Direct Support Specialist - Help People Every Day - (CIT, SFV)

Location: Santa Clarita Valley

Pay range: $16.78-$20.00

Do you want to do something that matters every day you go to work? Do you crave meaning from your job? Are you compassionate, energetic, and willing to help? Being a direct support staff for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is deeply fulfilling and fun! Every day in community day services is a different adventure, all while you are assisting someone else to have a better life!

The Adult Skills Center (TASC) provides innovative and proactive services that empower individuals with diverse intellectual, developmental, and mental health needs to achieve their highest level of Independence and realize their greatest potential. The direct support staff develops/implements curriculum and/or instructs individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities or disadvantages in the areas of employment skills, independent living skills, and social skills while supporting the individuals to become valued members of their community.

Primary Duties:*

• Works with a group of 1, 2, or 3 individuals in various community settings to build vocational, social, and behavioral skills.
• Ensures that all program individuals are present and accounted for during scheduled periods of instruction and are performing all tasks in a safe manner; is conscious of their health and safety at all times
• Plans curriculum and prepares lessons and other instructional materials to meet individual needs of people served in the program. Plans community outings and recreational activities with input from individuals. Ensures curriculum, lessons and plans are provided to the assigned instructional aides.
• Exhibits a friendly demeanor, establishes rapport with program individuals and acts as a positive role model for work habits, communication skills, etc.
• Supervises and supports program individuals while they are learning and practicing skills at sites, or in the community, including at the job site or place of residence.
• Serves as a model to the community concerning the respectful treatment of individuals with disabilities.
• Collaborates effectively with employers and other community partners to ensure that partner expectations and agreements are met. Takes appropriate corrective action when needed.
• Responsible for developing and teaching a comprehensive meaningful curriculum and providing support and instruction focused on Individual Service Plan and the Regional Centers Individual
• Assists and/or develops the Individual Service Plan with the program individual’s input and assistance. Implements the ISP and assesses program individual skills on a daily and weekly basis. Provides written progress reports. Completes all paperwork in the time frame required.
• Collects Data daily as provided by the Support Plan.

Use critical thinking skills when supporting challenging individuals in modifying their behaviors.

• Implements positive behavioral support programs and records data. Uses Person Centered approach and tools.
• Handles maladaptive behaviors effectively. Uses PCM strategies to deescalate and immobilize as necessary.
• Attends meetings and discusses progress of individuals served with members of their support team.
• Due to Covid-19 program changes, other duties such as remote assignments can be given. This includes Zoom classes, making at-home activity kits for clients, and work in various settings including client homes to minimize Covid-19 exposure.

Qualifications:

• Experience working with persons with developmental disabilities desirable. Requires initiative, creativity and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Basic computer skills necessary.
• Must be able to successfully complete First Aid/CPR and Core Competency Training and Direct Support Professional Training and other training as required.
• Must have current California Driver’s license/Insurance and clean DMV.
• Must receive criminal record clearance through the DOJ.
• Must be able to successfully complete PCMA training within the first 30 days of hire.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to drive company and/or personal vehicle for work, including transporting clients to and from work and/or appointments as needed, maintain valid driver’s license and car insurance, if required to drive for position.
• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

The employee must provide physical assistance and/or push clients up to 250lbs in a wheelchair. Must be able to assist adult clients transitioning in and out of vehicle and in the restroom.

Completion of Professional Crisis Management Instructor Certification within 90 days of hire (provided by TASC) is required for this position and is not recommended for:

1) Individuals who have mobility and/or range of motion problems

2) Individuals with recent fractures or surgeries

3) Individuals who have suffered any kind of joint injury requiring medical attention in the past 6 months

4) Individuals with poor balance, flexibility or agility

Benefits:*

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Maintain all certifications up to date
• 9 paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
• Employee Assistance Program
• Referral Program

*Please note that applicants must not have previously completed the trainings and received compensation from another Regional Center service provider.