Direct Support Professional

Developmental Services Continuum, Inc., is seeking dependable, compassionate, and experienced Direct Support Professionals (DSP's) to provide direct care and behavioral support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our level 6 Adult Residential homes.

DSP’s must understand the responsibility involved in supporting adults with developmental and behavioral needs and be committed to providing consistent, person-centered care.

The individuals we support may exhibit significant behavioral challenges, including verbal or physical aggression, self-injuries, property destruction, emotional outbursts, eating disorders, resistant behaviors, and difficulty with changes in routine.

DSP’s must be prepared to respond calmly and professionally to behavioral or emotional escalation using approved de-escalation, and behavioral support techniques.

Essential Responsibilities

• This is a hands on position that requires active engagement with individuals throughout the shift
• Provide direct assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, and other personal-care needs
• Support individuals with daily routines, household activities, appointments, recreation, and community outings
• Provide appropriate supervision based on each individual's needs
• Implement Individual Program Plans (IPPs), behavior support plans, and individualized strategies as trained and directed
• Recognize behavioral triggers and use approved intervention techniques
• Assist with medication procedures in accordance with training, agency policies, and applicable requirements
• Complete progress notes, behavioral data, medication documentation, incident reports, and other required records accurately and on time
• Maintain a clean, safe, organized, and supportive residential environment
• Respond appropriately to behavioral incidents, medical emergencies, and other unexpected situations, and promptly communicate important information, concerns, or significant changes to supervisory staff
• Work cooperatively with DSPs, Lead DSPs, Administrators, behavior consultants, and other members of the individual's support team
• Attend required staff meetings, training, and in-service education
• Follow DSC policies and procedures and applicable California Title 17 and Title 22 requirements

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older to apply
• High school diploma or GED
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, significant behavioral challenges, residential care, or similar experience is preferred
• Valid California driver's license and acceptable driving record preferred
• Ability to pass the California Department of Justice and FBI background check prior to employment
• CDSS approved criminal record exemptions are accepted
• Ability to successfully pass all required pre-employment health screenings, including a physical examination, drug screen and TB testing
• Preferred certifications RBT, DSP-I and DSP-II
• Communicate effectively in English

Physical Requirements

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with reasonable accommodation when applicable

The position may require prolonged standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, pushing, pulling and lifting items weighing 50 pounds or less repeatedly during the shift

Must be available to work evenings, weekends and holidays. Full and Part-time positions are available. Open shifts include 2p–10p or 10p–9a.

Locations include:

• San Diego 92119
• El Cajon 92021
• La Mesa 91942
• Lakeside 92040
• Lemon Grove 91945

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Voluntary Insurance Plans; Disability, Cancer, Accident, plus more
• Employee Discount Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Individual Retirement Account with State of CA
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Paid Orientation
• Paid Training
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Sick Pay
• Holiday Pay
• Paycheck Advances