Supported Living Instructor / SLS

Location: Mission Viejo, CA

About the Role

The SLS Instructor provides one-on-one individual instruction and training to encourage independence at the highest possible level. SLS Instructors serve as advocates and liaisons on behalf of the individuals being supported. Instructors strive to develop strong personal relationships with the individuals they support, assisting in maximizing successful community integration.

Responsibilities

• Employment Preparation (100%): Provide supervision while the individual acquires skills for successful employment, including personal appearance/hygiene, job screening/application/interview process, networking, resume preparation, time management, communication, working under direct supervision, and safety awareness.
• Communication Skills: Supervise and train individuals in using facilitated communication devices such as Braille, Sign Language, finger spelling, augmentative devices, and adaptations. Provide training on telephone, cell phone, and internet use.
• Mobility Training: Supervise and train individuals on accessing public transportation, familiarizing with bus routes, DMV materials, and obtaining bus passes.
• Education Training: Supervise and train individuals on enrolling in classes, applying for financial aid, selecting schools/classes, maintaining attendance, completing assignments, and encouraging progress. Training may include parent skills, family life education, and sexual education.
• Money Management: Supervise and train individuals on budgeting, making change, purchasing, counting, and price comparisons.
• Self-Help Skills: Supervise and train individuals in basic hygiene tasks, including bathing assistance and proper dressing for weather and environment.
• Environmental Awareness and Public Adaptation: Supervise and train individuals on safely accessing public professionals and developing natural supports in all settings.
• Personal and Public Safety Skills: Supervise and train individuals in recognizing stranger danger, safe vs. unsafe environments, and street safety skills.
• Emergency Preparedness: Supervise and train individuals on remaining safe during emergencies such as fire or earthquakes, and promote awareness of 911 and emergency services.
• Community Resources Awareness: Supervise and support individuals in accessing public and community resources.
• Health and Fitness: Supervise, train, and support individuals with diet programs, exercise, medical conditions, making healthy food choices, and following recommended diets. Assist with feeding when necessary (hand-over-hand supervision).
• Health Assistance and Medication: Provide supervision and support during medical appointments, communicate health updates or concerns, and train individuals on proper medication storage, documentation, and procedures. Note: SLS Instructors will not administer medication.
• Home Maintenance: Supervise and train individuals on maintaining a safe and clean-living environment, including laundry tasks.
• Self-Advocacy Skills: Supervise and support individuals in becoming aware of their rights, identifying rights violations, and using legal rights to foster self-reliance, self-esteem, and empowerment.
• Living Options: Supervise and train individuals on accessing Medi-Cal benefits, applying for SSI, scheduling/canceling/attending appointments, and navigating immigration/citizenship processes.
• Shopping Skills: Supervise and support individuals with grocery shopping, making healthy food choices, budgeting, and price comparison.

The above reflects the general details necessary to describe the principal and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned.

Requirements

• At least 6 months of direct supervision experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general regulations.
• Ability to write legible and accurate notes relating to an individual’s goals/objectives.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from consumers, support circles, Regional Center, and/or the general public.
• Ability to speak English and any additional language based on individual needs.
• Ability to use independent judgment during services and emergencies.
• Possess a cell phone for communication with management and payroll responsibilities (e.g., viewing schedules, submitting time-off requests, punching in/out).

Qualifications

• Education: High School diploma or equivalent preferred but not required unless directed by state regulations.
• Experience: Additional experience with people with developmental disabilities preferred or as required by regulations.
• Licenses/Certifications: Program-specific requirements based on state regulations; may or may not need a Driver’s License with no negative Motor Vehicle Record findings.

Our Values

• Mission First: We support others to flourish and that deserves our full energy, commitment, and focus.
• One AbleLight: We are one team working together to advance quality, valuing collaboration, accountability, transparency, and courage.
• Christian Love: We are guided by our Christian faith because all people have infinite value. We welcome and love every person, acting with empathy, grace, dignity, and patience.

Pay

$18.25 - $20.75 per hour