This position will serve: Lemon Grove, La Mesa, Spring Valley, El Cajon and Santee

At Options For All (OFA), full-time employees are eligible for 100% COMPANY PAID medical, dental, and vision benefits. Qualifying dependents are eligible for 100% COMPANY PAID dental and vision benefits as well as 50% COMPANY PAID medical coverage. Coverage is effective on your first day of hire!

We are currently seeking a Direct Support Professional to work with our consumers while gaining experience across several of our programs and work with an experienced team that loves what they do. We encourage applications from all communities including black, indigenous, people of color, LGBTQIA , women, neurodiverse, and people with disabilities.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under direct supervision of an Area Manager, and with direction from a Case Manager, the Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides support and instruction to clients with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) in one or more of OFA's Independent/Supported Living Skills (ILS/SLS), Community Engagement (CE), Tailored Day Service (TDS), and/or Supported Employment programs. The DSP collaborates with their clients, their client’s caregiver or guardian (as necessary) and OFA program management on the clients’ goals/objectives, and development and support plans. The DSP develops community resources and activities for client engagement, and fosters opportunities for learning and integration in the community. The DSP enthusiastically embraces OFA’s inclusive culture and person-centered values and takes pride in delivering the highest quality service to clients.

OBJECTIVES OF THIS POSITION

• Provide reliable, exceptional and effective support to OFA clients in community settings, at their home, and/or at job/volunteer sites, in-person and/or virtually
• Model appropriate behavioral and functional life skills for program clients
• Provide support and instruction to enhance each client’s ability to achieve individual goals and reach maximal independence
• Serve as liaison between parents, care providers, employers, and community partners relaying important information/updates to program management
• Maintain the health, safety and well-being of program clients at all times

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide support, supervision, motivation and instruction to clients in the community, at home, at job sites, and during activities
• Develop daily and weekly activity and support schedules for program clients that are age appropriate. This may include on the job support, household maintenance, money management, academic support, access and use of community resources, meal planning and preparation, health and safety, grooming and hygiene support, functional skills and activities necessary for daily living
• Intervene and diffuse escalating behavioral situations as necessary, using non-violent crisis intervention methods, prioritizing the safety of clients and staff
• Provide Clients with self-help needs, including support in the areas of eating, restroom support, and personal hygiene
• Provide quality service that is customized to each client's needs and goals according to the person-centered service model, adjusting to unique support needs
• Develop creative approaches to deliver program activities and curriculum outlined in each client's Individual Support Plan (ISP) and/or Positive Behavioral Intervention (PBI) plan
• Implement appropriate level of intervention for client's skill development (I.e., prompting, cues, fading, reinforcing, redirecting)
• Conduct monthly safety drills and engage client's participation
• Maximize daily, weekly and monthly billable support time as assigned by the Area Manager and/or Case Manager
• Build and maintain effective relationships with clients, families, employers and stakeholders
• Complete all required documentation and reports. This includes (but is not limited to) accurately tracking and reporting service hours, details of activities, and progress on goals in daily case notes for clients.
• Provide written observations and feedback on ISP goals, semi-annual reports, Personal Future Plans, and Positive Behavioral Intervention plans as assigned by supervisor
• Document progress toward achievement of client's goals and objectives
• Effectively relay issues and concerns to program management
• Complete any and all other duties as assigned by the supervisor

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Direct Support Professionals must have the ability to:

• Work with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD);
• Provide transportation to clients to/from program and during program hours as assigned and/or to transport yourself to various locations throughout your region (depending on program assigned to);
• Develop and follow schedules and document metrics of service delivery;
• Assist clients with their self-help needs, including support in the areas of eating, restroom support, and personal hygiene, using universal precautions and best practices
• Intervene and diffuse escalating behavioral situations as necessary, using non-violent crisis intervention methods, prioritizing the safety of clients and staff
• Provide consistent, high-quality reporting and communication regarding client's support needs
• Maintain confidentiality of client files, records and OFA proprietary information
• Maintain the health, safety, and well-being of clients at all times
• Operate autonomously and take initiative
• Be flexible, patient, and compassionate with Clients
• Support clients in multiple programs and/or environments as assigned
• Communicate professionally, both written and verbal
• Take direction
• Work as a part of team, collaborate with and/or train teammates
• Work independently and take initiative as needed
• Conduct in-person and virtual program services and activities
• Use a mobile phone, email, Microsoft products (i.e. Word, excel, etc.), Zoom and Microsoft Teams, and electronic database systems)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent;
• Desire and passion for supporting and empowering individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD)

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• A valid driver's license
• Acceptable driving record
• Current California minimum level of auto insurance
• Completion of a criminal background check
• Completion of all required trainings

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This position requires the employee to regularly drive, stand, walk, sit, talk and hear. The employee must be capable of writing (i.e. reports, case notes and emails, etc.), using an iPad and/or computer and. keyboard, using a cellphone and related office equipment.

This position sometimes requires the employee to assist with adaptive equipment (i.e. wheelchairs, etc.), and to physically support individuals with ID/D. Ability to be able to provide physical support is required.

The employee will experience normal office conditions with a well-lighted work areas and minor noise from standard office equipment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Options For All is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please submit your request to: Ciara Quinones at cquinones@optionsforall.org