Direct Support Professional/Personal Attendant

Aya Living Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Aya Living Inc. is seeking a Support Specialist in San Diego, California, to provide residential care and support to clients with developmental disabilities. The role involves working closely with clients and ensuring compliance with policies and legislation.

Candidates must have an H.S. Diploma, at least 12 months of relevant direct support experience, and current CPR/First Aid Certification. Responsibilities include facilitating daily activities, maintaining records, and advocating for client rights, with a focus on communication and care.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 months direct support experience working in residential or community-based setting.
• Must have current CPR/First Aid Certification.

Responsibilities

• Work with clients to ensure service delivery complies with legislation and company policies.
• Promote client equality and rights.
• Develop professional relationships with clients.
• Maintain confidentiality and appropriate records.
• Administer first aid and medication as required.

Skills

Strong interpersonal

Excellent verbal and listening communication

Supervisory

Decision making

Planning

Organizing and prioritizing

Multi-tasking

Analytical and problem solving

Time management

Stress management

Financial management

Conflict resolution

Education

H.S. Diploma or equivalent

Job description

TITLE

Support Specialist

CLASSIFICATION

Non Exempt

ROLE

Residential/community-based care, support & training provider to clients with developmental disabilities. Reports to Service Support Coordinator.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: H.S. Diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience: Minimum 12 months direct support experience working in residential or community-based setting, with people of similar specific needs (developmental disabilities; behavior challenges; psychiatric diagnosis; medical involvement).
• Certifications: Must have current CPR/First Aid Certification.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• To work with clients in a way that ensures the service is delivered in compliance with legislation, Aya Living’s philosophy, policies, practices and contractual requirements.
• To work with clients in a way that promotes their equality, diversity, choices and rights.
• To develop professional working relationships with clients and establish and maintain effective communications with them and any other relevant parties.
• To obtain relevant information about clients, assess their needs and contribute to the planning and delivery of the service agreement.
• To keep appropriate records of work and communication, preserving the strictest confidentiality.
• To contribute to the protection of individuals from all forms of abuse and report incidents appropriately.
• To promote, monitor and maintain the health, safety and security of clients at home and in the community.
• To administer first aid and medication as required and appropriate.

KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING

• Domestic care techniques including personal hygiene, cooking & cleaning.
• Social care techniques including conflict resolution and wheel chair operation.
• Functional skills including financial management.
• Community services and resources availability and access.
• Relevant legislation, policies and practices.
• Medical intervention including first aid & CPR.

SKILLS

• Strong interpersonal.
• Excellent verbal and listening communication.
• Supervisory.
• Decision making.
• Planning, organizing and prioritizing.
• Multi-tasking.
• Analytical and problem solving.
• Time management.
• Stress management.
• Financial management.
• Conflict resolution.

JOB SPECIFICS

• Assisting and supporting all aspects of client’s daily living and activity choices.
• Implementing and ‘following through’ on all aspects of all relevant service agreements.
• Providing information, advice, guidance and support to individuals regarding personal issues and life choice.
• Promoting and pursuing advocacy for individuals.
• Liaising and consulting with the client’s team as necessary.
• Attending Individual Program Plan and interim meetings as directed.
• Completing all data collection and daily documentation.
• Ensuring client access to nutritional food that they enjoy.
• Ensuring all symptoms of illness reported by clients are promptly referred to the physician of their choice and to the Support Team Coordinator.
• Following all Adult Protective Services reporting guidelines.
• Abiding by company policy, Federal and State Laws regarding customer confidentiality.
• Establishing and maintaining effective communication links with all relevant parties as specified.
• Ensuring client access to clean clothing, sanitary and sufficient hygiene supplies and laundry facilities.
• Ensuring client access to transportation as specified.
• Accompanying clients to appointments and activities as specified.
• Assisting client with budgeting as specified and or making company purchases as directed, providing receipts for all monies spent.
• Advocating and demonstrating respect for clients’ human and civil rights.
• Assisting with home exterior and lawn maintenance in keeping with neighborhood standards.
• Assisting with home interior maintenance, liaising with landlords regarding repairs or other services as necessary and reporting all problems and solutions as appropriate.
• Assisting with all hygiene and domestic operations in the event of client inability or refusal.
• Communicating with day program services as necessary in a polite friendly manner.
• Administering medication as specified or required.
• Assisting with provision of meals and snacks as specified and time scheduled by the client.
• Preparing administrative reports and keeping all documentation filed appropriately.
• Job training and personal development as necessary.
• Any other duties assigned by Support Team Coordinator, or Director.
• Ideal candidate - Caregiver - Caregiving - Direct Support Professional - DSP- Direct Care Worker - Assisted Living - In Home Caregiver - Home Health Aide - HHA - Nursing Home - CNA.