Our mission is to serve, provide for, and champion individuals with disabilities.

Evergreen Life Services (ELS) is a charitable, non-profit organization that provides a full range of professional services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in the 1950s, today we are proud to serve more than 1,100 individuals with disabilities in 8 states.

Working at Evergreen Life Services isn’t just a job; it’s a rewarding career. Whether you provide direct care in our adult day care or in a group home, or you serve in a support or corporate office role, you will be an important part of the Evergreen team.

If you are looking for a place where you can make a difference, at Evergreen Life Services you will change lives. Every employee is a valuable part of the team because, at Evergreen, everyone matters.

Position Description: Direct Support Associate (DSA)

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Supervisor/Manager of Home or Appropriate Program or Day Program Supervisor

Revised: December 10, 2020

Job Summary

Responsible for maintaining a healthy, safe, and therapeutic environment for individuals served and following through on their individual plans of care. This position is an as needed and will not have definitive schedule or location.

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 driver’s 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 consumer’s 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

Employment Variables

Must have a good driving record which meets the minimum requirements for Evergreen and reliable transportation. Must be able to pass drug screen and criminal background check. Must be able to work some evenings when required.

Working Environment

May be required to work in a variety of settings and environments both indoors and outdoors.

Evergreen is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

Evergreen Life Services

I want more than just a job.
I want to make a difference in people’s lives.
I want to make a difference in my community.

We want to make a difference too. Working at Evergreen Life Services isn’t just a job; it’s a rewarding career. Sometimes that reward is a smile or a song from a resident, sometimes it’s the reward of knowing you helped a resident to learn daily life skills, like setting a table or preparing a meal. It could be watching a resident make beautiful artwork in one of our studios. Every day you will have opportunities to help those with intellectual or physical disabilities feel that they are a part of a community that cares.

Whether you provide direct care in our adult day care or in a group home, or you serve in a support or corporate office role, you will be an important part of the Evergreen team.

We have nearly 2000 employees and more than 1100 individuals served in seven states, including Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Florida.

If you are looking for a place where you can make a difference, at Evergreen Life Services you will change lives. Every employee is a valuable part of the team, because at Evergreen, everyone matters.

Evergreen, in it's mission is to serve, provide for and champion individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is looking for qualified, caring individuals to work with us.