DSP and Life Skills Instructor

Are you passionate about helping individuals with special needs develop essential life skills and reach their full potential? If so, New Horizons is looking for an engaging bilingual DSP and Life Skills Instructor to join our team.

New Horizons is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving individuals with special needs. With over 60 years of experience, we are committed to enhancing their quality of life and promoting their independence and inclusion in the community.

In this role, you will be responsible for providing hands-on instruction and support to individuals with developmental disabilities in various life skills areas.

• Bilingual - English / Spanish is a plus
• Experience working with adults with developmental disabilities is a plus, but not necessary. We are willing to train the right candidate.
• Full Time, Non-Exempt - 32 hours Monday-Friday, and 8 hours on a Saturday or Sunday (six-day work week).
• Rate: $21.00 - $23.25 Per Hour

Requirements

SUMMARY: The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides person-centered training, care, and support services to individuals with developmental disabilities in a variety of settings, including community-based programs, day programs, and in-home services.

The DSP supports individuals in achieving goals identified in their Individual Program Plan (IPP) and/or Individual Support Plan (ISP), with a focus on independence, community integration, health and safety, and quality of life.

ESSENTIAL/CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

Person-Centered Support & Skill Development
• Implement ISP/IPP goals using individualized teaching strategies
• Support development of:


o Daily living skills


o Communication and social skills


o Self-advocacy and decision-making
• Use prompting, modeling, and coaching techniques
• Promote dignity and informed choice
• Provide encouragement, coaching, instruction, mentoring, and advocacy to assist Members in achieving greater independence and inclusion.

Health, Safety & Supervision
• Promote health and safety by following agency protocols related to medication monitoring (if applicable), emergency procedures, incident reporting, and mandated reporting requirements.
• Ensure safety and well-being of individuals at all times
• Follow emergency procedures and safety protocols
• Monitor and report health or behavioral concerns
• Maintain appropriate supervision in all settings


Behavioral Support
• Implement behavior support strategies as trained and as indicated in the Member's Individual Service Plan.
• Use de-escalation and positive reinforcement techniques
• Maintain a safe environment for individuals supported
• Teach and reinforce safety awareness in all settings.


Documentation & Compliance
• Complete accurate and timely documentation, including:


o Daily notes


o Incident reports


o Attendance tracking/service hours
• Maintain compliance with:


o Regional Center requirements


o Licensing regulations


o Agency policies


Communication & Teamwork
• Communicate effectively with Members, team members and supervisors
• Collaborate with team members and report concerns in a timely, professional manner.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and planning sessions
• Report barriers to progress and safety concerns


Professional Standards
• Maintain confidentiality (HIPAA compliance)
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and flexibility
• Maintain required certifications and trainings
• Follow trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices

Additional Expectations
• Work in indoor and outdoor environments
• Exposure to community settings (e.g., stores, worksites, public spaces)

PROGRAM ADD-ONS

1. Community Living Services - In the Member's Home

Independent Living / Supported Living Services (ILS/SLS)
• Implement individualized training and support services as outlined in the Member's ISP/IPP. Areas of instruction may include, but are not limited to:

o Budgeting and money management

o Independent living skills

o Self-care and hygiene

o Meal planning and preparation

o Recreation and leisure planning

o Banking and financial literacy

o Decision-making and problem-solving

o Self-advocacy and communication skills

o Accessing community resources

o Medication and health management including assistance with medical and dental appointments
• Assess and monitor Member progress toward established goals and objectives.
• Provide input into the development, review, and implementation of ISP/IPP goals.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, staff meetings, and required trainings.
• Provide transportation for Members as authorized and required; ensure safe driving practices and compliance with agency vehicle policies. Transport Members in personal vehicle.

2. In-Home Day Program (MMDP)
• Develop and implement individualized activity plans designed to increase independence and promote transition to less restrictive and more inclusive environments when appropriate.
• Create task analyses when needed, to support skill acquisition and measurable progress toward IPP objectives.
• Facilitate meaningful activities that support community connection, engagement, and skill retention.
• Teach and model socially appropriate behaviors, communication strategies, and daily living skills.
• Support development of positive relationships and social interaction skills.

