GET YOUR CAREER STARTED! Do you want to make a positive impact in the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental needs? Are you looking to return home at the end of the day feeling fulfilled and accomplished? If you answered YES, then consider joining our Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Team!

Being a Direct Support Professional has its advantages! As a Direct Support Professional at Devereux, you’ll work with other dedicated professionals who share your passion for helping individuals in need.

We offer:

• Opportunities to learn and develop professionally in the behavioral health field
• A fun, fast-paced and supportive environment that allows you to participate in the treatment planning process
• Quality Low-Cost Benefits upon first 30 days of hire, including medical and dental.... learn more at mydevereuxbenefits.org
• Tuition Assistance up to $25k and Student Loan assistance up to 5k a year through our new Program ASCEND

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is one of the largest and most advanced behavioral healthcare organizations in the country. Nestled near the beaches between the Pacific Coast and Santa Ynez mountains, Devereux California is a therapeutic behavioral health treatment facility offering residential services, community living, day programs, and clinical services for adults with multiple diagnoses, including autistic spectrum disorders, emotional and/or behavioral differences, intellectual and developmental disabilities, dementia and other cognitive disorders.

Our beautiful Goleta campus overlooks the Pacific Ocean, and has been treating adults with co-occurring diagnoses in California since 1945. This position is responsible for assisting in the planning and implementation of recreational, social and instructional programs for individuals served in assigned residential or day program.

Responsibilities of the Direct Support Professional include, but are not limited to:

• Providing services to persons with mild to moderate developmental diagnosis. A DSP must have the ability to work with individuals with sometimes challenging behaviors.
• Assisting, instructing, and supporting individuals in the Adult Day Program with various ADP activities.
• Ensure participants are active, engaged, and productive.
• Actively supervise, coach, and mentor participants.
• Must be willing to work with individuals who may exhibit challenging and/or aggressive behaviors (paid training upon hire).
• Must be comfortable working in an environment with individuals needing assistance with hygiene care.
• Administer medications as necessary.
• Use company vehicle to transport individuals to activities in the community.
• Accompanying our individuals on community outings, medical appointments, and other activities, as directed.
• Assisting with meals

Adult Day Program: Devereux California offers a state-of-the-art Adult Day program that addresses the diverse needs of those living with emotional, behavioral, and/or cognitive differences in a safe, caring and compassionate setting. We provide encouraging and stimulating environments in which participants can flourish and enjoy productive, meaningful and satisfying learning and recreational experiences. Adults can participate in activities, such as music lessons, volunteer work, computer skills development, and cooking classes. Offered five days a week, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., this program provides a structured support system to develop and maintain effective behavior management skills and coping strategies. Our adults engage in learning, recreational and leisure activities to enhance social skills, teamwork, education and relaxation, as well as physical fitness and wellbeing. We focus on building daily living skills, creative arts, communication and problem-solving skills, sensory integration and motor skills, and community and work engagement – all within a supportive, safe and welcoming environment. Each participant has an individualized schedule and objectives based on ongoing assessments of their needs and skill level. The overall goal of our program is to help individuals develop the skills needed to maximize independence, foster social and emotional growth, and enhance their overall quality of life.

General Shifts: 9am-3pm, Monday - Friday. NOT A FULL-TIME POSITION. Full-time is available through working weekend shifts in another Devereux program. Must be able to work a minimum of three shifts.

Compensation is $18-$18.25/hr

High School Diploma or GED required. One (1) year of human service experience working with children, adolescents, and adults preferred. 

The IDEAL candidate will be empathetic, a team player, have excellent written and verbal communication skills, energetic, creative, understand the theories of behavior management and positive reinforcement, and represent yourself as a positive role model. Additionally, you must be able to complete required new hire orientation class, have a strong passion for working with and helping children and adolescents with special needs and possess a valid license.

Physical Requirements: Significant amounts of walking, sitting, and standing. Some lifting and/or managing resistance required related to applying physical intervention techniques upwards of 75-100 lbs. or more. Some repetitive wrist/hand movements, normal hearing and vision. Occasional use of computers and office equipment. Occasional driving of Devereux vehicles for business purposes. Ability to meet 100% mastery of Safe and Positive Approaches.

Work Environment: Regularly works inside areas that are adequately lighted and ventilated. Some fluctuations in temperature. Use of Protective equipment such as latex gloves, facial mask protective eyewear, and gown. Possible exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Some degree of physical involvement in exercise of Safe and Positive Approaches.

Devereux has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse and maintains policies and procedures to systematically reduce the risk of abuse to occur in our organization. Devereux fosters a culture of reporting abuse, and will cooperate with the authorities to the fullest extent possible.