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.

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.

Does the idea of a desk job bore you? Do you want a job that inspires you? A job that gives back to your community?

If you answered yes to any of the above, you could be a great fit for a Direct Support Associate at Evergreen Life Services (Evergreen). As a Direct Support Associate, you will help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain life skills, build confidence and live as independently as possible. You will make a difference every time you come to work.

Evergreen Life Services, Arkansas Division is currently in search for Direct Support Associates for the Texarkana, AR area.

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