Direct Support Staff

SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Support Specialist

Supported Living Independent Living Community Day Services Tailored Day Services Self-Determination

About the Role

A Living Purpose is looking for dedicated Support Specialists who believe every adult has the right and ability to live in the community in a home of their own — with the right support to be successful. You’ll plan, coordinate, and deliver individualized support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, working under the direct supervision of the Director and Case Managers.

This role requires someone who is sensitive to the needs and preferences of people with disabilities, can work collaboratively with families and agency staff, and is equally comfortable working independently and as part of a team. Schedules are built around the individuals we serve — this is meaningful, flexible, relationship-based work.

This position is non-exempt and hourly. The workday is based on the needs of the individual supported. Final schedules are approved by the Executive Director and Case Managers to promote optimum health and safety.

Where You'll Work

Depending on your assignment, you may work across one or more of the following programs:

Supported Living

Support adults with disabilities in their own homes — daily living, personal care, and community integration. Includes day, evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts.

Independent Living

Coach individuals in financial management, self-advocacy, personal care, health awareness, and household safety. May include evenings and weekends.

Community Day Services

Facilitate fully community-based programming — social, recreational, and vocational activities tailored to each person’s strengths and goals.

Tailored Day Services

Deliver highly individualized experiences built around each participant’s aspirations — work experience, skill-building, or exploring new interests.

Self-Determination

Help individuals and families manage self-determination budgets, access services, and build autonomy in alignment with their Individual Program Plans.

What You'll Do

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

GOAL PLANNING & REPORTING

→ Write individual objectives in measurable format

→ Write quarterly reports reflecting goals and objectives

→ Maintain daily progress notes to reflect goals and objectives

DIRECT SUPPORT & SKILL BUILDING

→ Assist individuals in meeting goals and objectives

→ Train individuals in the skills required to meet their goals

→ Provide functional skills training to support individuals in developing greater independence

→ Assist individuals in finding, maintaining, and adapting living arrangements that support their goals

→ Assist individuals in developing relationships, finding natural supports, and accessing community resources

→ Provide individualized support in daily living skills, personal care, community navigation, and health and safety

→ Fulfill mandated reporter obligations under California law — report any known or suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a dependent adult immediately per agency protocol

COMMUNITY INTEGRATION

→ Accompany and support individuals in community-based activities, outings, and local programs

→ Facilitate development of natural supports, friendships, and community connections

→ Promote inclusion and participation in social, recreational, and vocational settings

SAFETY & EMERGENCY RESPONSE

→ Provide crisis intervention as needed

→ Must be reachable and available to respond to emergency situations affecting individuals supported, outside of scheduled shift hours when on-call as assigned

→ Respond appropriately to medical and behavioral situations following agency protocols

→ Complete incident reports accurately and within required timeframes

DOCUMENTATION & COMMUNICATION

→ Communicate all individual-related information to relief staff in a timely manner

→ Maintain accurate service notes, shift logs, and progress records

→ Participate in team meetings, staff trainings, and compliance activities

→ Maintain confidentiality per agency policy and HIPAA

Schedule

Schedules are based on the needs of individuals served and are coordinated between the individual, the Support Specialist, and the Case Manager or Executive Director. Availability may include:

→ Days, evenings, and nights

→ Weekends and holidays

What We're Looking For

To be successful in this role, you must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The ideal candidate is committed to the agency’s mission and values and believes every adult has the right to live in the community with the support they need to succeed. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• 1–2 years’ experience in direct support, human services, or caregiving preferred
• Experience with adults with developmental disabilities preferred
• High School Diploma or GED required; college degree preferred for some programs

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

• Valid CA Driver’s License, reliable vehicle, proof of insurance & current registration
• CPR/First Aid certified (or willing to obtain upon hire)
• DOJ/FBI fingerprint clearance required prior to start
• TB test clearance required prior to start
• Must pass all pre-employment requirements including background check

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Person-centered — committed to dignity and self-determination of individuals served
• Culturally competent across diverse backgrounds and languages
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Sound judgment in routine and crisis situations
• Reliable, organized, able to manage multiple responsibilities
• Familiarity with Title 17 regulations and SDRC vendor standards preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand, walk, and remain active for extended periods
• May assist with mobility and personal care, including lifting
• Regular travel across San Diego County
• Exposure to varying weather and environments expected

About A Living Purpose

A Living Purpose is an independent living agency serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across San Diego County. We deliver services across Supported Living, Independent Living, Community Day, Tailored Day, and Self-Determination.

Our work is rooted in one belief: every adult has the right to live in the community in a home of their own, with the support they need to thrive. We are a growing agency in a season of expansion — and we’re building a team of people who show up with purpose, treat individuals with dignity, and take their role seriously.

If that’s you, we want to hear from you.

Pay: $22.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off

Experience:

• Working with individuals with disabilities: 2 years (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $23