Personal Assistant Direct Support Staff

Benefits 401(k) Opportunity for advancement Paid time off Personal Assistant Direct Support Staff – Job Summary The Personal Assistant (PA) Direct Support Staff is responsible for providing individualized, person-centered assistance to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their homes and community settings. This position focuses on promoting independence, dignity, personal choice, safety, and overall quality of life by assisting individuals with daily living activities, personal care, community participation, and other needs identified in their Individual Program Plan (IPP) and authorized service plan. Personal Assistant Direct Support Staff provide one-on-one assistance tailored to each individual's unique abilities, preferences, needs, and personal goals. Services may include assistance with bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, meal preparation, feeding, light housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, transportation, attending appointments, recreational activities, and accessing community resources. Staff are expected to encourage individuals to participate in daily activities to the greatest extent possible while respecting their rights, privacy, autonomy, and personal decisions. Personal Assistant Services primarily focus on providing hands-on assistance, supervision, prompting, and support rather than structured skills training or instructional services. Key Responsibilities Provide individualized, one-on-one personal assistance in accordance with each client's authorized service plan. Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, toileting, and meal preparation. Support household activities, including cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, and maintaining a safe living environment. Assist individuals with transportation, community outings, medical appointments, recreational activities, and social participation. Provide appropriate supervision, reminders, prompting, and hands-on assistance based on individual needs. Promote client independence, dignity, self-determination, personal rights, and informed choice. Monitor client health, safety, and well-being and promptly report concerns, incidents, suspected abuse, or neglect in accordance with company policies and applicable reporting requirements. Maintain accurate daily service documentation, electronic visit verification (EVV) records when applicable, and required progress notes. Follow confidentiality requirements, HIPAA policies where applicable, professional boundaries, and Supportive Connections LLC policies and procedures. Communicate professionally with clients, families, supervisors, and authorized members of the individual's support team. Position Expectations Personal Assistant Direct Support Staff must demonstrate compassion, patience, dependability, professionalism, and respect for individuals with developmental disabilities. Employees must maintain appropriate professional boundaries, follow authorized service schedules, complete required training, and provide consistent, high-quality care in accordance with California Regional Center requirements, applicable laws and regulations, and Supportive Connections LLC standards. Our Commitment At Supportive Connections LLC, our mission is to empower individuals with developmental disabilities to live meaningful, fulfilling, and self-directed lives. Our Personal Assistant Direct Support Staff play an essential role in ensuring every individual receives respectful, compassionate, reliable, and personalized support that promotes inclusion, independence, safety, and an improved quality of life. General Accountabilities – Personal Assistant Direct Support Staff Provide compassionate, person-centered, one-on-one assistance to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their homes and community settings. Assist clients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, feeding, personal hygiene, and other personal care needs. Support clients with household responsibilities, including meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, and maintaining a clean and safe living environment. Assist clients with community participation, recreational activities, social outings, shopping, appointments, and transportation as authorized. Provide appropriate supervision, verbal prompting, reminders, and hands‑on assistance based on each client's individual needs, preferences, and abilities. Promote independence, dignity, self‑determination, personal choice, and inclusion while respecting each client's rights and privacy. Follow each client's Individual Program Plan (IPP), authorized service plan, and individualized support instructions to ensure consistent and appropriate assistance. Monitor client health, safety, and general well‑being throughout scheduled shifts and promptly communicate concerns or changes in condition to the appropriate supervisor. Recognize and appropriately respond to emergencies, behavioral concerns, and potential safety risks in accordance with established procedures and training. Report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, and special incidents in accordance with mandated reporting laws, Regional Center requirements, and company policies. Maintain accurate, complete, and timely daily service notes, attendance records, timesheets, and Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) documentation when applicable. Maintain professional boundaries and safeguard confidential client information in accordance with applicable privacy laws and company confidentiality policies. Communicate effectively and respectfully with clients, families, authorized representatives, supervisors, and other members of the support team. Arrive on time for assigned shifts, maintain dependable attendance, and promptly notify management of scheduling conflicts, absences, or emergencies. Follow all Supportive Connections LLC policies and