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 processes, networking, resume preparation, time management, communication, working under supervision, and safety awareness.
• Communication Skills: Provide supervision while the individual accesses facilitated communication devices (e.g., Braille, Sign Language, finger spelling, augmentative devices). Train and supervise use of telephones, cell phones, and the internet.
• Mobility Training: Provide supervision and training on accessing public transportation, familiarizing with bus routes, DMV materials, and obtaining bus passes.
• Education Training: Provide supervision and training on enrolling in classes, applying for financial aid, school/class selection, maintaining attendance, completing assignments, and encouraging progress. Training may include parent skills, family life education, and sexual education.
• Money Management: Provide supervision and training on budgeting, making change, purchasing, counting, and price comparisons.
• Self-Help Skills: Provide supervision and train individuals in basic hygiene tasks, including bathing assistance and proper dressing for weather and environment.
• Environmental Awareness and Public Adaptation: Provide supervision and training on safely accessing public professionals and developing natural supports in all settings.
• Personal and Public Safety Skills: Provide supervision and training in recognizing stranger danger, safe vs. unsafe environments, and street safety skills.
• Emergency Preparedness: Provide supervision and training on remaining safe during emergencies (e.g., fire, earthquake) and promoting awareness of 911 and emergency services.
• Community Resources Awareness: Provide supervision and support in accessing public/community resources.
• Health and Fitness: Provide supervision, training, and support with diet programs, exercise, medical conditions, and making healthy food choices.
• Health Assistance and Medication: Provide supervision and support during medical appointments, communicating health updates or concerns. Supervise, train, and support individuals in proper medication storage, documentation, and procedures. Note: SLS Instructors will NOT administer medication.
• Health and Nutrition Skills: Provide supervision and training on following recommended diet and nutrition needs. Assist with feeding through hand-over-hand supervision when necessary.
• Home Maintenance: Provide supervision and training on maintaining a safe and clean-living environment, including laundry tasks.
• Self-Advocacy Skills: Provide supervision and support to help individuals become aware of their rights, identify rights violations, and use legal rights to foster self-reliance, self-esteem, and empowerment.
• Living Options: Provide supervision and training on accessing Medi-Cal benefits, applying for SSI, scheduling/canceling/attending appointments, and navigating immigration/citizenship processes.
• Shopping Skills: Provide supervision and support with grocery shopping, including 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.
• Able 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 schedule, 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 based on state requirements; may or may not need a Driver’s License with no negative Motor Vehicle Record findings.

Pay

$18.25–$20.75 per hour

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.