Direct Support Specialist

EMPOWERLA SMART LIVING SERVICES LLC; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

EMPOWERLA SMART LIVING SERVICES LLC in Northridge, CA is seeking a Direct Support Specialist to provide direct care to adults with developmental disabilities in a supported living setting. The role involves assisting with daily living activities, coordinating medical appointments, and helping clients build skills and independence under the supervision of the Supported Living Supervisor.

This part-time position requires English proficiency, a high school diploma, CPR/First Aid, a valid CA

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED required.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to read regulations and write notes.

Responsibilities

• Assist with feeding, dressing, bathing, hygiene and appointments.
• Help with meal prep, shopping, and household tasks as needed.
• Contribute to individual program plans and staff training.
• Maintain communication with directors, supervisors and families.

Skills

Communication skills

English proficiency

Reading comprehension

Note-taking

Independent judgment

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Job Description Position: Direct Support Specialist Classification: Non-Exempt Department: Programs Pay: $18.50 per hour Reports to: Executive Director Schedule: TBDEmployment Status: Part time Location: Northridge, California

Position Summary

The Supported Living Services Direct Support Specialist provides direct support and daily care to adults with developmental disabilities in a supported living setting. This role assists individuals with activities of daily living, including feeding, dressing, bathing, personal hygiene, meal preparation, household tasks, shopping, money management, communication, and coordinating medical appointments, based on each individual’s needs and level of independence.

The SLS Direct Support Specialist works under the direction of the Supported Living Supervisor and supports the implementation of each individual’s program plan. This includes helping individuals build skills, maintain independence, and safely participate in daily life while ensuring services are delivered with dignity, respect, and person-centered care.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Duties include assisting with feeding, dressing, bathing, maintaining hygiene, and coordinating medical appointments.
• Additional responsibilities may involve meal preparation, money management, shopping for groceries or personal items, using the telephone, and performing household chores when these activities are crucial for the person’s supported living and cannot be managed independently due to health, disability, or age-related limitations.
• The SLS CSC also contributes to the development of individual program plans and provides training as outlined in these plans.
• Maintain regular communication with the SLS Director, Supervisor, or Case Coordinator, as well as with residential facilities, families, and other service providers and agencies, as needed.
• Plan and coordinate with those we support to achieve program objectives and client outcomes.
• Work towards achieving IPP objectives, identifying barriers to success, and devising methods to overcome them.
• Ensure the person’s home is clean, safe, and healthy.
• Report special incidents in accordance with EmpowerLA SLS policies.
• Assist in developing social activities for clients.
• Ensure those we support live in a safe and clean environment.
• Teach those we support how to improve their activities of daily living.

Other Assigned Duties

• Monitor the progress of services and those we support in relation to established goals and objectives.
• Attend team meetings or training sessions as part of ongoing education or agency-wide training/in-service programs.
• Participate in clients' quarterly, semi-annual, or annual meetings.
• Perform other related duties and assignments as required.

Work-Related Travel & Mileage Reimbursement

As mentioned, this position may require driving as part of assigned job duties, including transporting supported individuals, attending appointments, completing approved errands, shopping for groceries or personal items, or traveling between assigned service locations.

The client’s home or assigned service location is considered the employee’s work location for the shift. Employees are responsible for their regular commute to and from the assigned work location.

Approved work-related driving during the employee’s scheduled shift may be eligible for mileage reimbursement in accordance with company policy.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED and at least 6 months of direct supervision experience working with consumers with developmental disabilities.
• The Program Director may waive the experience requirement if the applicant successfully passes the interview process and demonstrates potential for learning.
• Proficiency in reading, analyzing, and interpreting general regulations.
• Ability to write notes and understand goals/objectives.
• Valid certificate of training in first aid/CPR and CPI.
• Clear background criminal record.
• Clear TB screening record.
• Effective communication skills to present information and respond to inquiries from consumers, the circle of support, the Regional Center, or the general public.
• Proficiency in English is mandatory.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.
• SLS CSC will maintain a cell phone for immediate emergency contact.
• Possession of a current and valid CA Driver's License with verified car insurance.
• Commitment to completing 12 hours of in-service/ongoing education training annually.

Physical Requirements

• Stand, walk, sit, bend, kneel, squat, reach, and lift as needed.
• Assist with client mobility, transfers, or physical support, depending on client needs.
• Lift, carry, push, or pull up to [insert weight] pounds.
• Drive or travel to client homes, program locations, or community settings.
• Respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations.
• Work in client homes, community environments, or other non-office settings.

Work Environment

This position may be performed in client homes, community settings, program sites, vehicles, or other locations based on client needs. Employees may be exposed to varying environments, routines, behaviors, and support needs.

The employee is expected to maintain professionalism, safety, confidentiality, and appropriate boundaries in all work settings.

Required Training and Certifications

• First Aid/CPR certification
• Mandated Reporter training
• Abuse and neglect prevention training
• Medication assistance training, if applicable
• Client rights/confidentiality training
• Any additional training required by the company, funding source, licensing agency, or applicable law