DSP, Independent Living Services

BuildAbility

Posted 3 months ago

Full Time

Los Angeles, California

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

Provide one-on-one skills training and support to adults with developmental disabilities in their homes and the community. Responsibilities include assisting with daily living tasks, fostering socialization skills, and documenting progress via a digital program.

Qualifications

You have a high school diploma or GED and strong interpersonal skills to positively interact with individuals with disabilities. You must possess a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and be willing to travel up to 75% for this role.

Must Have Skills for ATS

Budgeting

Meal planning

Hygiene practices

Activities of daily living (ADLs)

Socialization/interpersonal communication skills

Self-regulation/coping techniques

Household tasks

DOJ Live Scan fingerprinting

Mileage Reimbursement

Job Description

Join the BuildAbility Team as a Mentor

Are you someone who finds joy in assisting others in reaching their goals? Do you prefer being out in the community rather than confined to a desk? Currently, we're on the lookout for Mentors to lend support to participants in our Independent Living Services Program.


Why work with us:

  • Meaningful Mission: Be a part of a team that's transforming lives and empowering individuals within the community. Our mission is to carve out a space for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, encouraging them to envision a life without limitations and then guiding them toward turning that vision into a reality.
  • Inclusive Environment: Join an organization that values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy competitive compensation starting at $18.00 - $21.00/hour, along with a generous benefits package.
  • If our values align with yours, then this opportunity is tailor-made for you!

Our Independent Living Services Program:

  • In this program, we serve adults with developmental disabilities at their homes and in the community to help increase or maintain their independence. DSPs travel to meet 1-3 individuals per day and provide one-on-one skills training based on their individual goals.

As a Mentor, you will be responsible for:

  • Assisting participants in their homes with tasks such as budgeting, meal planning, hygiene practices, and activities of daily living (ADLs).
  • Providing opportunities for the participant to develop socialization/interpersonal communication skills and practice self-regulation/coping techniques.
  • Providing hands-on training, observation, and evaluation of the participant's household tasks and assisting with further development.
  • Advocating for participants' inclusion in the community and empowering them to exercise their rights.
  • Use BuildAbility’s digital program to log the individual’s progress and performance.

Schedule:

  • Part-time and Full-time opportunities
  • Mornings to evenings
  • Hours assigned are subject to change weekly based on availability

Work location:

  • San Fernando Valley Region, Sunland, Tujunga, and Burbank, CA
  • Traveling position 

Compensation:

  • Starting at $18.00 - $21.00/hour (dependent upon prior experience and qualifications).

Part-time Benefits:

  • Paid Sick Time (56 hours)
  • Mileage Reimbursement and Paid Travel Time
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan
  • Opportunity for Career Advancement
Additional Full-time Benefits:
  • 90% coverage for Medical and 100% coverage for Dental and Vision insurance
  • 100% Employer Paid Life Insurance for up to 2X the annual salary with Reliance Standard
  • Paid vacation starting at 2 weeks per year
  • 12 paid holidays per year
 

Required Qualifications:

  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with individuals with disabilities, their family members, employers, and others in a positive and constructive manner.
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Must pass a DOJ Live Scan fingerprinting background clearance.
  • Valid California Driver’s License, automobile insurance, and reliable transportation.
  • Willing to travel: up to 75%.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Fluent in Spanish.
  • Prior experience supporting individuals with disabilities. If you don’t have experience, we will provide on-the-job training. Some of our best staff did not have experience prior to being hired at BuildAbility!
BuildAbility is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace environment, stakeholder engagement, and participant support. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

BuildAbility

Founded in 1967 as a nonprofit organization, BuildAbility has been at the forefront of creating a world where individuals with disabilities are empowered to shape their own futures. As leaders in the I/DD services community, we proactively adapt to meet the needs of those we serve, creating diverse programs that empower participants and strengthen community partnerships. Our shared goals of fostering personal growth, promoting community engagement, ensuring quality, and building sustainability, enable us to make a lasting impact on individuals and the communities with which we connect. Throughout our history, we have supported nearly 10,000 individuals through a variety of programs including vocational training and supported employment, independent living skills, and both on-site and community based day programs. Through these programs and a thoughtful, person-driven approach, we provide exceptional support that focuses on providing meaningful, life-changing experiences that assist individuals in building confidence and independence. Looking ahead, we are committed to pushing boundaries and creating a future where inclusion is the rule, rather than the exception. In 2025 and beyond, BuildAbility will continue to lead the charge in celebrating neurodiversity, amplifying talents across all abilities, and building partnerships that redefine what’s possible. We believe that by coming together as a community, we can break down barriers and build a future without limits.
Runway Icon
Boost Your Interview Chances

With Runway

See Your Fit for This Role

1-5 min

Your Score

?

Top Applicants

90%

Your Job Search Advantage

Key Gaps & Next Steps:

Address these in your resume & Interview

Top Strengths For This Role

Highlight these in your cover letter & interview

Your Interview Guide

A Personalized Interview Strategy

Freshest Opportunities

Never Miss a Good Fit

Get notified when jobs mach your criteria