Direct Support Staff / Life Coach

Develops and delivers in-person to participants. Provides coaching, mentorship and instruction as it relates to accessing the community, working in community businesses, and increasing levels of independence.

● Provides assistance to master aspects of the curriculum as required.

● Assesses and works to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of participants in different and unique community and work environments.

● Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings as requested, supporting participants to report on success in meeting goals.

● Helps with the development of person-centered plans as requested.

● Helps with the development of goals for each participant and assists in helping participants achieve goals.

● Performs other job duties as assigned.

● Documents participant progress on data sheets and progress notes.

● Supports participants in daily activities, maintaining a safe environment to facilitate each participant’s growth.

● Utilizes a variety of effective instructional and management techniques.

● Utilizes and implements assessments for planning and instruction.

● Demonstrates a commitment to continuous professional growth and works with Program Manager/ Supervisor to create and participate in a professional development plan.

● Monitors and maintains a positive environment to provide and support participant engagement, mutual respect and cooperative learning opportunities.

● Establishes and maintains appropriate relationships with participants, staff, and community members at community sites by communicating in a tactful, courteous, and confidential manner.

● Attends and participates in in-person/virtual staff meetings, other organizational related events and activities.

● Maintains a professional appearance, and demonstrates behavior that is conscientious and responsible.

● Does not engage in discriminatory practices on any basis, including race, origin, gender, socio- economic status, disability, religion, or political beliefs.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

•(2) two-years minimum of direct professional experience in working with persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities preferred (not required) - (Job training available)

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

• Must demonstrate expertise in creating/implementing best practices service delivery systems

regarding employment and supportive housing services to persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

• Must demonstrate effective case management skills and knowledge of referral services available for persons with disabilities.

• Must demonstrate a capacity for developing, monitoring and evaluating measurable support plans.

• Must demonstrate a capacity for creating and using assessment tools (formal and informal) and analyzing results.

• Must have excellent interpersonal relationship skills and experience in working with families, consumers, public and private entities, and volunteers.

• Must have in-depth knowledge of disability accommodations and adaptations, and disability advocacy for developmentally disabled clients

• Must be able to work collaboratively with others in a team environment, respecting and valuing the perspectives and contributions of others.

• Must function effectively in an environment with diverse cultures, multiple perspectives and competing needs.

• Must be an active member of the site team, working collaboratively with the manager and other site staff to meet property needs and resolve resident problems.

• Must be able to pass Basic First Aid & CPR Certification & Certification in AIDS 101.

• Must be able to complete and obtain 16-hr Pro-ACT and Pro-ACT restraint training certification. (Staff shall comply with 6 hours as a refresher course every additional year following the first year of the 16 hours of training in Pro-ACT.)

• Must be trained by the Behavioral Consultant or another teaching professional on ABA/Behavior Management training and training in crisis intervention.

• Must report dependent adult and elder abuse and neglect according to state law.

REQUIRED

• Computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe.

• Must have valid California Driver’s license.

• Employment background check.

• Must be able to pass an initial fingerprint and background clearance check and maintain a valid

fingerprint clearance at all times.

• Negative TB Test.

• May be required to lift and carry heavy, bulky supplies and materials weighing up to 20 pounds.

• Ability to use public transportation as a means of accessing the general community.