Caregiver (DSP) - Spunky Woman

As a Caregiver (DSP) at UCP Oregon, your primary responsibilities will include assisting with daily activities for an engaging young woman with developmental disabilities. This involves facilitating fun activities like singalongs and crafts, helping with meals, managing medication, and supporting physical tasks such as bathing and dressing, ensuring a supportive environment where she can thrive.

To apply for the Caregiver (DSP) position at UCP Oregon, you should have a high school diploma or GED and the ability to pass pre-hiring screenings—which includes a reference check and a physical lifting test. Female applicants are preferred to meet personal privacy needs, and while experience in the developmental disability field is preferred, it is not required.

The Caregiver (DSP) position at UCP Oregon requires three specific shifts totaling 40 hours a week, which may limit flexibility. However, you’ll enjoy a predictable schedule with the possibility of overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a week, making it ideal for those looking for structured work hours.

UCP Oregon offers numerous benefits to Caregiver (DSP) employees, including a starting wage of $18.00 per hour, annual pay increases based on satisfactory performance, health insurance for you and your family, three weeks of paid time off (rising to four after five years), and a 401k retirement plan with employer matching, all within a fun and casual work environment.

Applying for the Caregiver (DSP) position at UCP Oregon is straightforward! Interested candidates can simply click on the 'Apply for this job' button provided in the job listing. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, UCP Oregon encourages a diverse range of applicants, welcoming those from various backgrounds to apply.

When answering this question, reflect on your passion for improving the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. Highlight any personal experiences that inspire your motivation, such as your commitment to empowerment, compassion for others, and desire to make a tangible difference in their lives.

In your response, share a specific example of how you took the time to understand a client’s needs and interests, emphasizing your communication skills, empathy, and adaptability. Talk about the steps you took to establish trust and create a positive relationship.

Discuss your approach to managing challenging behaviors, focusing on patience and understanding the underlying causes. Emphasize your strategies for de-escalation, collaboration with the client, and how you ensure a safe and supportive environment while encouraging positive expressions of feelings.

Here, it's beneficial to highlight any previous roles or experiences that relate to working with individuals with disabilities or similar populations. Discuss the skills you acquired, the positive outcomes you witnessed, and your commitment to ongoing learning and development in this area.

Your response can include a step-by-step approach to planning, like assessing the client’s interests, setting achievable goals for each day, and remaining flexible to adapt to their moods and preferences. Mention the importance of co-creating an activity schedule with the client to promote engagement and ownership.

Emphasize your collaborative skills and abilities to effectively communicate with other caregivers and family members. Discuss your appreciation for teamwork in improving client outcomes and how you see shared responsibilities enhancing the overall care experience.

In your answer, demonstrate your understanding of the importance of accuracy in medication administration. Discuss the protocols you follow to ensure safety and compliance, including double-checking prescriptions, adhering to schedules, and communicating any changes or concerns with the medical team and the client.

Describe how you would build social skills by introducing activities that align with the client’s interests and preferences. Discuss how you would provide positive reinforcement, create a safe space for interaction, and gradually encourage them to join group activities while respecting their comfort level.

Highlight key qualities important for a Caregiver (DSP) role such as empathy, patience, good communication skills, adaptability, and a positive attitude. Be specific about how these qualities have helped you in previous roles or experiences, illustrating your commitment to providing excellent care.

Discuss your strategies for addressing emotional distress in clients, focusing on active listening, validating their feelings, and employing calming techniques. Emphasize the significance of establishing a safe environment for them to express emotions and how you would encourage the use of words to communicate their feelings.