Direct Support Professional-Driver

The OPARC Mission

OPARC believes that all individuals deserve the human right to be valued members of society regardless of their intelligence or physical capabilities. OPARC exists to make training, employment, and social opportunities available and to be the champion for thousands of people with disabilities in Southern California.

Title: DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP)

General Statement of Function: 

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for providing person-centered support, assistance, and transportation to adults with disabilities in a community or on-site setting. This position will conduct routine health and wellness checks, assist with mobility and daily living activities, ensure accurate documentation, maintain confidentiality, and provide personal care support while preserving participant dignity and independence. 

Essential Functions:

Program Participation & Engagement 

• Implement active programming and respectful interactions with participants, at all times.
• Maintain visual supervision of participants during on-site and off-site activities, ensuring safety and dignity are maintained. 
• Provide support, assistance, and training to participants in all program areas per their established program plan and in conjunction with the scheduled activities.
• Transport participants (approx. 6-8) to and from day program daily utilizing an OPARC vehicle.
• Transport up to 8 participants and 1 support staff daily from the program into the community in an OPARC vehicle.  
• Follow all drivers training guidelines, speed limits, participant safety, and vehicle maintenance on a daily basis.

Participant Health Monitoring 

• Perform routine wellness checks such as intake/output tracking, hydration monitoring, and documentation. 
• Assist participants with required care needs (mobility, transfers to/from wheelchair, toilet, positioning, and use of adaptive equipment).
• Report unusual lapse in behavior and health to management staff immediately.
• Adhere to any protocol for behavioral interventions and/or any Restricted Health Care plans. 

Support and Assistance

• Responsible for the safety of all participants. 
• Provide assistance, training, and supervision in a community or on-site setting.
• Coordinate activities related to Individual Service Plans (ISP) on a regular basis, reporting any changes to the Assistant Program Manager or designated person.
• Provide care support while preserving participant dignity and independence with feeding, incontinence care, toileting, hygiene, dressing, and grooming.  

Documentation & Compliance 

• Maintain confidentiality of all medical and personal information per HIPAA and agency policies. 
• Report participant or staff related incidents to the Program Manager or designated coverage person. 
• Complete all required daily documentation including but not limited to postural supports, medical conditions, medication administration logs, daily progress notes, communication books, incident reports, data collection, participant attendance, and other relevant information per program and regulatory guidelines. 

Team Collaboration 

• Communicate regularly with program staff and management regarding participant needs and observations. 
• Work closely with Case Managers and Supervisors to assure the accurate facilitation of participant goals. 
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings related to behavior intervention, health, safety, and participant care. 
• Provide needed support and guidance to other direct support staff when assistance is requested and/or observed. 
• Provide subbing support in other licensed OPARC programs, when applicable. 

Environmental Safety & Infection Control 

• Follow all health and safety protocols, including, but not limited to infection control procedures, proper PPE usage, and cleaning/sanitizing routines.
• Monitor the program environment for safety hazards and report any concerns immediately.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Must be at least 18 years of age. 
• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.  
• Valid California driver’s license and clean driving record while transporting participants in an OPARC vehicle.  
• Three (3) years of driving experience.
• Proof of current vehicle insurance, only applicable when driving personal vehicle for Oparc business. 
• Ability to pass a Department of Justice (DOJ) background check and fingerprint clearance, complete TB test, pre-employment physical, and provide proof of required immunizations (as applicable).  
• Preferred experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) or in a similar caregiving, nursing, behavioral, or human services role. 

• Must be able to work in outdoor environments, which can include, but is not limited to allergens, excessive heat, excessive cold, excessive humidity, dampness or chilling, excessive noise and/or slippery and uneven walking surfaces and indoor warehouse-type settings that may lack heating, air conditioning, and have concrete flooring.

• CPR, First Aid, and Crisis Intervention (e.g., CPI) certifications — or ability to obtain upon hire. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bilingual (Spanish, ASL, etc.) is a plus. 

Work Environment Requirements:

• Able to work in both indoor and community-based environments.

• Willing to support individuals during community outings, job coaching, and/or volunteer activities.
• Able to lift up to 25 pounds by self and up to 150 pounds with one other person.
• Assist with physical transfers, if necessary.
• Able to push a wheelchair with a seated participant up to one (1) mile.
• Standing, walking, sitting, pushing, bending and pulling required.
• Squatting and repetitive motion may be necessary.
• Use chemicals in accordance with manufacturer’s labeled instructions. 

• Adhere to the proper care and responsible use of Oparc issued property, tools, and equipment. 

Location: Oparc - Determined based on assigned worksite. 

Reports To: Program Manager 

Schedule: 8:00 am - 3:30 pm (6-7 hours , Monday – Friday, with an ½ hour unpaid lunch, varied hours based on program need.