procedures, including professional conduct, client rights, health and safety, transportation, documentation, and incident reporting requirements. Complete required onboarding, background clearances, certifications, and ongoing training as required by the company and applicable regulations. Perform only authorized duties within the scope of Personal Assistant Services and the employee's training, qualifications, and assigned responsibilities. Maintain a positive, respectful, patient, and supportive environment that encourages client participation and enhances overall quality of life. Immediately report any concerns involving client safety, service quality, professional misconduct, or violations of company policies. Perform other related duties as assigned by management, consistent with the employee's position, training, and authorized service responsibilities. Equal Employment Opportunity Supportive Connections LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. Employment decisions are made without unlawful discrimination or harassment based on any characteristic protected by applicable federal or California law. Job Qualifications – Personal Assistant Direct Support Staff Minimum Qualifications Must be at least 18 years of age. High school diploma or GED preferred. Previous experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, autism, or individuals requiring personal care assistance is preferred but not required. Must successfully complete all applicable pre‑employment background checks and clearances, including California Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI fingerprint clearance, as required by law and company policy. Must possess or be willing to obtain current CPR and First Aid certification. Must complete all required onboarding, orientation, mandated reporter training, and ongoing company training. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Must demonstrate the ability to provide safe, compassionate, and reliable assistance to individuals with varying support needs. Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, to complete required documentation and communicate with supervisors and support teams. Additional language abilities are a plus. Must have reliable transportation to and from assigned work locations. A valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and current automobile insurance are required for positions involving client transportation. Must be able to use a smartphone or electronic device to complete timesheets, service documentation, scheduling, and Electronic Visit Verification (EVV), when applicable. Preferred Qualifications At least six months to one year of experience providing direct care, personal assistance, caregiving, respite, or other support services. Experience supporting individuals served by California Regional Centers or participating in the Self‑Determination Program (SDP). Familiarity with Individual Program Plans (IPPs), person‑centered practices, and individual rights. Experience assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, feeding, and mobility assistance. Knowledge of positive behavioral support, de‑escalation techniques, and disability‑related accommodations. Experience providing community-based assistance and supporting individuals with varying levels of independence. Bilingual abilities, particularly English and Spanish, are highly desirable. Required Skills and Abilities Demonstrate patience, empathy, compassion, professionalism, and respect for individuals with developmental disabilities. Ability to follow individualized support instructions, authorized service plans, and company policies. Strong communication, interpersonal, problem‑solving, and organizational skills. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining accountability and professional standards. Ability to recognize potential health and safety concerns and respond appropriately to emergencies. Ability to maintain professional boundaries and protect confidential client information. Demonstrate dependability, punctuality, flexibility, and consistent attendance. Ability to adapt to different client needs, communication styles, preferences, and home environments. Ability to maintain accurate, complete, and timely service documentation. Commitment to promoting independence, dignity, self‑determination, inclusion, and quality of life. Physical Requirements Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, kneel, reach, and perform routine physical activities associated with personal assistance. Ability to assist clients with mobility, positioning, and transfers when required, using appropriate training, equipment, and safe handling procedures. Ability to perform personal care and household assistance tasks safely. Ability to accompany clients during community outings and recreational activities. Ability to respond promptly and appropriately during emergencies. Physical requirements may vary depending on the assigned client's needs. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable law. Additional Employment Requirements Successfully complete all applicable pre‑employment screenings and required clearances. Maintain required certifications, training, and qualifications throughout employment. Comply with California mandated reporter requirements, applicable Regional Center regulations, and Supportive Connections LLC policies and procedures. Maintain a professional appearance, appropriate conduct, and respectful communication at all times. Be available to work assigned schedules, which may include mornings, evenings, weekends, or holidays based on client needs and staffing availability. Maintain strict confidentiality regarding client records, personal information, and company operations. Supportive Connections LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the hiring process and employment in accordance with applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr SUPPORTIVE CONNECTIONS LLC