Direct Support Professional

Overview

Arm in Arm, SLS in south Santa Cruz County is seeking a reliable and compassionate Direct Support Professional with a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of experience supporting people with severe medical, physical and developmental disabilities, behavioral challenges and/or autistic-like characteristics. The person you will support has these substantial conditions, lives in his own home and communicates in English. Fluency in spoken and written English is required.

The position is full-time (35 hours a week), Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 3:30pm. The compensation is $20.65 to $20.93 per hour plus benefits. There will be a requirement of one on-call weekend day shift per month compensated in accordance with federal and state law.

The position requires the ability to respond promptly to sudden or unpredictable client behavior, including moving quickly to redirect, intervene, or maintain the safety of the client and/or others. You must also have reliable transportation to/from work, a valid California driver's license and clean driving record. Must have a valid First Aid/CPR certification or be able to obtain both within the first 30 days of employment. Criminal background clearance will be required. Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation. May need to wear a KN-95 or higher if and when conditions require it.

The ideal candidate is patient, detail-oriented, reliable, alert and energetic, demonstrates sound judgement and on-the-spot problem solving, can remain non-reactive when faced with challenging behaviors, is composed under pressure, and enjoys working with adults with severe developmental disabilities. You will need to have the ability to administer the level of care needed for this individual as part of a 2:1 collaborative team. You will observe and assess the individual with acuity so you can adequately address the many needs, tasks, and situations that may arise.

Responsibilities

Serve as half of a 2:1 team to meet the individual’s medical, health and safety needs and activities of daily living to:

• Support development of communication and social skills and working with the individual to implement positive behavior support strategies per the behavior support plan.
• Follow the daily schedule of home and community-based activities.
• Promote independence with in-home leisure skills and household tasks, including chores and personal hygiene.
• Collect and record data on targeted skills and behaviors as directed by a Behavior Analyst.
• Implement individualized support strategies for behavior management under the direction of a Behavior Analyst.
• Address the client’s health needs by assisting with food planning and preparation of pureed meals per dietary guidelines and restrictions, self-administration of medication, health care appointments, wound care, documenting medical and behavioral data, and periodically administering emergency medication per physician orders or CPR if and when needed.
• Attend training, meetings, and completing other assigned duties as instructed by a Behavior Analyst and/or the Agency Manager/Director.
• Support out-of-the-home leisure and recreational activities, including driving to and assisting with community outings in the Agency vehicle and in accordance with Agency protocols.
• Assist with maintaining a hygienic environment.
• Respect and support the individual’s rights, privacy, preferences, and choices in all aspects of daily life.
• Participate in IPP and person-centered planning meetings as requested.
• Maintain the confidentiality of the individual’s personal, health, and service information.
• Recognize and report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation as a mandated reporter, and reporting special incidents per agency protocol and regional center requirements.

This position requires vaccination against measles (MMR), Flu and COVID-19. Proof of vaccination will be requested after a conditional offer of employment. Applicants who cannot be vaccinated because of a disability medical condition, pregnancy, sincerely held religious belief, or other basis protected by law may request an accommodation, which will be provided unless it would pose an undue hardship or a direct threat to the health and safety of the individual supported or others.

Arm in Arm, SLS, is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by law. To request an accommodation for any part of the application process or job requirements, including vaccination, please note your request when you submit your application, or let us know at any point during the hiring process.

Please submit a resume and 2 work references.