Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional – Clearwater, FL

Company Overview

Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care services. With over 40,000 employees serving more than 50,000 individuals nationwide, Sevita is dedicated to empowering adults and children with diverse needs to live independently and thrive in their communities.

Position Summary

As a Caregiver at Sevita, you’ll play a critical role in supporting children and adolescents with autism, developmental disabilities including intellectual disability and individuals with high-magnitude and/or intense behavioral needs. Your role will combine hands-on caregiving with behavioral support, helping individuals develop functional life skills and positive replacement behaviors to support greater independence while ensuring their daily safety and dignity.

This is a direct care role where compassion, patience, critical thinking, a strong work ethic and consistency are key to success.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide daily living support, including hygiene, meals, mobility, and medication reminders
• Engage clients in meaningful, structured activities and community involvement
• Monitor health status and report any changes or concerns
• Remain awake and attentive to monitor for risks; and report/intervene (per company training/policies) to ensure safety of all residents and staff
• De-escalate challenging behaviors using approved intervention techniques
• Take direction from clinicians, nurses, supervisor/managers to properly implement behavior support plans and follow safety protocols
• Document all tasks and support provided during your shift
• Support individuals during behavioral crises, including use of physical interventions when trained and appropriate
• Drive clients to appointments, school, or community outings
• Maintain a clean, supportive, and respectful living environment
• Remain in active compliance with the company’s mandatory training/certification requirements
• Collaborate with families, clinical staff, and other caregivers to ensure coordinated care

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Must be able to commute or relocate to Clearwater, FL 33769
• Compassionate, reliable, and able to remain calm under pressure

Preferred Qualifications for Health Field Candidates

We welcome applicants with a background in health or behavioral care. Preferred candidates may have:

• Professional work experience working with individuals exhibiting high-magnitude and severe behaviors
• Crisis prevention knowledge and hands-on experience (e.g., CPI, PCM, TCI)
• CNA certification or direct care experience supporting behavioral individuals who may also have physical disability and/or medical conditions
• Ability to align clinical and behavioral skills with the structure and goals of our program, especially in serving youth on the autism spectrum

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off, paid sick time, and paid training
• Paid orientation
• Paid enrollment in 40-hour RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) course and state certification
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Referral Bonus Program

Shift Availability

• Day Shift 7am – 3pm (Preferred)
• Night Shift 3pm – 11pm (Preferred)
• Overnight Shift 11pm – 7 am (Preferred)

*Please note: This job requires your ability to attend paid training during the daytime (approximately 9am-4pm) for the first 2-3 weeks of employment.  

Make a Meaningful Impact – Apply Today

Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website

https://info.flclearinghouse.com

Pay: $16.00 - $18.00/hour (contingent on eligibility for pay qualifiers)