3. Community Learning Center (CLC) / Day Program - On New Horizons campus, satellite offices, and in the Community


Instruction & Member Support
• Provide instruction, training, and supervision to Members in community, onsite, and virtual settings to support achievement of ISP goals and independent living skills.
• Deliver engaging lessons and activities (e.g., social skills, vocational, recreation, daily living, technology) using structured lesson plans and creative approaches.
• Contribute ideas to enhance curriculum, activities, and overall Member experience.
• Promote active participation, skill-building, and meaningful engagement in all activities.
• Support Members in developing appropriate social, workplace, and community behavior.
• Provide travel training, including use of public transportation and community navigation.
• Provide personal care assistance as needed, including toileting support.


Community & Activity Support
• Support Members in volunteer, recreational, and community-based activities through coaching, mentoring, and advocacy.
• Ensure all necessary materials and preparation for community outings and activities.
• Facilitate meaningful interactions and conversations that support personal growth and goal development.


Transportation & Vehicle Responsibilities
• Safely transport Members using agency vehicles as required.
• Maintain driver certification and comply with all safety requirements.
• Complete pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections and report concerns promptly.


OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:


1. Completes and timely submits all necessary paperwork, including daily progress

notes for all persons supported.

2. Completes all staff training components; including keeping first aid & CPR

certification current.

3. Adheres to all health and safety practices in the workplace. Follows all rules and regulations and emergency procedures as set forth in the Emergency Operating Plan.

3. Attends all scheduled meetings and trainings as required.

4. Supports the Agency's mission and partners with others to accomplish the mission.

5. Maintains the highest professional and ethical standards at all times.

6. May be assigned to work at various agency sites and other community locations as needed.

7. Performs additional duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The individual must have the ability to relate effectively with persons with disabilities. The individual must believe in the dignity of the Members and show maturity, compassion, and tact in dealing with people. Must also demonstrate the ability to organize work in an efficient and timely manner to meet the demands of the job. The person must be able to work with minimal supervision and adhere to a flexible work schedule based on Member needs.

The individual must have the knowledge of or ability to learn the needs of persons with disabilities. Must possess the skills to effectively support persons with disabilities. Must demonstrate the ability to encourage persons with disabilities to make informed choices and the knowledge to facilitate opportunities for growth to person with disabilities.

The individual must be able to use verbal prompting and hands-on demonstration to motivate and teach basic home/living skills to adults with developmental disabilities living independently in their own homes.

If driving own vehicle while on the clock, the individual must have a reliable vehicle, proof of vehicular insurance, a valid California driver license, and a driving record acceptable to the agency's insurance carrier. When driving agency vehicles, the individual must have a valid California driver license and a driving record acceptable to the agency's insurance carrier. Must be in good standing as a certified safe driver at all times to maintain driver status and eligibility for this position.

The individual must demonstrate basic writing and computer skills, such as recording daily notes and using email. Must have the ability to learn and become proficient in use of digital applications including but not limited to timekeeping and scheduling software, Member Database, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES:
• Composure Under Stressful Conditions
• Creativity
• Action-Oriented
• Patience and Dependability
• Interpersonal Skills
• Ability to Work Independently and in teams
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
• Adaptability
• Organized with excellent time management capabilities
• Positive role model; able to lead and coach Members

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: A high school diploma or equivalent is required; and experience in supporting people with disabilities, human services, or a related field is preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: The individual must have the ability to read, write and interpret documents in English. The individual must also have the ability to effectively present information and respond in English to questions from supervisors, co-workers, Members, and family members.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: The individual must be able to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division at a high school level.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, see, talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to walk and stand; reach with hands and arms; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

The employee may be required to sit, stand or walk for extended periods of time.


While performing the duties of the job, the employee may be exposed to inclement weather conditions including extreme heat and rain. For assignments that include accompanying Members to various volunteer and community settings, the employee must have the ability to work in various environments including, but not limited to, food pantries, kitchens, animal shelters, where they may be exposed to animal dandruff, heat, and odors.


Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401K Matching
• Vacation Hours
• Paid Sick Leave
• Holiday Pay
• All paid trainings including CPR/First Aide
• Discounts Program
• Referral Program
• FSA
• And more...