Direct Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Direct Support Specialist 

Classification: Non-Exempt

Department: Programs

Pay: $18.50 per hour

Reports to: Executive Director

Schedule: TBD

Employment Status: Part time

Location: Northridge, California

Position Summary

The Supported Living Services Direct Support Specialist provides direct support and daily care to adults with developmental disabilities in a supported living setting. This role assists individuals with activities of daily living, including feeding, dressing, bathing, personal hygiene, meal preparation, household tasks, shopping, money management, communication, and coordinating medical appointments, based on each individual’s needs and level of independence.

The SLS Direct Support Specialist works under the direction of the Supported Living Supervisor and supports the implementation of each individual’s program plan. This includes helping individuals build skills, maintain independence, and safely participate in daily life while ensuring services are delivered with dignity, respect, and person-centered care.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties include assisting with feeding, dressing, bathing, maintaining hygiene, and coordinating medical appointments. Additional responsibilities may involve meal preparation, money management, shopping for groceries or personal items, using the telephone, and performing household chores when these activities are crucial for the person’s supported living and cannot be managed independently due to health, disability, or age-related limitations. The SLS CSC also contributes to the development of individual program plans and provides training as outlined in these plans.

• Maintain regular communication with the SLS Director, Supervisor, or Case Coordinator, as well as with residential facilities, families, and other service providers and agencies, as needed.

• Plan and coordinate with those we support to achieve program objectives and client outcomes.

• Work towards achieving IPP objectives, identifying barriers to success, and devising methods to overcome them.

• Ensure the person's home is clean, safe, and healthy.

• Report special incidents in accordance with EmpowerLA SLS policies.

• Assist in developing social activities for clients.

• Ensure those we support live in a safe and clean environment.

• Teach those we support how to improve their activities of daily living.

Other Assigned Duties:

• Monitor the progress of services and those we support  in relation to established goals and objectives.

• Attend team meetings or training sessions as part of ongoing education or agency-wide training/in-service programs.

• Participate in clients' quarterly, semi-annual, or annual meetings.

• Perform other related duties and assignments as required.

Work-Related Travel & Mileage Reimbursement

As mentioned, this position may require driving as part of assigned job duties, including transporting supported individuals, attending appointments, completing approved errands, shopping for groceries or personal items, or traveling between assigned service locations.

The client’s home or assigned service location is considered the employee’s work location for the shift. Employees are responsible for their regular commute to and from the assigned work location.

Approved work-related driving during the employee’s scheduled shift may be eligible for mileage reimbursement in accordance with company policy.

Required Qualifications

The following qualifications reflect the knowledge, skills, and abilities required:

• High School Diploma/GED and at least 6 months of direct supervision experience working with consumers with developmental disabilities.

• The Program Director may waive the experience requirement if the applicant successfully passes the interview process and demonstrates potential for learning.

• Proficiency in reading, analyzing, and interpreting general regulations.

• Ability to write notes and understand goals/objectives.

• Valid certificate of training in first aid/CPR and CPI.

• Clear background criminal record.

• Clear TB screening record.

• Effective communication skills to present information and respond to inquiries from consumers, the circle of support, the Regional Center, or the general public.

• Proficiency in English is mandatory.

• Ability to exercise independent judgment.

• SLS CSC will maintain a cell phone for immediate emergency contact.

• Possession of a current and valid CA Driver's License with verified car insurance.

• Commitment to completing 12 hours of in-service/ongoing education training annually.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements listed below are representative of those needed to successfully perform the essential functions of the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position may require the ability to:

• Stand, walk, sit, bend, kneel, squat, reach, and lift as needed.

• Assist with client mobility, transfers, or physical support, depending on client needs.

• Lift, carry, push, or pull up to [insert weight] pounds.

• Drive or travel to client homes, program locations, or community settings.

• Respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations.

• Work in client homes, community environments, or other non-office settings.

Work Environment

This position may be performed in client homes, community settings, program sites, vehicles, or other locations based on client needs. Employees may be exposed to varying environments, routines, behaviors, and support needs.

The employee is expected to maintain professionalism, safety, confidentiality, and appropriate boundaries in all work settings.

Required Training and Certifications

The employee may be required to complete or maintain the following:

• First Aid/CPR certification

• Mandated Reporter training

• Abuse and neglect prevention training

• Medication assistance training, if applicable

• Client rights/confidentiality training

• Any additional training required by the company, funding source, licensing agency, or applicable law