Medical Direct Support Prof-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: Medical Direct Support Professional (MDSP)

General Statement of Function

The Medical Direct Support Professional (MDSP) is responsible for performing routine wellness checks and monitoring the health status of individuals, assisting with mobility and daily living activities. This role will ensure accurate documentation, maintain confidentiality, and provide person-centered care support while preserving participant dignity and independence. Working under the direction of licensed nursing staff, the MDSP provides specialized assistance to participants with complex medical conditions in accordance with individualized health care plans and implements formal behavioral intervention plans when indicated as part of the participant's overall support.

Program Participation & Engagement

• Implement active programming and respectful interactions with participants at all times.
• Encourage participant engagement in program activities, adapting participation based on medical needs and personal preferences.
• 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

• Assist in monitoring the health status of individuals by observing signs of illness, distress, or changes in condition and promptly reporting observations to nursing staff or program management.
• 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.
• Implement formal and informal behavioral intervention plans when indicated, adhering to non-aversive methods as determined by the ID Team, and follow all Restricted Health Care plans as directed.

Support and Assistance

• Responsible for the safety of all participants.
• Provide personal care support while preserving participant dignity and independence feeding, incontinence care, toileting, hygiene, dressing, and grooming.
• Provide specialized support and assist with designated health maintenance tasks as directed by licensed nursing staff for participants with complex medical needs, including but not limited to contractures, ileostomy, urostomy, gastrostomy tube care, and medically fragile conditions.
• Respond appropriately to medical emergencies, seizures, choking, falls, and any other medical emergencies.
• 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.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain confidentiality of all medical and personal information per HIPAA and agency policies.
• Complete all required daily documentation including but not limited to postural supports, medical conditions, medication administration logs, daily progress notes, communication books, incident reports, behavioral data collection, participant attendance, and other relevant information per program and regulatory guidelines.
• Report participant or staff related incidents to the Program Manager or designated coverage person.
• Complete 40 hours of specified healthcare trainings within 12 months of hire.

Team Collaboration

• Communicate regularly with program staff, nurses, and management regarding participant needs and observations.
• Work closely with Case Managers, LVN, RN, and Supervisor to ensure accurate facilitation of participant goals.
• Participate in staff meetings and training related to health, safety, and participant care.
• Provide needed support and guidance to other direct support staff when assistance is requested and/or observed.
• Attend all staff meetings and training as assigned/scheduled.
• 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 21 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.
• Two (2) years of driving experience.
• 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).
• 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, 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.).
• Experience in a medical support, personal care aide, health technician, CNA, or similarly healthcare-adjacent role.

Work Environment Requirements

• Able to work in both indoor and community-based environments.
• Able 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 – Monte Vista site, Montclair, California

Reports To: Program Manager

Schedule: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a ½-hour unpaid lunch; varied hours based on program need.