Companion / Direct Support Professional (LSD1)

El Shaddai Care Community is urgently seeking a dependable, compassionate, and professional Companion / Direct Support Professional to provide Life Skills Development Level 1 (LSD1/Companion) services to an adult with developmental disabilities in the Palm Harbor area.

This is a community-based position focused on companionship, community participation, social interaction, independence, and person-centered support.

The ideal candidate is reliable, patient, engaging, respectful, and comfortable supporting an individual in community settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide companionship and appropriate supervision during authorized service hours.
• Support participation in recreational and community activities.
• Encourage social interaction, communication, and community inclusion.
• Assist the consumer in developing and maintaining appropriate life and social skills within the authorized Companion service.
• Provide prompting, encouragement, and support while promoting independence.
• Follow the consumer’s Person-Centered Support Plan, authorized schedule, preferences, and goals.
• Maintain the consumer’s dignity, privacy, safety, and individual choices.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with the consumer and family.
• Complete required service documentation and timekeeping accurately and on time.
• Immediately report incidents, emergencies, safety concerns, or significant changes to ESCC.
• Follow all El Shaddai Care Community, APD, Medicaid, confidentiality, and applicable service requirements.

Qualifications

Applicants should:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma/GED or qualifying education.
• Have qualifying/verifiable experience or education applicable to the Companion service.
• Be able to complete required background-screening and employment-verification requirements.
• Complete all required ESCC/APD training and onboarding requirements before being cleared for direct service.
• Be dependable and able to maintain the assigned schedule.
• Have reliable transportation.
• Be comfortable participating in community activities with the consumer.
• Have strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Be able to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.

Previous experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is strongly preferred.

Compensation

$17.00 per hour

Immediate Hiring

This position has an immediate staffing need, with services anticipated to begin Friday, September 4, 2026.

Qualified applicants should be prepared for a same-day/expedited interview and onboarding process. Candidates must complete all required pre-service clearance and onboarding requirements before beginning direct services.

El Shaddai Care Community is an equal opportunity employer.

Pay: $16.00 - $17.00 per hour

Work Location: In person