DSP and Life Skills Instructor

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Implement ISP/IPP goals using individualized teaching strategies
• Support development of daily living skills, communication and social skills, and self-advocacy and decision-making
• Use prompting, modeling, and coaching techniques
• Promote dignity and informed choice
• Provide encouragement, coaching, instruction, mentoring, and advocacy to assist Members in achieving greater independence and inclusion
• 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
• Implement behavior support strategies as trained and as 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
• Complete accurate and timely documentation, including daily notes, incident reports, and attendance tracking/service hours
• Maintain compliance with Regional Center requirements, licensing regulations, and agency policies
• 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
• Maintain confidentiality (HIPAA compliance)
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and flexibility
• Maintain required certifications and trainings
• Follow trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices
• Work in indoor and outdoor environments
• Exposure to community settings (e.g., stores, worksites, public spaces)

Community Living Services – In the Member’s Home (ILS/SLS)

• Implement individualized training and support services as outlined in the Member’s ISP/IPP
• Areas of instruction may include budgeting and money management, independent living skills, self-care and hygiene, meal planning and preparation, recreation and leisure planning, banking and financial literacy, decision-making and problem-solving, self-advocacy and communication skills, accessing community resources, and medication and health management including assistance with medical and dental appointments
• 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
• Transport Members in personal vehicle

In-Home Day Program (MMDP)

• Develop and implement individualized activity plans designed to increase independence and promote transition to less restrictive and more inclusive environments when appropriate
• 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

• 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 (e.g., 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

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Experience in supporting people with disabilities, human services, or a related field is preferred
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus
• Ability to relate effectively with persons with disabilities
• Belief in the dignity of the Members and show maturity, compassion, and tact in dealing with people
• Ability to organize work in an efficient and timely manner to meet the demands of the job
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and adhere to a flexible work schedule based on Member needs
• Knowledge of or ability to learn the needs of persons with disabilities
• Skills to effectively support persons with disabilities
• Ability to encourage persons with disabilities to make informed choices and facilitate opportunities for growth
• Ability to use verbal prompting and hands-on demonstration to motivate and teach basic home/living skills to adults with developmental disabilities living independently
• If driving own vehicle while on the clock: reliable vehicle, proof of vehicular insurance, valid California driver license, and driving record acceptable to agency's insurance carrier
• When driving agency vehicles: valid California driver license and driving record acceptable to agency's insurance carrier
• Must be in good standing as a certified safe driver at all times to maintain driver status and eligibility
• Basic writing and computer skills, such as recording daily notes and using email
• Ability to learn and become proficient in digital applications including timekeeping and scheduling software, Member Database, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.
• Ability to read, write and interpret documents in English
• Ability to effectively present information and respond in English to questions from supervisors, co-workers, Members, and family members
• Ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division at a high school level
• Ability to sit, see, talk and hear regularly; walk and stand frequently; reach with hands and arms frequently; occasionally use hands to finger, handle, or feel, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Ability to sit, stand or walk for extended periods of time
• Ability to work in various environments including inclement weather (extreme heat and rain), food pantries, kitchens, animal shelters (may be exposed to animal dandruff, heat, and odors)

Schedule

• Full Time, Non-Exempt - 32 hours Monday-Friday, and 8 hours on a Saturday or Sunday (six-day work week)

Pay

• $23.00/hr

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401K Matching
• Vacation Hours
• Paid Sick Leave
• Holiday Pay
• All paid training