DSP and Life Skills Instructor

New Horizons, Serving Individuals with Special Needs•Los Angeles, CA

23h•$21 - $23•Hybrid

About The Position

New Horizons is seeking an engaging bilingual DSP and Life Skills Instructor to join their team. This role involves providing hands-on instruction and support to individuals with developmental disabilities in various life skills areas. New Horizons is a nonprofit organization with over 60 years of experience dedicated to serving individuals with special needs, aiming to enhance their quality of life and promote their independence and inclusion in the community.

Requirements

Ability to relate effectively with persons with disabilities.
Belief in the dignity of Members and showing 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 knowledge to 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 in their own homes.
If driving own vehicle while on the clock: reliable vehicle, proof of vehicular insurance, a valid California driver license, and a driving record acceptable to the agency’s insurance carrier.
When driving agency vehicles: a valid California driver license and a driving record acceptable to the agency’s insurance carrier.
Must be in good standing as a certified safe driver at all times to maintain driver status and eligibility for this position.
Basic writing and computer skills, such as recording daily notes and using email.
Ability to learn and become proficient in use of digital applications including but not limited to timekeeping and scheduling software, Member Database, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.
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
A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
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.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual – English / Spanish
Experience working with adults with developmental disabilities
Experience in supporting people with disabilities, human services, or a related field is preferred.

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).
Implement individualized training and support services as outlined in the Member’s ISP/IPP for Community Living Services (ILS/SLS), including areas such as budgeting, independent living skills, self-care, meal planning, recreation, financial literacy, decision-making, self-advocacy, accessing community resources, and medication/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. Transport Members in personal vehicle.
Develop and implement individualized activity plans for In-Home Day Program (MMDP) designed to increase independence and promote transition to less restrictive and more inclusive 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.
Provide instruction, training, and supervision to Members in community, onsite, and virtual settings for the Community Learning Center (CLC) / Day Program 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.
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.
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.
Completes and timely submits all necessary paperwork, including daily progress notes for all persons supported.
Completes all staff training components; including keeping first aid & CPR certification current.
Adheres to all health and safety practices in the workplace. Follows all rules and regulations and emergency procedures as set forth in the Emergency Operating Plan.
Attends all scheduled meetings and trainings as required.
Supports the Agency’s mission and partners with others to accomplish the mission.
Maintains the highest professional and ethical standards at all times.
May be assigned to work at various agency sites and other community locations as needed.
Performs additional duties as assigned.