What are the responsibilities and job description for the Direct Support Professional- Social Recreation position at Alpha Resource Center of Santa Barbara?
Be a part of our Mission!
Alpha Resource Center of Santa Barbara is seeking passionate Direct Support Professionals to be part of our Social Recreation team. Our Social Rec. program empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through inclusive activities designed for youth and young adults.
As part of our team, you'll support participants during fun, community-based activities such as movie nights, group dinners, dances, and outings while building friendships, confidence, and independence. Help us create a safe, joyful space where everyone belongs and thrives!
Perks and Benefits!
- Flexible Part-time work
- Retirement plan options with employer matching
- Internal promotions and growth opportunities
- Access to paid training and certifications
- Meaningful work that positively impacts the community
- Clear values and mission-driven organization
Essential Job Duties
- Support participant safety and promote independence
- Treat all individuals with dignity and respect
- Follow all program values, policies, and safety procedures
- Help with personal care needs (e.g., hygiene, toileting) as needed
- Communicate clearly and respectfully with participants, staff, and families
- Stay familiar with job expectations, safety procedures, and team protocols
Team and Behavior Support:
- Work positively and collaboratively with others
- Be flexible, dependable, and responsible
- Support participants during challenging behaviors using techniques from training
- Follow individualized behavior and support plans
- Promote a positive, inclusive atmosphere for all
Activity Support:
- Help implement planned group activities and events
- Know participant needs: allergies, medications, preferences, behavior plans, etc.
- Encourage participation based on interests and personal goals
- Report any concerns or changes to your coordinator
- Support participants in learning everyday skills like ordering food, handling money, and moving safely through the community
- Reinforce choice-making, independence, and positive interactions
Minimum Qualifications:
- Eligible to work in the U.S.
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Valid California Driver’s License
- Meets driving criteria for agency insurance
- DOJ/DSS fingerprint clearance
LANGUAGE SKILLS
The ability to read, write and speak English clearly is mandatory. The ability to speak Spanish is desirable but not mandatory. The ability to communicate information to other employees, clients, family members as well as management in a clear and concise manner is essential.
REASONING ABILITY
Employee is able to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions, either written, oral, or diagram form. Must possess the ability to deal with problems involving several variables in any standardized situation. Must be able to prioritize tasks and activities in a manner consistent with direction from supervisor.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The employee must have the upper body strength to be able to safely lift and/or move up to 35 lbs. unassisted in a vertical lift, and be able to assist in mobilizing participants weighing up to 170 lbs. with assistance. Must be able to attend to personal hygiene and toileting needs for participants on an occasional basis.
The employee is regularly required to sit, walk, talk, and hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to handle or feel equipment, paper, or files. The employee must be able to operate a computer keyboard as well as see a computer monitor display screen. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, kneel, squat and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
This position requires the manual dexterity and adequate vision to read written materials, enter data into a computer, adequate hearing and verbal communication skills to conduct conversations (in person or on the telephone) and interact with staff and others to perform duties.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment would be generally described as an office setting with classroom facilities adjacent to the primary work area. Occasional trips off-site to work in a community setting are required. The ability to move within all of these areas is required in the execution of the employee’s functional activities.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $17.50 per hour
License/Certification:
- California Drivers License (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18