Job Summary
We are seeking a compassionate and energetic Direct Support Specialist to empower individuals with diverse needs to live fulfilling, independent lives. In this vital role, you will provide personalized assistance, promote safety, and foster a supportive environment for adults with developmental disabilities in community settings. Your dedication will help enhance quality of life through attentive care, engaging activities, and respectful support. This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day while working in a dynamic and rewarding environment. Please read compensation and requirements before you apply.
Client Support & Direct Service
- Provide 1:1 independent living skills support in areas such as daily living, health & safety, community access, budgeting, advocacy, and communication.
- Teach skills through modeling, guided practice, and hands-on instruction tailored to the client’s ISP/IPP outcomes.
- Support clients with household safety, personal organization, medication routines (non-medical oversight), transportation planning, healthy habits, and community navigation.
- Encourage self-advocacy, decision-making, and confidence-building in all sessions.
- Maintain strong, professional rapport with clients, families, and planning team members while upholding boundaries.
Documentation & Compliance
- Complete detailed daily progress notes for every session — accurate, clear, specific, and submitted on time.
- Track all billable hours, session lengths, and mileage in accordance with DDS and Emerald’s Lighthouse policies.
- Follow written ISP/IPP goals and ensure all services provided directly align with approved outcomes.
- Maintain strict confidentiality and follow HIPAA and agency standards at all times.
- Participate in scheduled file reviews, quarterly updates, and internal audits to ensure compliance accuracy.
Professionalism & Accountability
- Arrive on time, prepared, and professionally dressed for all shifts and meetings.
- Follow the company’s structured routine: daily duties, weekly check-ins, monthly reviews, and quarterly evaluations.
- Receive feedback with professionalism and a growth mindset; implement corrections immediately.
- Communicate clearly and promptly with supervisors regarding client needs, scheduling changes, or safety concerns.
- Represent Emerald’s Lighthouse with integrity, keeping clients’ dignity and safety at the forefront.
Safety & Crisis Awareness
- Ensure client safety inside the home and in the community, following all risk-prevention protocols.
- Identify signs of unsafe environments, mental health concerns, or potential abuse, and report appropriately.
- Assist clients with basic emergency planning, safe decision-making, and understanding natural consequences.
- Follow all company incident-reporting procedures within the required timeframes.
Scheduling & Time Management
- Maintain an organized weekly schedule and manage multiple client caseloads efficiently.
- Provide consistent availability during preferred client service hours.
- Adjust schedules when needed to accommodate quarterly reviews, supervised visits, or urgent client needs.
- Attend staff meetings, mandatory trainings, and ongoing professional development sessions.
Team Collaboration
- Shadow senior Case Managers during onboarding and early assignments to learn agency expectations.
- Accept on-site coaching and observation during your first case assignments.
- Collaborate with supervisors and team members to support client progress and problem-solve challenges.
- Contribute to performance review discussions and case conferences as assigned.
Technology & Reporting Tools
- Use agency-approved apps and platforms accurately and efficiently.
- Submit reports, documentation, timecards, and updates electronically by deadline.
- Maintain basic tech proficiency — using smartphones, uploading documents, navigating apps, and managing digital calendars.
Interview & Scheduling
- Please ONLY apply if you are interested in being contacted for an interview
- Please schedule interviews IF you are going to attend the interview
- IF you choose to attend an interview and need to cancel, please let us know ahead of time
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Professional development assistance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have private transportation?
- Do you have an active Driver's License?
- Can you pass a federal and state background check?
Work Location: In person
