Lutheran Social Services of Southern California began in December 1944 when a group of Lutheran congregations in San Diego came together to discuss how to better assist families in need. They began discussing how to form a Welfare Commission. Their vision expanded when they came together with another group of Lutheran congregations in Los Angeles having the very same conversation. Lutheran Social Services of Southern California was officially incorporated in 1946 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit social service agency. The mission has stayed true to its earliest beginnings, to be a servant to those in need. Today LSSSC serves thousands of individuals and families throughout Southern California with over 70 different programs/services at nearly 20 different locations. We are part of the Lutheran Services in America (LSA) network and strive to serve those in need with dignity and respect.

Lutheran Social Services of Southern California’s Mission: Ignited by faith, we live out God’s love by embracing, equipping, and empowering vulnerable individuals, families, and communities toward self-sufficiency.

Job Summary: Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Direct Support Professional (DSP) assists program participants to engage in activities that will enhance the quality of their life and assist them in acquiring skills that will help them be more fully integrated into the community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities for DSP I, II, and III include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Assist participants in daily planned activities.
• Plan and create activities that are in alignment with person centered plans.
• Assist participants to meet individual goals and objectives as outlined in their Individualized Program Plan (IPP) reflecting a Person-Centered Care Approach.
• Assist the participants in community-based activities.
• Implement daily scheduled program activities approved by Program Manager.
• Assist participants in activities during program hours.
• Complete participants’ daily progress reports.
• Complete incident reports within 24 hours of the happening the incident.
• Maintain a safe environment consistent for the participants and ensure that they are keeping social distancing, wears masks or face shields and frequently wash their hands.
• Report all incidents to administrative staff.
• Participate in meetings and training sessions.
• Pick-up/Drop off participants to and from their home.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Duties of the DSP II and III:

• Responsible for developing/leading weekly in-person workshops for participants.
• Lead remote activities including preparation of daily zoom program.
• Network and build relationships with surrounding community to increase Center resources.

Additional Duties of the DSP III:

• Assist Director and Program Manager in developing and managing CIT Specialists.
• Oversee all remote activities, including assignment of classes, approval of materials, preparation and delivery of packets, and technological support to staff.
• Assist Program Manager with various reports such as Individual Service Plans and One Page Profiles.
• Responsible for developing and leading at least two weekly workshops such as Self-Care and Introduction to Computer Class
• Complete participants’ daily progress report.
• Assist in training of new Staff.
• Assist all Staff in planning and development of community-based activities.
• Plan and create activities that are aligned with a person-centered plan (PCP).
• Assist participants to meet individual goals and objectives as outlined in their Individualized Program Plan (IPP) reflecting PCP.
• Network and build relationships with surrounding community to increase Center resources.
• Represent LSSSC in community, church, and/or interagency activities.
• Participate in community collaborations/networks for the purposes of mutual referrals and resources.
• Engage in program development supervision and report all program matters to the Manager.

Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Education and Experience Requirements for DSP I: A High school graduate with some experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities or experience in taking care of a family member with disabilities. All candidates must complete and pass the Live Scan background check.

Education and Experience Requirements for DSP II: A High school graduate with at least one year’s experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities or experience of taking care of a family member with disabilities. All candidates must complete and pass the Live Scan background check.

Education and Experience Requirements for DSP III: A High school diploma and at least three years of experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and experience supervising staff. An Associates degree or higher preferred. All candidates must complete and pass the Live Scan background check.

Language Ability: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

Math Ability: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Participants’ behaviors- Ability manages and deescalate participants needy/aggressive situations; Responds promptly to participants’ needs; Responds to requests for service and assistance.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions.
• Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively, edits work for spelling and grammar. Varies writing style to meet needs; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Diversity - Experience with and understanding of the needs of persons with developmental disabilities.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically.
• Organizational Support – Ability to comply with all agencies, federal, state and regulatory body employment requirements; Ability to provide the following: valid California driver’s license, Department of Motor Vehicles print out of driving record (must be submitted by date of hire), proof of tuberculosis screening (within one year prior to employment or within seven days of hire), signed criminal record clearance statement (at time of employment).
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction.
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures. Report potentially unsafe conditions.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.