Substitute Instructor - Direct Support Professional Associate DS20260828

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Associate

Location: Santa Maria, CA / On-Call Position / Workdays: Flexible Monday - Friday / Hours: Flexible and will vary between 8:30am - 3:00 pm / Hourly Rate: $18.50

Beacon, formerly VTC Enterprises/LOVARC has been supporting people with developmental disabilities since 1962. Part of fulfilling our mission includes providing individuals with community experiences to develop and promote their independence.

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) Associate position serves as the entry point into the Direct Support Professional career path. Under the guidance of experienced staff and supervisors, the DSP Associate assists individuals served in participating in meaningful activities, developing skills, achieving personal goals, and engaging in community life.

Essential Functions To perform this job successfully, a person must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned.

Participant Support & Engagement

• Build positive and respectful relationships with individuals served.
• Assist individuals in participating in daily activities, recreational opportunities, classes, community outings, and skill-development programs.
• Promote independence, self-determination, dignity, and choice in all interactions.
• Support individuals in achieving goals identified in their Individual Service Plans.
• Encourage participation and engagement while respecting personal preferences and communication styles.

Learning & Professional Development

• Complete assigned onboarding, training, and orientation requirements.
• Demonstrate increasing knowledge of person-centered practices, participant rights, and community inclusion principles.
• Observe and learn effective support strategies from experienced Direct Support Professionals.
• Actively seek feedback and coaching to improve performance and professional skills.
• Participate in competency assessments and validation activities.

Community & Program Support

• Assist with community-based activities, volunteer opportunities, recreational programs, and site-based services.
• Support individuals during transportation and community outings while following organizational safety procedures.
• Help prepare materials and supplies needed for activities and programming.
• Maintain awareness of participant locations, safety needs, and support requirements.

Documentation & Communication

• Complete assigned documentation accurately and timely.
• Report participant concerns, incidents, health changes, behavioral concerns, or safety issues to supervisory staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of participant information in accordance with HIPAA and organizational requirements.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with participants, coworkers, families, vendors, and community members.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all agency policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
• Utilize approved de-escalation and behavior support strategies as trained.
• Recognize and report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or unusual incidents in accordance with mandated reporting laws and organizational policy.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and seek assistance when necessary.
• Maintain certification requirements as assigned.

Qualifications include the following. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required for this position.

Education/Experience: High school diploma or equivalent required. No prior direct support experience required. Experience volunteering, caregiving, customer service, education, recreation, human services, or working with diverse populations is desirable but not required.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written English. Establish and maintain professional working relationships with individuals served, coworkers, supervisors, and members of the public.

Technical/Computer Skills: Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications including Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel. Ability to learn and effectively utilize agency software systems, electronic documentation platforms, email communication tools, and other technology used to support service delivery.

Professional Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and accountability.
• Adapt to changing priorities and participant needs.
• Follow directions and exercise sound judgment.
• Maintain professional boundaries.

Certificates, Licenses & Registrations: Maintain First Aid, CPR, and CPI certifications. Valid driver's license with an insurable driving record.

Other Skills & Abilities:

• Meet Community Care Licensing criminal history requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and HIPAA regulations.
• Successfully complete required onboarding, training, and competency validation requirements.

Benefits: None

Beacon is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.