DSP and Life Skills Instructor

New Horizons

Los Angeles (CA)

On-site

USD 28,929 - 32,029

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) matching

Paid sick leave

Job summary

Join New Horizons in Los Angeles as a Bilingual DSP and Life Skills Instructor. In this full-time role, you will support individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring they develop essential life skills in a compassionate environment.

Your duties will include hands-on instruction, implementing personalized goals, and promoting their independence. With a commitment to dignity, you will engage with Members and participate in their daily activities, applying your skills in a meaningful way.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision insurance, paid trainings, and more.

Qualifications

Ability to teach basic home/living skills effectively.
Knowledge of the needs of persons with disabilities.
Reliable transportation and valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

Provide hands-on instruction and support in life skills.
Implement individualized teaching strategies per ISP goals.
Promote dignity and informed choice among individuals.

Skills

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Critical thinking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Teams

Zoom

Job description

Are you passionate about helping individuals with special needs develop essential life skills and reach their full potential? If so, New Horizons is looking for an engaging bilingual DSP and Life Skills Instructor to join our team.

New Horizons is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving individuals with special needs. With over 60 years of experience, we are committed to enhancing their quality of life and promoting their independence and inclusion in the community.

In this role, you will be responsible for providing hands‑on instruction and support to individuals with developmental disabilities in various life skills areas.

Position Summary

Bilingual – English / Spanish is a plus.
Experience working with adults with developmental disabilities is a plus but not necessary; we are willing to train the right candidate.
Full time, non‑exempt – 40 hours a week, including Monday–Friday and one weekend day (flexible weekend availability).
Rate: $21.00–$23.25 per hour.

Core Responsibilities

Person‑Centered Support & Skill Development
- Implement ISP/IPP goals using individualized teaching strategies.
- Support development of daily living skills, communication and social skills, self‑advocacy and decision‑making.
Health, Safety & Supervision
- Promote health and safety by following agency protocols related to medication monitoring (if applicable), emergency procedures, incident reporting, and mandated reporting requirements.
- Ensure safety and well‑being of individuals at all times.
- Follow emergency procedures and safety protocols.
- Monitor and report health or behavioral concerns.
- Maintain appropriate supervision in all settings.
Behavioral Support
- Implement behavior support strategies as trained and indicated in the Member’s Individual Service Plan.
- Use de‑escalation and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Maintain a safe environment for individuals supported.
- Teach and reinforce safety awareness in all settings.
Documentation & Compliance
- Complete accurate and timely documentation including daily notes, incident reports, attendance tracking/service hours.
- Maintain compliance with regional center requirements, licensing regulations, and agency policies.
Communication & Teamwork
- Communicate effectively with Members, team members, and supervisors.
- Collaborate with team members and report concerns in a timely, professional manner.
- Participate in meetings, trainings, and planning sessions.
- Report barriers to progress and safety concerns.
Professional Standards
- Maintain confidentiality (HIPAA compliance).
- Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and flexibility.
- Maintain required certifications and trainings.
- Follow trauma‑informed and culturally responsive practices.
Additional Expectations
- Work in indoor and outdoor environments.
- Exposure to community settings (stores, worksites, public spaces).
Program Add‑Ons
- Community Living Services – in the Member’s Home.
Independent Living / Supported Living Services (ILS/SLS)
- Implement individualized training and support services; instructions include budgeting and money management, independent living skills, self‑care, meal planning, recreation, banking, financial literacy, decision‑making, problem‑solving, self‑advocacy, communication, accessing community resources, medication and health management.
- Assess and monitor Member progress toward established goals and objectives.
- Provide input into the development, review, and implementation of ISP/IPP goals.
- Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, staff meetings, and required trainings.
- Provide transportation for Members as authorized and required; ensure safe driving practices and compliance with agency vehicle policies.
- In‑Home Day Program (MMDP) – develop and implement individualized activity plans designed to increase independence and promote transition to less restrictive environments.
- Create task analyses when needed to support skill acquisition and measurable progress toward IPP objectives.
- Facilitate meaningful activities that support community connection, engagement, and skill retention.
- Teach and model socially appropriate behaviors, communication strategies, and daily living skills.
- Support development of positive relationships and social interaction skills.
- Community Learning Center (CLC) / Day Program – on New Horizons campus, satellite offices, and in the community.
Instruction & Member Support
- Provide instruction, training, and supervision to Members in community, onsite, and virtual settings to support achievement of ISP goals and independent living skills.
- Deliver engaging lessons and activities (social skills, vocational, recreation, daily living, technology) using structured lesson plans and creative approaches.
- Contribute ideas to enhance curriculum, activities, and overall Member experience.
- Promote active participation, skill‑building, and meaningful engagement in all activities.
- Support Members in developing appropriate social, workplace, and community behavior.
- Provide travel training, including use of public transportation and community navigation.
- Provide personal care assistance as needed, including toileting support.
Community & Activity Support
- Support Members in volunteer, recreational, and community‑based activities through coaching, mentoring, and advocacy.
- Ensure all necessary materials and preparation for community outings and activities.
- Facilitate meaningful interactions and conversations that support personal growth and goal development.
Transportation & Vehicle Responsibilities
- Safely transport Members using agency vehicles as required.
- Maintain driver certification and comply with all safety requirements.
- Complete pre‑and post‑trip vehicle inspections and report concerns promptly.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
- Complete and timely submit all necessary paperwork, including daily progress notes for all persons supported.
- Complete all staff training components; including keeping first aid & CPR certification current.
- Adhere to all health and safety practices in the workplace; follow all rules, regulations, and emergency procedures as set forth in the Emergency Operating Plan.
- Attend all scheduled meetings and trainings as required.
- Support the Agency’s mission and partner with others to accomplish the mission.
- Maintain the highest professional and ethical standards at all times.
- May be assigned to work at various agency sites and other community locations as needed.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Requirements include:

Ability to relate effectively with persons with disabilities, demonstrating dignity, compassion, and tact.
Organize work efficiently and meet job demands with minimal supervision and a flexible schedule.
Basic knowledge of the needs of persons with disabilities and ability to learn and support them.
Use verbal prompting and hands‑on demonstration to motivate and teach basic home/living skills to adults with developmental disabilities living independently.
Driving requirements: If driving own vehicle, reliable vehicle, proof of insurance, valid California driver license, acceptable driving record. For agency vehicles, valid license and acceptable record; maintain safe driver status.
Basic writing and computer skills (recording notes, email). Proficient in digital applications such as timekeeping, scheduling software, Member Database, Zoom, Microsoft Teams.

Essential Competencies

Composure under stressful conditions
Creativity
Action‑oriented
Patience and dependability
Interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and in teams
Critical thinking and problem‑solving skills
Adaptability
Organized with excellent time‑management capabilities
Positive role model; able to lead and coach members

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required; experience in supporting people with disabilities, human services, or related field preferred.

Language Skills

Read, write, and interpret documents in English. Effectively present information and respond in English to supervisors, co‑workers, members, and family members.

Mathematical Skills

Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division at a high school level.

Physical Demands

Require sitting, seeing, talking, hearing, walking, standing, reaching, lifting up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 25 pounds occasionally. May require sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods. Exposure to inclement weather, food pantries, kitchens, animal shelters, extreme heat, and odors.

Benefits