Direct Support Provider

Location: Vancouver, WA, 98684

Reports To: Supported Living Program Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Department: Care Services

Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time / On-Call

Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides in-home and community-based support to adults with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. DSPs assist individuals with daily living skills, personal care, health-related tasks, and meaningful community engagement. This role emphasizes dignity, independence, safety, and person-centered care while building trusting, respectful relationships with individuals served. DSPs are essential partners in helping individuals achieve their Individual Instruction and Support Plan (IISP) and Person-Centered Service Plan (PCSP) goals while maintaining a high standard of compassionate, professional care.

Mission, Vision, and Values Alignment

• Establishing and maintaining trusting partnerships with individuals supported and stakeholders
• Providing enhanced, person-centered support services
• Demonstrating respect, empathy, integrity, and accountability in all interactions

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential function proficiently. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Personal Care & Daily Living Support

• Assist individuals with personal hygiene and care, including bathing, toileting, dressing, and grooming
• Support Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), including laundry, household upkeep, and light yard maintenance
• Assist with mobility, transfers, and wheelchair support as needed

Meal Planning & Nutrition

• Plan, prepare, and serve meals and snacks in accordance with dietary needs and care plans
• Assist with grocery shopping and meal-related errands
• Maintain accurate meal and nutrition documentation

Health & Medication Support

• Accompany individuals to medical, dental, and other scheduled appointments
• Support medication administration and management in accordance with training, certifications, and state regulations
• Monitor and report changes in health, behavior, or safety concerns

Community Integration & Life Enrichment

• Encourage and support participation in preferred activities, in-home productivity, and community outings
• Promote independence, choice, and self-advocacy
• Engage individuals through meaningful conversation and relationship-building
• Participate in life enrichment activities aligned with PCSP and IISP goals

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete required documentation accurately and timely, including:
  • Incident reports
  • Daily shift reports
  • Activity logs
  • Intake and elimination records
  • IISP goal progress notes
• Maintain confidentiality of all client and company information
• Follow Serengeti Care policies, procedures, and state regulations

Training & Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain all required certifications (e.g., CPR/First Aid, NAR, HCA, CNA, Right Response, DSHS-required trainings)
• Attend mandatory meetings, in-service trainings, continuing education (CE), and core trainings
• Provide professional, compassionate care while representing Serengeti Care positively

Other Duties

Perform additional duties as assigned by leadership to support program and organizational goals.

Key Competencies

• Organizational Skills: Strong attention to detail, documentation accuracy, and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Effective Communication: Clear, respectful verbal and written communication with individuals, families, and team members from diverse backgrounds
• Adaptability: Ability to adjust to changing schedules, individual needs, and priorities while maintaining quality care
• Problem-Solving & Teamwork: Demonstrates sound judgment, collaboration, and professionalism in challenging situations
• Time Management: Effectively prioritizes responsibilities to ensure timely completion of duties

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma, transcript, or GED required
• Prior caregiving experience preferred (minimum 1 year)

Certifications & Requirements

• Ability to pass a Washington State Criminal Background Check and fingerprinting by hire date
• Required or preferred certifications include:
  • NAR, HCA, or CNA
  • DSHS-approved 75-hour Basic Training
  • CPR/First Aid (in-person)
  • Right Response (preferred)
• Basic computer and documentation skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to bend, kneel, squat, reach above shoulders, push wheelchairs, and assist with transfers
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, twist, and climb stairs or ladders for extended periods
• Must be able to see, hear, and respond appropriately to individuals’ needs
• Work may occur in homes, community settings, and occasionally outdoors with exposure to varying temperatures and environments

Schedule & Compensation Overview

• Flexible scheduling including day, swing, and graveyard shifts
• 6-, 8-, 10-, and 12-hour shifts available
• Holidays, overtime, and on-call shifts may be required
• Competitive hourly pay with opportunities for bonuses
• Weekly pay
• Paid training and referral bonus program