Nonprofit
Published 4/6/26 3:00PM

Direct Support Professional

On-site, Work must be performed in or near Poway, CA
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  • Details

    Job Type:
    Full Time
    Start Date:
    April 13, 2026
    Compensation:
    At least USD $20 / hour
    Cause Areas:
    Disability, Civic Engagement, Sports & Recreation, Volunteering, Community Development

    Description

    POSITION TITLE: Direct Support/Day Program/Tailored Day Service 1 to 1

    RESPONSIBLE TO: Executive Director & Program Manager (FT)

    OVERALL FUNCTION: Responsible for direct support to clients for our day program

    CURRENT RESPONSIBILITIES: creates, develops, plans, and organizes recreational, vocational, volunteer, social and enrichment events and opportunities for developmentally disabled participants. Researches participants’ interests, capacities, and growth areas for new activities; works 5 full days/week (w/ unpaid 1 hour or 30 minute lunch). (Full time and part-time positions are available.) Creates a monthly calendar, daily lesson plans and participates in activities while supervising clients.

    • Prepare class ideas, summaries, times, dates, and locations in accordance with the class schedule.
    • Leads class or group activity as needed and based on talent and ability
    • Attend each activity, assist the instructor if needed, build rapport with participants, and make sure everyone stays present and accounted for.
    • Compile an attendance sheet and monitor check ins at every class, event, day program day
    • Follow up with people that do not attend and see why.
    • Creates the future programming with Program Manager for Villa de Vida, Inc.
    • Programming will include various activities: cooking, healthy lifestyles, employment, physical fitness, arts and crafts, social skills and other.
    • Create and administer individual program plans, surveys and interviews
    • Meet one on one with client to obtain specific needs in order to create a plan to achieve their short and long-term goals.
    • Then quarterly meet with client to review and update their plan.
    • Follow up with clients, create and perform satisfaction surveys, exit surveys and do outcome studies to be reported to the Program Manager and Executive Director
    • Advocate/adapt on behalf of clients (physical fitness, therapy, job coaches) and make referrals as necessary.
    • Participate in organized strategies that enhance best practices and support quality of client services.
    • Maintain proper records. All records should include follow-up plans.
    • Maintain files.Meet reporting requirements.
    • May be required to occasionally attend fundraisers and assist with events.

    EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

    • Must have an Associate’s Degree or certificate in one of the included or related areas: Therapeutic Recreation, Education/Special Education, Social Services, Behavioral or Rehabilitative Science,
    • (2) two-years minimum of direct professional experience in working with persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities;
    • OR a Bachelor’s Degree in the aforementioned areas plus one-year minimum of direct professional experience in working with persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

    KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

    • Must demonstrate expertise in creating/implementing best practices service delivery systems regarding employment and supportive housing services to persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
    • Must demonstrate a capacity for developing, monitoring and evaluating measurable support plans.
    • Must demonstrate a capacity for creating and using assessment tools (formal and informal) and analyzing results.
    • Must have excellent interpersonal relationship skills and experience in working with families, consumers, public and private entities, and volunteers.
    • Must have in-depth knowledge of disability accommodations and adaptations, and disability advocacy for developmentally disabled clients 

    • Must be able to work collaboratively with others in a team environment, respecting and valuing the perspectives and contributions of others.
    • Must function effectively in an environment with diverse cultures, multiple perspectives and competing needs.

    • Must be an active member of our team, working collaboratively with the manager and other staff to meet needs and resolve problems.
    • Must be able to pass CFS and Basic First Aid Certification & Certification in AIDS 101.
    • Must report child, dependent adult and elder abuse and neglect according to state law.

    REQUIRED

    • Computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe.
    • Must have valid California Driver’s license.
    • Employment background check.
    • Criminal background check.

    Benefits

    For full time employees 35+ hours - 100% paid insurance premium

    2 weeks accrued paid vacation/year

    8 paid holidays

    1 week accrued paid sick time

    Some overtime allowed

    Level of Language Proficiency

    English proficiency

    Location

    On-site
    Poway, CA, USA

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