CAREGIVER (Trainer I)

Non-profit organization has immediate opening for a full time Caregiver (Trainer I) in West Los Angeles area, to work with adults with developmental disabilities by providing home-based assistance in meeting their personal needs.

JOB SUMMARY

In the Supported Living Services (SLS) Program, the Trainer I position will be referred to as Direct Support Staff (DSS) for the purpose of consistency with the service philosophy. DSS provides assistance to adult individuals with developmental disabilities. The support provided is flexible and tailored to meet the needs and preferences of each individual served, in accordance with the individual’s person-centered plan. The services provided may include assistance with meal preparation, personal care, home maintenance, shopping, self-help support, medication and health-related skills, wheelchair transferring and assistive technology as necessary. Direct Support Staff maintain high standards of personal conduct, professionalism, and work in collaboration with other members of the individual’s support system. Services also include supporting the individual’s choices and preferences within appropriate health and safety guidelines as well as fostering relationships and community involvement. Direct Support Staff must be able to provide on-call assistance to individuals when necessary and proactively communicate with Community Support Facilitators (CSF) and program supervisors.


ESSENTIAL JOB DELIVERABLES:

Meet the individual ’s personal needs when he or she is unable to perform such tasks

•Prepare meals and assist with eating
•Assist with bathing and toileting
•Perform light cleaning as necessary
•Assist individual with general (nontherapeutic) physical activity
•Assist with therapeutic exercises as per therapist’s approved recommendations and training
•Do laundry & shopping with or for individuals
•Monitor and/or assist with medication management and general health care and safety needs according to medical and therapeutic recommendations and the Life Steps SLS standards of care

Provide continuous support for the individual’s health and safety needs:

•Ensure health and safety needs are met according to health and safety plan
•Immediately notify supervisor or other authority if the individual presents a danger to self or others
•Alert appropriate authorities immediately in case of emergency.
•Utilize emergency pager system and following emergency protocols as directed by supervisor
•Provide on-call assistance to clients in the event of illness, crisis, holidays, etc.


Assist the individual in increasing or maintaining their quality of life according to their person-centered plan

•Address the Plan action steps according to job description and individual’s defined needs and preferences
•Follow plans and support individuals desires for independence and self-responsibility including fostering relationships and community involvement
•Attend regularly scheduled person-centered meetings for the individual(s) served and be an active member of an individual’s circle of support
•Foster maximum self-determination per individual’s defined wishes

Transfer individual as necessary and in accordance with the individuals transfer assessment and transfer policy

•Assist individual with transfers between wheelchairs and toilet when necessary
•Transfer individual between bed and wheelchair as needed
•Transfer individual into and out of tub/shower as needed
•Assist individual with wheelchair and other mobility needs
•Any physical assistance to individuals not specified in the transfer assessment recommendations is not to be performed without appropriate consultation



Adhere to Life Steps’ administrative guidelines

•Submit complete and accurate billing in a timely manner
•Submit all required documentation in a timely manner
•Carry emergency pager on rotating schedule
•Attend mandatory staff meetings and scheduled trainings as outlined by supervisor
•Proactively communicate with supervisor about individual’s changing needs
•Adhere to policies and procedures as defined in employee handbook and program materials


Subscribe to and uphold all professional ethical standards

•Recognize and adhere to professional boundaries at all times
•Maintain high standards of personal conduct
•Understand and maintain communications and conduct in accordance with the principles of Person Centered Planning
•Read and comprehend the Supported Living Services Program Design
•Respect the privacy of individuals receiving services and that of the members of their family and support system by maintaining confidentiality of information according to HIPAA regulations
•Avoid dual relationships
•Present self professionally to individuals, the community and to the Regional Centers
•Participate in agency and community events.



Interested applicants please e-mail resumes to [Click here for email] or fax to (310)301-7004.
REQUIREMENTS
Essential Job Requirements

•High school diploma or GED, CNA preferred
•At least one year directly related experience preferred
•Must be able to get along with co-workers, supervisors, individuals and individual’s family members.
•Must be able to transfer individual(s) safely and according to their transfer assessment plan and the LSF transfer policy.
•Must be interviewed by the individual and meet with the individuals satisfaction
•Because Direct Support Staff work in the homes of individuals with developmental disabilities, they must ensure that their reputations are beyond reproach. The mere allegation of unlawful or unethical conduct may result in the employee’s suspension or termination to protect the safety and well being of the individuals receiving services.
•Be able to travel distances between work assignments if necessary
•Must have valid California Driver’s License and current automobile insurance unless waived.
•Must be able to attend monthly staff meetings, trainings, and supervision.
•CPR & First Aid certified within 30 days of hire; DMV printout; fingerprint check.