Direct Support Associate

$1,500 SIGN ON BONUS AVAILABLE
Position Description: Direct Support Associate (DSA)
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Supervisor/Manager of Home or Appropriate Program or Day Program Supervisor
Created: June 30, 2010
Revised: December 10, 2020

Job Summary


Responsible for maintaining a healthy, safe, and therapeutic environment for consumers and following through on their individual plans of care.


Essential Job Functions:

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

Qualifications

• Effectively read, write and communicate verbally in English and must be able to read and understand instructions, perform record-keeping and write reports
• Valid drivers license which meets Evergreen requirements for insurance purposes and proof of liability coverage if a vehicle is owned
• Meet and maintain all requirements of the applicable state agency(ies), including good standing with state abuse and neglect registry
• Submit to and pass drug screen and criminal background check
• Ability to learn basic computer skills (i.e. turn on/off, log in/out, input data, approve timesheet)
• Prior experience as a direct support worker preferred
• At least 18 years of age (non-driver) or 21 years of age (driver)

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Constantly moves about to coordinate work
• Regularly moves and positions objects weighing up to 50 pounds while assisting consumers in home, workshop, or job site.
• Regularly assist consumers physically by lifting and positioning them as appropriate
• Constantly alert and aware to consumers needs
• Occasionally exposed to viruses and infectious conditions
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Will not supervise
  
  

Special Requirements

• Represent Evergreen in public in a fashion that would reflect credibility and professionalism on the organization.
• Desire to work with people with disabilities and enhance their quality of life
• Function successfully in stressful situations
• Demonstrate high moral standards so as to be a positive role model for consumers
• Complete all orientation and on the job training prior to starting work
• Work assigned shifts as required by management
• Attend all training classes as required