Community support facilitator/direct support staff (los angeles)

Life Steps Foundation is a California based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which provides home- and community-based services across the life span to children, teens, adults and the elderly. We serve people who have developmental and/or physical disabilities as well as those challenged by substance abuse, premature birth, child abuse/neglect, and social or economic deprivation.

JOB SUMMARY

In the Supported Living Services (SLS) Program, the Trainer I position will be referred to as Direct Support Staff (DSS) for the purpose of consistency with the service philosophy. DSS provides assistance to adult individuals with developmental disabilities. The support provided is flexible and tailored to meet the needs and preferences of each individual served, in accordance with the individual’s person-centered plan. The services provided may include assistance with meal preparation, personal care, home maintenance, shopping, self-help support, medication and health-related skills, wheelchair transferring and assistive technology as necessary. Direct Support Staff maintain high standards of personal conduct, professionalism, and work in collaboration with other members of the individual’s support system. Services also include supporting the individual’s choices and preferences within appropriate health and safety guidelines as well as fostering relationships and community involvement. Direct Support Staff must be able to provide on-call assistance to individuals when necessary and proactively communicate with Community Support Facilitators (CSF) and program supervisors.

ESSENTIAL JOB DELIVERABLES

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

• Meet the individual’s personal needs when he or she is unable to perform such tasks:
• Prepare meals and assist with eating
• Assist with bathing and toileting
• Perform light cleaning as necessary
• Assist individual with general (non therapeutic) physical activity
• Assist with therapeutic exercises as per therapist’s approved recommendations and training
• Do laundry & shopping with or for individuals
• Monitor and/or assist with medication management and general health care and safety needs according to medical and therapeutic recommendations and the Life Steps SLS standards of care

Provide continuous support for the individual’s health and safety needs:

• Ensure health and safety needs are met according to health and safety plan
• Immediately notify supervisor or other authority if the individual presents a danger to self or others
• Alert appropriate authorities immediately in case of emergency. Utilize emergency pager system and following emergency protocols as directed by supervisor
• Provide on-call assistance to clients in the event of illness, crisis, holidays, etc.

Assist the individual in increasing or maintaining their quality of life according to their person-centered plan:

• Address the Plan action steps according to job description and individual’s defined needs and preferences
• Follow plans and support individuals desires for independence and self-responsibility including fostering relationships and community involvement
• Attend regularly scheduled person-centered meetings for the individual(s) served and be an active member of an individual’s circle of support
• Foster maximum self-determination per individual’s defined wishes

Transfer individual as necessary and in accordance with the individuals transfer assessment and transfer policy:

• Assist individual with transfers between wheelchairs and toilet when necessary
• Transfer individual between bed and wheelchair as needed
• Transfer individual into and out of tub/shower as needed
• Assist individual with wheelchair and other mobility needs
• Any physical assistance to individuals not specified in the transfer assessment recommendations is not to be performed without appropriate consultation

Adhere to Life Steps’ administrative guidelines:

• Submit complete and accurate billing in a timely manner
• Submit all required documentation in a timely manner
• Carry emergency pager on rotating schedule
• Attend mandatory staff meetings and scheduled trainings as outlined by supervisor
• Proactively communicate with supervisor about individual’s changing needs
• Adhere to policies and procedures as defined in employee handbook and program materials

Subscribe to and uphold all professional ethical standards:

• Recognize and adhere to professional boundaries at all times
• Maintain high standards of personal conduct
• Understand and maintain communications and conduct in accordance with the principles of Person Centered Planning
• Read and comprehend the Supported Living Services Program Design
• Respect the privacy of individuals receiving services and that of the members of their family and support system by maintaining confidentiality of information according to HIPAA regulations
• Avoid dual relationships
• Present self professionally to individuals, the community and to the Regional Centers
• Participate in agency and community events.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED, CNA preferred
• Minimum of one year directly related experience preferred
• Demonstrating written communication skills and the ability to work effectively on a multidisciplinary team.
• Current certifications in CPR and First Aid
• Must have a valid California Driver’s License and current automobile insurance.

PHYSICAL

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. Perform some repetitive motion activities. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25-30 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Required to travel distances between work assignments.