Direct Support Professional​/ASL Specialist

Description

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.

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the DSP/ASL Specialist assist program participants to engage in activities of their choice that will enhance the quality of their life and assist them in acquiring skills that will help them to be more fully integrated into the community. As the DSP/ASL Specialist, the role is to facilitate communication with participants and staff by using sign language as method of communication and support both staff/participants by utilizing basic ASL.

While the role holds dual responsibility, primary role will be to utilize ASL to support overall communication and understanding for staff and participants served.

• Work with a range of individuals with disabilities.
• Use sign language as the primary method of communication in addition to supporting assigned participants.
• Assist participants in daily planned activities for integration in the community.
• Plan and create activities that are in alignment with person centered plans.
• Assist participants to meet individual goals and objectives as outline in their IPP reflecting PCP.
• Assist the participants in community-based activities.
• Implement daily scheduled program activities approved by participants or their representatives, and Director.
• 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.
• Teach participants/staff ASL.
• Pick-up/Drop off participants to and from their homes.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Proficiency in American Sign Language and has ability to teach ASL to participants and staff.
• Ability to manage and deescalate participants needy/aggressive situations;
  Responds promptly to participants’ needs;
  Responds to requests for service and assistance.
• Communication, written, orally, to translate and communicate via sign language proficiently.
• Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions.
• Ability to comply with Agency’s, federal, state policies and procedures.
• 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), proof of Covid-19 vaccination (at time of employment).

• 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.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work…