Residential DSP and Cook

$15,000 - $35,984/Yr

The Devereux Foundation - Titusville, FL

Full-time - Entry Level

Titusville, FL

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Cook/DSP (Direct Support Professional) position at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida is a hybrid role that combines cooking and direct care responsibilities for children and adolescents facing emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. The role is essential in providing nutritious meals and supporting clients in their daily living activities, skill development, and behavioral management.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals according to established menus.
• Monitor food usage and store dietary supplies properly.
• Report safety issues to the Program Coordinator.
• Participate in monthly Environment of Care inspections to ensure compliance with Joint Commission standards.
• Assist clients with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.
• Implement behavior management plans and support individuals in developing coping strategies.
• Facilitate skill-building activities, including social skills, communication, and life skills training.
• Recognize signs of distress and de-escalate situations effectively and safely.
• Maintain accurate records of client progress, incidents, and daily activities.
• Assist clients with transportation to appointments, community activities, or school.
• Work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including therapists, nurses, and family members.
• Participate in ongoing training to stay updated on best practices in behavioral health support.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• At least one year of food preparation experience in an institutional setting preferred.
• Ability to read at a 12th-grade level.
• Valid driver's license.
• Successfully pass pre-employment medical screenings including drug screen, physical, and TB test.

Nice-to-haves

• Additional training in food preparation.
• Previous experience with the National Lunch Program.

Benefits

• Paid time off (24 days per year, increasing with years of service).
• Sick time (64 hours per year) for full-time staff.
• 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA.
• Quality low-cost benefits (medical, dental, vision), pet insurance, and student loan debt assistance.
• ASCEND - Tuition Program covering 100% of tuition (up to $15k for undergraduate and $25k for graduate annually).
• Free access to Payactiv for earned wages between pay periods.
• Employee Assistance Program and Employee Discounts available from the first day of employment.
• Service Awards for long-term commitment.