preferred Qualifications & Education:

• Familiarity with medical terminology.
• Experience working with individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities or employment and/or skills that are commensurate with responsibilities of the position.
• Ability to work cooperatively with peers and management.

Skills & Certifications:Paid for by Evergreen

• CPR/First Aid Card
• Bloodborne Pathogens Certification
• NAR (Nursing Assistant Registered- Statewide Credential)
• Diabetes Management/Insulin Administration training** Diabetes training is a specialty training that staff would receive if necessary for client care.
• Home care aid training
• Food Handlers Certification
• Functional Assessment & Positive Behavioral Support training
• Continuing education opportunities on a variety of subjects related to the behavioral and social sciences

COVID-19 Considerations:

• Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19; including 2 doses of a 2-dose series, or 1 dose of a 1-dose series prior to start of employment.
• Proof of vaccination required at time of hire.
• Personal protective equipment provided, and/or required
• Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place

Responsible To:

Program Manager

FLSA: Non-Exempt; Hourly

Wage Scale: $21.12 - 24.49 per hour

Compensation details: 21.12-24.49 Hourly Wage

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