Direct Support Professional
Direct Support Professional - Caregiver - ICF
East County San Diego - El Cajon, CA 92020
Overview
Salary Range
$19.15 - $21.15 Hourly
Position Type
Full Time
Description
Job Summary
As a Direct Support Professional, you will play a meaningful role in empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live full, self-directed lives. You’ll provide personalized, high-quality care in a home environment that honors each client’s rights, dignity, preferences, and independence.
In this hands-on role, you will support clients in achieving their goals by implementing individualized service plans, fostering daily living skills, encouraging community engagement, and promoting overall well-being. You’ll also ensure accurate documentation and compliance with licensing standards and agency policies to maintain safe, person-centered care.
This is more than a job—it's an opportunity to make a real impact every day.
What You'll Be Doing: Tasks, Duties, and Responsibilities
Client Rights, Dignity & Well-Being
Is knowledgeable of residents’/clients’ rights and ensures an environment that protects privacy, dignity, and overall well-being.
Maintains client comfort, privacy, and dignity in all interactions; promotes a warm, caring atmosphere.
Fully understands client rights, including freedom from restraints and abuse; promptly reports any concerns or violations.
Quality Care & Direct Support
Provides individualized attention that promotes the highest practical physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being.
Reviews and follows each client’s individualized service plan (ISP); contributes observations and information to support ISP updates.
Assists clients with daily living needs, including grooming, bathing, oral hygiene, feeding, toileting, incontinence care, transferring, ambulation, range of motion, communication, and other required supports.
Provides coaching and support to address socially unacceptable behaviors while teaching appropriate alternatives.
Works directly with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Administers medications and performs treatments according to policy; checks vital signs and collects specimens as needed.
Observes clients for changes in condition or behavior and promptly reports findings to nursing staff.
Safety, Compliance & Professional Conduct
Supports and adheres to procedures related to safety, universal precautions, fire/safety/disaster plans, risk management, and security.
Identifies, reports, and/or helps correct unsafe working conditions and equipment issues.
Maintains confidentiality of resident, employee, and agency information.
Ensures compliance with licensing regulations, agency policies, and all applicable laws.
Upholds a work environment free from sexual harassment, discrimination, and illegal behavior.
Conducts self professionally and tactfully in all communication and interpersonal relationships.
Follows up appropriately with supervisors, coworkers, and clients regarding concerns or complaints.
Completes all required in-service trainings, meetings, attendance expectations, and dress code standards (including personal hygiene).
Performs all responsibilities in accordance with safety and infection-control procedures (handwashing, PPE, proper disposal, etc.).
Environment & Property Care
Helps maintain a clean, safe, and orderly facility; reports environmental deficiencies to Maintenance.
Protects client belongings (clothing, eyewear, cash, equipment, etc.) and follows policies for reporting and locating missing items.
Uses proper body mechanics and lifting devices when moving or transporting clients to prevent injury.
Transportation & Community Integration
Drives HGH vehicles safely and responsibly.
Transports clients to appointments, activities, and community outings.
Follows all procedures for securing passengers, wheelchairs, and cargo.
Documentation & Communication
Accurately completes all required records and documentation in accordance with agency standards.
Uses computer software for communication, documentation, and data entry.
Promotes positive public relations with clients, families, visitors, and regulatory representatives.
Additional Duties
Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
What You'll Bring to the Role: Knowledge, Skills, and Education
Education & Certifications
High School diploma or GED required; Medical Assistant Diploma or Certificate preferred.
Current CPR/First Aid certification is mandatory.
Must complete all required new hire training
Must pass a pre-employment health screening/TB Test and annual TB tests thereafter.
Experience & Professional Knowledge
Previous experience providing services to individuals with developmental, learning, or physical disabilities preferred but not required.
Knowledge of HIPAA Guidelines and must maintain confidentiality of all Protected Health Information and personal client data.
Skills & Abilities
Ability to read, write, and understand English.
Able to establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with clients, coworkers, neighbors, volunteers, vendors, and the public
Able to perform housekeeping tasks including laundry, bed-making, meal preparation, cooking, and cleaning.
Physical Requirements
Ability to see, talk, hear, walk, bend, stoop, sit, stand, reach, and lift up to 30 pounds repeatedly during a shift.
Capable of safely performing physically demanding job functions and client support needs as required.
Licensure, Driving & Safety Requirements
Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.
Must possess a valid California driver’s license, proof of a safe driving record (current DMV report required), and have at least 2 years of licensed driving experience
Must pass required vehicle transportation training and an “observed” road test annually.
Background & Compliance Requirements
Must obtain and maintain a criminal records clearance through DHS and/or DSS (Live Scan fingerprinting).
Must comply with all agency policies, confidentiality requirements, health and safety standards, and regulatory expectations.
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. Our drive for success is shared by all. Our organization focuses on solutions and refuses to maintain the status quo. We challenge our team to be ahead of industry trends as we strive to lead and not follow.
Collaboration – We believe that working together collaboratively is the foundation of a culture that values teamwork, communication, and cooperation. This belief is central to every part of our business, both internally and externally, and strengthens our community.
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. We treat others as we would want to be treated.
Empathy – We value empathy and understanding in all our interactions. We seek to understand the perspectives and needs of our colleagues, clients, and stakeholders to meet them with kindness and compassion.
Physical Requirements/Work Environment
Physical Demands
Regularly and frequently required to perform physical activities including walking, standing, sitting, reaching, carrying, lifting, bending, twisting, stooping, and kneeling.
Assists with lifting, moving, and transferring adult clients between wheelchairs, shower chairs, toilets, beds, chairs, and other locations throughout the home and community.
Occasionally required to lift up to 50 lbs.
Must be able to perform physically demanding tasks safely and consistently throughout the shift.
Client Transportation & Locomotion
Work requires significant movement, including transporting clients and operating an agency vehicle for both local and freeway driving.
Supports clients in transitioning to and from vehicles, offices, clinics, community agencies, schools, and day programs.
Exposure & Safety Considerations
May be exposed to viruses, infections, and other health-related risks.
Must adhere to all safety protocols, infection control standards, and use of personal protective equipment as required.
Work Locations & Scheduling
May be assigned to work at any Agency location as operational needs require; responsible for own transportation to and from assigned sites.
Work schedules may be adjusted with appropriate notice based on agency needs.
Must be available and willing to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as necessary to meet service and operational requirements.
Due to the nature of the role, Direct Support Professionals have a “Working Lunch,” and mealtime is included in paid work hours.
Equipment Use & Operational Skills
Employees must maintain the ability to safely and effectively operate the following equipment and devices:
Telephones and fax machines
Mechanical lifts (e.g., Hoyer lifts), wheelchairs, adaptive equipment
Adjustable chairs and beds
Adaptive eating utensils and bath aids
Transfer benches
Computers and related software
Standard household appliances
Agency vehicles including minivans and automobiles
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.