Housemate/Live-In Staff

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Job description:

Supported Living Services (SLS) provides support to adults with developmental disabilities who wish to receive support to live successfully in our community. 

In this role, you will be supporting an 18-year-old woman living in her very first apartment, taking her first major steps toward independent adult living. Transitioning into her own home gives her the opportunity to build self-reliance, establish her own routines, and set her own rules free from past conflict. 

This young woman is empathetic and caring, goal-oriented and determined, culturally proud, expressive and stylish. She wants to be treated fairly, respected, and seen as capable, independent, and strong. It’s important that she is able to do things for herself around her new home, including: laundry, cooking and baking, and cleaning. She enjoys listening to music, dressing up and looking her best, and staying active and healthy. 

How best to support her:

• Stay calm and respectful
• Listen first
• Ask permission
• Set clear expectations
• Offer breaks
• Recognize effort
• Validate feelings 

A successful lead staff will have strong boundaries, experience with mental health and conflict resolution, the ability to not take things personally, and can make her feel like you are not above her but side-by-side. She is looking for someone who is willing to get to know her before instructing her.  

Responsibilities:

The Housemate/Live-in Staff provide training and habilitation services and instruction, as well as personal assistance to the individual they live with in their home, neighborhoods, school, and/or job sites. Under supervision of Lead Staff and Facilitators, Housemate/Live-In Staff will provide support to individuals who have one or more of the following challenges or needs: developmental disabilities, physical challenges, and/or need for psychological support. 

Duties:

1. Implement training and support services to individuals as specified in Individual Support Plan (ISP). The areas of training and monitoring include, but are not limited to: housing, personal finance, mobility and accessibility, health and safety, relationships, recreation, self advocacy, job training, decision making and problem solving.
2. Participate in the development and implementation of support plans.
3. Assist with household duties such as cleaning, laundry, cooking, and household management  to maintain the household in accordance with the guidelines determined by the person receiving support.
4. Maintain all necessary individual records and evaluations.
5. Medication administration during prescribed times, complete and maintain shift notes and medication documentation.
6. Assist with personal care routines such as bathing, dressing, and all personal care needed/necessary for the person(s) receiving services. This may include any lifting or moving required to complete the above tasks.
7. Participate in team meetings to discuss services.
8. Provide input for program planning.
9. Communicate as required/requested with team lead and facilitator concerning services, training, etc. with each individual you support.
10. Ensure shift coverage for the person receiving services when emergency coverage needs arise.
11. Participate in house/yard upkeep tasks to maintain the cleanliness of areas such as common areas, kitchen, front yard, backyard, and bathrooms. 
12. Assist with moving possessions in the event of a change in residence.
13. Ensure cleanliness and care of the rental property in relation to the health and safety of the individual we support.
14. Provide support to individuals during hospitalizations or medical stays, including those that may occur outside of Santa Cruz County. This includes remaining with the individual as assigned to ensure continuity of care, safety, communication with medical providers, and advocacy. Assignments may include extended or overnight shifts based on individual needs and program requirements. 

Job Duty Allocation:

1. No time in excess of 20% of any given shift shall be allocated towards completing housekeeping tasks and duties alone. 
2. Activities that pertain to training new staff on housekeeping duties or supporting persons we support to complete housekeeping duties should not be factored into the 20% of time allocated towards housekeeping tasks.
3. If you feel that you are spending more than 20% of your shifts completing housekeeping tasks, please contact your direct supervisor to resolve this matter.
4. Examples of housekeeping tasks may include: washing dishes, laundry, scrubbing or sweeping floors.

Qualifications:

Knowledge of the needs of persons with developmental disabilities. Possess the skills to effectively teach persons with disabilities, demonstrate the ability to encourage persons supported to make informed choices, and facilitate opportunities for growth in the individuals supported. Must be able to work with minimal supervision.

Training and Requirements:

1. High school diploma or equivalent
2. Two years experience and/or training in the fields of developmental disabilities, psychology, etc. are beneficial but not required
3. The ability to maintain CPR/First Aid Certification
4. Must maintain valid California driver's license and proper insurance, if driving with the person supported
5. Department of Justice level criminal background check

Status:

Non-exempt, hourly position. If regularly scheduled for 30 or more hours each week, the employee is full time and eligible for all applicable benefits. 

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time position. We offer flexibility with days and hours and will work collaboratively with the right candidate to create a schedule that works well for both the employee and the individual they are supporting.

Sample preferred schedule: 

Monday-Friday 4pm-overnight-8am

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan

Housemate Specific Benefits:

• Free rent
• Portion of utilities paid for each month

We have additional opportunities available for strong candidates who may not be the right fit for the Housemate or Lead Staff role, including a Support Staff position with weekend hours. If you’re interested in being considered for the Support Staff position, you can apply here: