(Sign-on Bonus!) DSP - Community Support Staff

The Community Support Staff (CSS) serves primarily as a personal attendant for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to provide home and community-based support to individuals to live meaningful lives. As a personal attendant, the primary responsibility of the CSS is to assist participants in personal care including bathing, eating, personal hygiene needs, and toileting as well as monitor general health conditions and provide supervision as outlined in the individual’s Individual Program Plan (IPP) and Person-Centered Individual Service Plan (ISP). Such services are provided by the CSS to maintain community placement in a home of their own. In doing so, it is essential that the CSS maintains a good working relationship with the individuals served by respecting their personal rights and ensuring their care, welfare and safety.

The CSS may also be required, at a minimum level, to assist individuals with maintaining their household including cleaning and meal preparation. These types of activities shall constitute less than 20% of total duties. Additionally, due to the personal care needs of the individual, including the need for supervision, the CSS will also support the individual in accessing the community per the individual’s wishes which may include taking individuals to their appointments and supervising personal errands.

The CSS is also responsible for providing services and maintaining the Five Principles of Supported Living and consumers’ full participation in their lives and the responsibilities of an adult life. The CSS is responsible for adhering to California Code of Regulations, Title 17, Consumer Rights, and all aspects of the Individual Service Plan (ISP) process.

As outlined in Employee Handbook Section 1-10 (Work Environment), employees may encounter challenging, or unpredictable behaviors while providing support services.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Six months’ experience working with persons with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities or in a human services field, preferred.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
  • Adequate knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Valid California driver’s license with a minimum of three years’ driving experience, acceptable DMV printout, and proof of vehicle insurance.
• Reliable vehicle for transportation of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.
• Maintain current and valid First Aid and CPR training.
• Pass a criminal background check as required by the California Department of Social Services.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and assist individuals with transfers to and from mobility equipment and vehicles.
• Pass a pre-employment physical indicating ability to perform the essential functions of the position as stated below.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide direct service and support and personal assistance services for individuals served by the program (personal hygiene and grooming needs, assistance with self-administration of medications, toileting and continence care, and providing general supervision to maintain the individual’s safety).
• Support individuals using person-centered approaches consistent with the participant’s IPP and ISP to promote health, safety, dignity, and successful community participation.
• Providing basic meal preparation, laundry, general household cleaning, community access, medical and/or dental appointments, etc. (these tasks constitute less than 20% of total duties).
• Assisting individuals in increasing and/or maintaining their quality of life and attaining their goals and objectives as outlined in the IPP and ISP.
• Supporting individuals in developing their Circle of Support within the community by building and maintaining relationships with family members, friends, neighbors, referral source agency, community resource agencies, and others the individual feels are important to the maintenance of their independence.
  • Encourage active participation from members of the individual’s Circle of Support.
• Providing community supervision based on the individual’s needs including transportation for the individuals as necessary to scheduled and unscheduled appointments and activities necessary for maintaining independence in the community.
• Monitoring the health and medical needs of the individuals and support the individuals in all aspects of maintaining adequate medical care.
• Attending all mandatory and required in-service training, staff meetings, conferences and workshops.
• Respecting and supporting individual choices, routines, and preferences.
• Assisting individuals in the use of adaptive equipment if necessary or needed.
• Providing 24-hour emergency response when threats to the individual’s health, safety, and/or welfare is at risk and also provide continuous and consistent support for individuals, thereby ensuring their safety in the community.
  • Provide support to individuals and members of the Circle of Support in the event of an emergency/disaster.
• Proactively communicating with supervisors regarding the individuals’ needs and threats to health, safety, and welfare.
• Collaborate with team members, family members, and support networks to support participant independence and success in the community.
• Proactively communicating with supervisors regarding the progress and barriers to success for the individuals served.
• Maintaining the confidentiality of the individuals served.
• Ensure that all documentation on the individual’s progress, communications between staff members and outside agencies is completed thoroughly, accurately, and timely.
• Responsible for logging all trips in agency-owned and personal vehicles for reimbursement consideration.

Essential Physical Requirements

These requirements describe the physical actions necessary to perform the essential functions of the role. Reasonable accommodation will be provided when needed and appropriate.

• Driving — Ability to operate a motor vehicle according to California laws and regulations.

• Mobility assistance — Ability to assist individuals with transfers, repositioning, and ambulation as outlined in their support plans.
• Emergency response — Ability to respond promptly to emergency situations, including supporting evacuation procedures.
• Sustained activity — Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the work shift while supporting individuals in daily activities.
• Equipment operation — Ability to safely operate and maneuver wheelchairs, lifts, adaptive devices, and other support equipment.
• Personal care support — Ability to assist individuals with hygiene, dressing, bathing, and other personal care tasks as required by their service plans.
• Communication and interaction — Ability to communicate clearly, observe individuals’ needs, and engage in active support in community and program settings.
• CPR and First Aid performance — Ability to perform CPR and First Aid, including kneeling, chest compressions, and sustained physical effort.

Classification and Benefits

• Classification: At-will, Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt (Full and Part-Time positions)
• Hours Worked: Varies Sunday to Saturday
• FT Benefits: Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Time, 11 Paid Holidays, Health/Dental/Vision Insurance, Group Life Insurance, Voluntary Life Insurance, FSA Health, FSA Dependent Care, Commuter Benefit Program and Employee Assistance Program
• PT Benefits: Paid Sick Time, FSA Health, FSA Dependent Care, Commuter Benefit Program and Employee Assistance Program
• Salary: $22.68/Hour Starting
• Sign-On Bonus: $1,000

Las Trampas School, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other characteristics protected by State or Federal law or local ordinance. Las Trampas School, Inc. has zero tolerance for discrimination or racism in our workplace. We strive to create a workplace where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work every day.