Direct Support Professional

Are you a self-motivated and reliable person who can work with adults with disabilities while helping them develop their skills and grow? Then we need you! Our Kaleidoscope Community Adult Program needs your talent to work in a caring and supportive environment to allow our clients to increase skills in various areas, meet their goals, and reach their full potential, both now and in the future.

Under the direction of the Care Coordinator, Assistant Program Manager and Program Manager, the Direct Support Professional works with adult learners with intellectual and developmental disabilities to ensure that they have access to the support, encouragement, tools, resources, and knowledge to lead happy fulfilling lives. The Direct Support Professional works with individuals and their families to develop individualized personal goals and then establish and monitor action plans to help them reach these goals. Our skilled staff will provide you with the training you need to feel comfortable and confident in all aspects of the role.

Core Responsibilities & Essential Job Functions

• Supervise and train participants on the skills needed to perform specific tasks, routines, and personal life activities by applying a systematic process to improve participant’s ability to set goals, take action, and maximize strengths.
• Assist participants in reinforcing essential life skills and/or teaching new skills.
• Coach participants to stay on task, and cultivate a support network between participants, other coaching team members, family and community members.
• Supervise, monitor, and assist participants as necessary to maintain healthy, safe environment, and maximum participation in program activities, on site and in the community.
• Provide support to clients with basic living skills which includes toileting, hygiene care, food prep, feeding assistance, dressing, chores, and other activities that are fundamental to daily living. 
• Assist with planning, organizing, developing and implementing program activities for both large and small participant groups.
• Implement IPP goals and behavioral intervention plans as directed by Program Managers and Care Coordinators. 
• Documents any unusual or special incidences with participants via Special Incident Report (“SIR”), and coordinates with Program Manager for reporting of suspected abuse.
• Provide updates to parents regarding participants’ progress and needs. 
• Work with Easterseals Northern California team members and community resources to enhance quality of program and services provided.
• Procure and prepare daily snacks for participants and ensure clean-up of work/activity areas. 
• Provide transportation to participants (must be 21 years of age to operate company vehicles).
• Conduct weekly inventory of program supplies and inform Program Manager of inventory needs.
• Must adhere to all federal, state, and local laws/legislations as applicable as well as HIPAA laws and regulatory agencies

Qualifications

Minimum Education, Experience & Training Equivalent to:

• High school Diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age (21 years to operate company vehicles).
• One year experience working in a team environment coaching and/or teaching adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities a plus but not required.

Knowledge & Skills: 

• Effective communication skills and an ability to interact respectfully and sensitively with clients, client’s family and ESNorCal staff. 
• Committed to ESNorCal values, including resilience and inclusion.
• Ability to work with up to three clients during a single session.
• Passionate about teaching and training.
• Patience and a positive attitude.
• Establish a comfortable and supportive relationship with individuals receiving services.
• American Sign Language or bilingual ability a plus.
• Demonstrate good judgement and decision-making skills.
• Exercise confidentiality and discretion pertaining to the work environment.
• Transport participants in company vehicle (if over 21 years of age).

Physical Requirements:

• Constant walking (65%) and supervision of participants (75%).
• Constant speaking and listening (75%) to participants and others.
• Frequent use of arms and fingers to grasp, equipment, utensils, and dishes (60%).
• Frequent bending, reaching, squatting, kneeling, twisting in order to interact with participants (50%).
• Occasional using upper and lower torso, arms, and legs to assist in lifting or transferring participants of up to 50 lbs. (20%).
• Occasional sitting and maintaining close visual attention to write reports and using arms and hands to operate computer (5%).
• Occasional walking to, bending to enter, sitting, and using upper and lower limbs to drive car (5%).
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time, stand for up to 6-8 hours a day.
• Ability to physically implement behavior management strategies including responding to physically aggressive behavior.
• Visual and auditory ability to work with clients, staff, and others in the workplace continuously.
• Ability to utilize computer, cell phone (iPhone).
• Frequent proofreading and checking documents for accuracy.
• Must be able to communicate effectively within the workplace, read and write using the primary language within the workplace.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must obtain and maintain criminal record clearance through the Department of Justice. The People & Performance department must analyze DOJ/FBI live scan reports in accordance with applicable federal, State, and local laws as well as fitness for position.
• Must have a valid California Driver’s License with Insurance and maintain a clean driving record.
• Must pass health screenings, obtain vaccinations, and clear TB testing based on company policies.
• Must obtain and maintain:
  • Clearance through the Office of Inspector General.
  • CPR certificate and QBS SafetyCare certificate.
  • National Provider Identifier (NPI).
• Attend all assigned training.

Time Type:

Part time

Compensation:

$21.00 - $22.00 Per Hour

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas as deemed fit for the organization.

Easterseals Northern California is an equal opportunity employer.