Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional – Caregiver - CCL (Driver) About the Role The Direct Support Professional – Community Care Licensing (DSP–CCL) plays a vital hands‑on role in creating a safe, supportive, and empowering home environment for the individuals we serve. In this position you’ll ensure the daily operations of the facility run smoothly while delivering exceptional, person‑centered care rooted in dignity, choice, and respect. What You'll Be Doing Client Services Demonstrates knowledge of individualized service plan and program delivery. Possesses excellent reasoning, analytical and communication skills. Maintains strong attention to detail, patience, and perseverance. Demonstrates empathy and emotional stability as a leader. Regularly reviews, revises, and monitors client’s daily schedules. Participates as a member of the Interdisciplinary (ID) Team and contributes to the service planning process by providing the service and care planning staff with specific information and observations of the client’s needs and preferences. Implements crisis intervention when needed. Participates in program data analysis preparation. Acts as a liaison with schools, day programs, Administrator, consultants, community agencies, families, and intra‑agency services. Provides individualized care and attention which may include assistance with grooming, bathing, oral hygiene, feeding, incontinent care, toileting, prosthetic appliances, transferring, and range of motion, communication, or other needs in keeping with the individuals’ care requirements. Provides monitoring and management of clients’ socially unacceptable behavior while providing positive mental and emotional interaction and coaching to teach socially acceptable behavior. Maintains the comfort, privacy, and dignity of each consumer in the delivery of services to clients. Interacts with clients in a manner that displays warmth and encouragement. Fully understands all aspects of clients’ rights, including the right to be free of restraints and free of abuse. Follows community activity schedule as assigned by House Manager. Drives HGH vehicles in a safe and responsible manner while transporting clients to doctor’s appointment, recreational activities, and other events; follows guidelines and all procedures for safely securing passengers, wheelchairs and cargo. Maintains a flexible work schedule and is able to work various locations as assigned. Administrative Duties Completes all paperwork, implements program plans and ISP data as directed by the Administrator in an accurate and timely manner. Assists Administrator with fiscal responsibilities of the house, i.e., food, supplies, etc. Dispenses and documents medication. Attends and participates in Agency meetings as required. Implements Agency policies and procedures as related to assigned duties. Monitors clients’ personal possessions inventory. Reports maintenance and vehicle concerns to House Manager. Documents pertinent information in client’s records in the form of daily t‑logs and data collection, inter‑disciplinary notes, and other appropriate chart entries. Promptly reports incidents or evidence of consumer abuse or violation of clients’ rights. Communication Communicates pertinent information to appropriate ID team members, family members, etc., regarding the on‑going status of each child. Communicates pertinent child, staff and physical plant information to appropriate support or administrative staff. Conducts self in a professional manner in all forms of communication and interpersonal relationships. Performs other job duties as necessary. Qualifications What You'll Bring to the Role: Knowledge, Skills, and Education Education Requirements High School diploma or GED required; Medical Assistant Diploma or Certificate preferred. Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire. Knowledge & Skills Ability to read, write, and understand the English language. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with clients, co‑workers, neighbors, volunteers, vendors, and the public. Strong patience and ability to remain calm in frustrating situations. Knowledge of HIPAA Guidelines and Patient Privacy required. Ability to multi‑task and manage time efficiently. Ability to perform housekeeping tasks such as laundry, bed‑making, meal preparation, cooking, and housecleaning. Must maintain confidentiality of client Protected Health Information (PHI) and personal information. Ability to safely operate general household tasks and agency vehicles. Physical ability to see, talk, hear, walk, bend, stoop, sit, stand, reach, and lift 30 pounds repeatedly and up to 50 pounds occasionally. Licenses & Certifications Current CPR/First Aid certification is mandatory. Valid California driver’s license and proof of safe driving record (current DMV report required). Minimum 24 months of licensed driving experience. Must pass vehicle transportation training and an annual “observed” road test. Must complete all new hire training including CPR/First Aid. Must obtain: DSP Year 1 Training Certification within the first year of employment (35‑hour course or Challenge Test). DSP Year 2 Training Certification within the second year of employment (course or Challenge Test). Experience Requirements Adult Experience Requirements (Title 17) Minimum of six months of prior experience providing direct supervision and special services; OR Within six months of hire, complete 12 hours of continuing education as required by Cal. Code Regs. Title 17 (subsection a(3)). Complete a minimum of 12 hours of approved continuing education every 12 months thereafter. Group Home Experience Requirements One year of full‑time experience (or equivalent) working with the client group to be served; OR Completion of 15 college semester units (or equivalent quarter units) in behavioral sciences from an accredited institution, including: 9 units specifically related to working with children with behavioral challenges due to abuse, neglect, or emotional trauma. Applicable coursework may include Corrections, Psychology, Social Work, or Social Welfare. Pre‑Employment Requirements Must pass a pre‑employment drug/alcohol test within 24 hours of job offer. Must pass a pre‑employment health screening/TB Test and annual TB tests thereafter. Must obtain a criminal records clearance through DHS and/or DSS (Live Scan fingerprinting). Our Values Innovation – We encourage creativity and innovation because we believe that by striving for more efficient and effective ways of doing things, we can achieve exceptional results. Collaboration – We believe that working together collaboratively is the foundation of a culture that values teamwork, communication, and cooperation. Accountability – We take responsibility for our actions and for delivering on our commitments. We believe that by being transparent and accountable, we build trust and maintain the respect of our stakeholders. Respect – We treat everyone with respect and dignity. We value inclusivity and believe that by upholding a culture of respect, we can foster a positive and supportive work environment. Empathy – We value empathy and understanding in all our interactions and seek to understand the perspectives and needs of our colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. Physical Requirements / Work Environment Regularly and frequently required to perform physical activity including walking, standing, sitting, reaching, carrying, lifting, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling. Assists with lifting, moving, and transferring adult clients from wheelchairs, shower chairs, toilets, beds, chairs etc. to a variety of locations within the home and community; may be required to lift to 50 lbs. Work involves a significant amount of locomotion including the operation of an agency vehicle (in‑town & freeway driving) and movement of clients to and from the vehicle to the office, clinics, community agencies, schools, and day programs. May be exposed to virus and/or infection. Will be required to work at any Agency location as needed and be responsible for own transportation to and from these locations. May have work schedule changed based on operational needs with appropriate notice. Must be available and willing to work such overtime, weekend, and holiday hours as the Agency determines are necessary or desirable to meet its business and client needs. Due to the nature of the job requirements, Direct Support Professionals have a “Working Lunch” and the hours of work are inclusive of the mealtime. Employees must maintain the skills necessary to safely and efficiently operate the following equipment and machines used in the performance of this job: Telephone/Fax machine. Mechanical lifts (Hoyer) when applicable, wheelchairs, adaptive equipment, adjustable chairs/beds, adaptive eating utensils, bath aids, transfer benches. Computers. Household appliances. Minivan/automobile. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement Home of Guiding Hands is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression), age, marital status, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability. About HGH Home of Guiding Hands is a non‑profit organization that was established in 1967 by a small group of dedicated and ambitious community members. The Mission of HGH is “to improve the lives of those we serve”. We support children and adults in San Diego and Imperial Counties with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome, epilepsy, autism, and cerebral palsy. We provide a full continuum of care including residential care in specialized group homes, independent living support, respite care, and adult foster home services. Additionally, we provide early childhood assessments and services, tailored day support, Life Planning workshops, county‑wide transportation services, and on‑site activities at our resource center. #J-18808-Ljbffr