Adult Program Instructor (Direct Support Professional)

Instructors (Direct Support Professionals)

Duty Statement: Participates in implementing needs and services plans for participants by providing care and supervision of on and off-site activities according to individual needs, choices, and SARC's Individual Program Plan (IPP).

Instructors report to the Lead Staff, or, in their absence to the Program Director. 

Duties Include:

• Establishes and maintains a supportive relationship with participants

• Fosters maximum self-determination on the part of participants

• Provides continuous supervision for participants to ensure safety and wellbeing

• Implements a continuum of positive programming activities that are culturally relevant and designed to support participants in maximizing their ability to enjoy life, have fun, and thrive

• Implements agreed upon positive behavior strategies to minimize the risk factors related to behavioral, or mental health challenges

• Assists participants in developing a schedule which includes preferred activities and is in cooperation with the participant's Individual Program Plan (IPP) and Individual Service Plan

• Assists participants in accessing generic community-based services to enhance their ability to participate in social/recreational activities in inclusive environments as prescribed by the participant's IPP and Individual Service Plan (ISP)

• Uses alternative communication strategies including picture icons, computer programs, and other functional and adaptive approaches

• Responds effectively to crisis situations at the site and in the community

• Supports Program Consultants in performing effectively

• Communicates effectively and proactively with the Lead Staff and in their absence the Program Director with regard to all participant issues including situations when a participant becomes a danger to self or others, there is a sudden illness, or their behavior support plan cannot be implemented as agreed upon

• Responds to questions and issues raised in a professional manner and updates participant staff, parents, and others as needed and within program confidentiality guidelines

• Respects the privacy of participants and maintains confidentiality of information obtained in the course of professional services as per HIPAA guidelines

• Documents participant instructional and support services using data collection and participant forms, prepares daily/monthly progress reports documenting participants' progress toward ISP goals and objectives

• Attends meetings as assigned by the Lead Staff or their designee, including participant related meetings, monthly in-service meetings, and continuing education opportunities

• Participates in the annual program evaluation

• Prepares special incident and adult dependent abuse reports as necessary and required by Title 17 and Title 22 regulations

• Performs first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and other emergency services (e.g., evacuation during a fire) as appropriate to the needs of participants

• Lifts and transfers participants as necessary; assists participants with transfers in and out of wheelchairs and safely transfers participants in case of an emergency

• When food is served follows sanitation and health guidelines

• Assists participants in the management of their funds as per (LIC405 Safeguarded cash resources/record of client's cash). Staff will allow participants to be as independent as possible in the handling of their cash resources

• Assists participants in scheduled activities in accordance with the participant 's needs and services plan

• Assist participants in learning emergency procedures for earthquakes, fires, and other natural disasters

• Responsible for responding to emergency situations while on duty

• Conducts themselves in a professional manner while on premises

• Professionally represent the company at all times

• Work with and have knowledge of all Community Care Licensing Title 22 and Regional Center Title 17 requirements and regulations and Home and Community Based Final Rules

• Recognize the early signs of illness and need for professional assistance

• Assist in the self-administration of medications (after being trained) of prescription medications to ensure participants are taking the proper medication, at the proper dosage, at the proper time, and documenting it on the proper form

• The ability to work as a team member and to represent the company in a professional manner

• Good oral and written communication skills

• Performs other duties as assigned

Instructor Position Specifications:

• High School Diploma

• Six months experience providing direct support services to intellectually disabled adults