PLEASE NOTE: If you do not answer the questions accompanying this ad in full, your application will not be considered.
C. is a 16-year-old diagnosed with severe autism with comorbid behavioral & mental health conditions. His parents are looking for someone to join the team to support him at home and in the community (driving to Porter Ranch, Santa Monica, Malibu and around the San Fernando Valley), While this is a weekend position for Saturday and Sundays (shifts available are either 8 hours in the morning or 8 hours in the afternoon), and you must commit to this schedule, there is opportunity to work more hours if available on weekdays. You will be acting as an active team member in assisting C. with homeschool academic activities, daily needs & functional living skills (including toileting, feeding, house chores, etc.) in a natural environment.
Due to C’s autism, he receives funding from the Westside Regional Center (https://westsiderc.org/) to meet his needs and for this service and staff. He is part of the Self-Determination Program (https://westsiderc.org/about-the-program/), which is why his family can select their own staff. Specifically, you will be hired by a Financial Management Service as a W-2 employee paid hourly at a rate of $32 per hour; payment will be bi-monthly. You must have a Bachelors degree plus 3 years experience in the field. You must be able to pass a background check and have an excellent driving record. Letters of professional references will be required.
Please see below to learn more about C. and determine if you are the person C. and his family need!
C. IS:
· A teenage boy that enjoys spending time on his iPad, going in the swimming pool/hot tub, walking around the neighborhood and community outings such as museums, stores, parks etc. He enjoys car rides, drum circles, sound baths and being outdoors.
· Sensory seeking with water, trampolines, fidget toys, arts and crafts, and food.
· Someone who struggles to communicate and/or be understood, as he doesn’t use words, which, along with triggers, can lead him to resort to challenging/aggressive behaviors to get his needs met. He uses ProLoQuo2Go via iPad to communicate, as well as Spelling To Communicate (S2C), a Go Talk device, basic sign language, and verbal sounds for yes and no.
· Easy to get along with when the people caring for him show genuine interest and want to help him. C can read people and feeds off their energy.
TO BE A PART OF C’S TEAM YOU NEED TO:
· Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
· Have a valid drivers license and an excellent driving record
· Have a Bachelors plus 3 years experience in the field, or have a Masters degree with 2 years experience in the field.
· Be able to pass a background check.
· Provide 3 letters from professional references.
· Be an out of the box thinker to build strong rapport by identifying opportunities for C engage with you as a caregiver and a teacher.
· Be quick on your feet and able to assess situations quickly. C. is very fast; he must have constant supervision to ensure his safety and those around him
· Not be intimidated by challenging & aggressive behaviors, towards you and himself. Behaviors include self-injurious behaviors (banging his head on the floor, biting his arm, bouncing on his knees, banging his head on the wall, punching himself) & aggression towards you (biting your shirt, pulling hair, pulling clothing, biting, scratching etc.) You must be willing & able to intervene (as directed by parents and other team members). A behavior intervention plan will be available to follow.
· Be calm, patient and flexible, while remaining firm (without raising your voice) and consistent in what you ask him to do . You must validate C’s feelings and help with self-regulation.
· Be organized and ready for the unexpected each day.
· During downtime, help with light housekeeping.
· Work alongside service providers/vendors such as Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Adaptive PE coaches, Music Therapists and Behavior Support staff. You will be working alongside a team of other behaviorists during your shift. You must work well and be a team player.
· Collect information and log in daily activities. You will provide updates to parents daily.
· Be comfortable with social integration and monitoring for safety in the community, as part of your job will include driving and community outings.
· Be familiar with positive behavior supports and strategies (providing verbal praise, reinforcement for desired behaviors, proactive strategies to prevent/decrease challenging behaviors, structuring downtimes)
· Be playful and do science & STEM projects, cooking projects, and generally learn together. Play = Learning
· Know that C's family is here to help you! To them, his autism is not a disability; it’s a different ability. Please ask his family if you have questions or concerns; they love him just like he is, and they think you will too.
Pay: Up to $32.00 per hour
Benefits:
Application Question(s):
- PLEASE NOTE: If you do not answer this question in its entirety, your application will not be considered. Why are you interested in this position? What makes you a good fit, and what experience do you have? This position requires a bachelor's degree & 3 years of experience.
- PLEASE NOTE: If you do not answer this question in its entirety, your application will not be considered. What days/times are you available? This is primarily a WEEKEND support staff position and shifts are available on Saturday and Sunday in the morning or afternoon, but there may be an option for additional hours (as available) on weekdays.
Work Location: In person
