Direct Support Instructor, Adult Day Program (San Jose)

Position Title: Direct Support Instructor for Adults with Developmental Disabilities in Adult Day Program

Location: San Jose, CA 

Employment Type: Full-Time

Pay Range: $18.01 - $24.31 (hourly)

JOB SUMMARY:

Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) is a Bay Area non-profit organization founded in 1996 and focused on helping individuals with special needs and their families find love, hope, respect, and support through integrated community involvement. Our FCSN Adult Day Program is seeking an energetic, patient, detail-oriented, and reliable Direct Support Instructor. The position is responsible for providing training and supervision to adults with developmental challenges.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Under the supervision of the Program Coordinator, the essential functions of the Adult Day Program (ADP) Instructor are to 1) provide support, supervision, personal care assistance to meet ADP participants’ preferences, interests, needs, functioning skills; 2) conduct classes to promote participants’ health, independence and overall skills; and 3) transport participants for community outings, field trips and volunteer work. This position involves implementing Person-Centered Thinking (PCT) activities, promoting participants’ overall skills and personal growth, ensuring their well-being and safety, and fostering a positive and inclusive environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide training, personal care assistance and support to participant in maximizing their self- care tasks, independence, optimal health, vocational skills, emotional stability, and community integration.
• Provide close supervision, assistance and engagement to ensure participants’ safety, well-being and needs are met.
• Develop innovative curriculum, conduct training/classes, and organize activities tailored to participants' diverse needs, skills and interests.
• Motivate and actively engage participants in classes, training, and activities.
• Provide vocational training to increase participants’ job skills for future job opportunities.
• Transport participants for community volunteer sites, outings, field trips and as needed trips.
• Assist participants in exploring community resources, planning and attending community outings.
• Implement positive behavioral prevention strategies and intervention techniques.
• Assist participants to self-administer prescribed medication or over-counter med, assisting participants in achieving their ISP objectives.
• Effectively and respectfully communicate with participants, families, team members and supervisors.
• Document participants’ daily progress, behaviors, participation, activities, objective tracking and incidents.
• Complete semi-annual, annual PCT ISP reports and annual videos for assigned caseload in a timely manner and engage participants in achieving their ISP objectives.
• Follow established safety protocols and emergency procedures, intervening as necessary.
• Engage in precautionary practices to mitigate health, safety and any other risks to participants' well-being.
• Perform first aid, CPR, and other emergency services (e.g. evacuations) as appropriate to the needs of participants.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to the development of care plans.
• Attend staff meetings and training (All the staff training and meetings are mandatory).
• Communicate proactively with supervisors regarding participants' well-being, needs, incidents, concerns, etc.
• Be a supportive team player, support coworkers and promote team morale.
• Respect participants’ rights, dignity, privacy. Timely report observations or evidence of violations of any of the personal rights and dependent adult and elder abuse.
• Comply with HIPAA law and confidentiality.
• Participate in FCSN special events fundraisers.

REQUIREMENTS:

1.  Education: A high school diploma is required; a higher education degree is preferred.

2.  Experience: Have at least one year of experience working with the developmentally disabled or being an enthusiastic, quick learner with an impeccable work ethic.

3.  Professional Skills

• Good oral and written communications skills in English.
• Good behavioral management skills.
• Ability to teach, conduct training and classes, arrange activities, and work effectively and independently.
• Sufficient skills in using Microsoft Office applications, email, and data entry
• Ability to adapt to the changing needs of participants and respond to unexpected situations.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to multi-task to meet deadlines.
• Proficient critical thinking skills in decision making situations, good organizational and record keeping skills, and good independent judgment.

4.    Environmental Conditions

• Must be open to assignments
• Able and willing to perform tasks that may involve lifting (25 lbs), bending, and assisting with personal caregiver and mobility needs.
• Must have a reliable vehicle with full car insurance (proof of vehicle insurance), clean DMV record and willing to transport participants in personal vehicle for participants’ traveling needs.
• Extensive amount of time driving and transporting clients in the community, standing and walking.
• Use electronic devices for documentation and notes.

5.  Personality Traits:

• Patient, caring, empathetic, with a genuine commitment to enhancing the quality of life and mental health for program participants
• Take initiative, energetic, reliable, multi-tasks, a quick learner as a direct support professional (dsp)
• Have a creative, innovative, open, and positive mindset and a 'Can Do' attitude.
• Have great interpersonal skills, collaborate with diverse people, and maintain a positive, uplifting, and optimistic work environment.

COMPANY WIDE JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Must pass DOJ fingerprint-based background clearance prior to joining
• Must pass a health screening and TB test prior to joining
• Must possess a valid driver's license and have a clean driving record
• Obtain valid CPR and First Aid Certificate within one month of joining
• Use of mask when recommended/required by local Public Health

BENEFITS:

• 401(k) / company matching
• Dental / Vision / Health Insurance
• Life / AD&D insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Holiday Pay
• Sign on Bonus/ Referral Bonus Program

Salary : $18 - $24