Nurturing Lives Since 1981...

Growth is the goal at IABA, and we offer unique opportunities to be part of a team where service is rooted in ABA and strong, mutually caring relationships. For over a quarter century, our progressive programs & direct support have improved the lives of individuals with Autism & other developmental disabilities. Join us and get rooted in a career you will love!

An opportunity is currently available for Community Support Companion

Qualifications: One year of training and experience in providing support services for individuals who are challenged with physical or developmental disabilities, or at least an A.A. degree in psychology (or related field) required.

REQUIRED: Valid Drivers license; current automobile insurance; first aid training; CPR training; DMV report; and fingerprints.

The Community Support Companion must be physically able to implement all strategies as they are defined in IABA’s “Emergency Management Guidelines,” including geographical and emergency physical containment.

The Community Support Companion must be physically able to lift and carry up to 25 pound items (e.g., groceries, houseware items, move furniture, etc.). As well as be able to physically assist, guide, and facilitate movement of consumers that may need physical assistance (e.g., wheelchair transfer, walking, etc.).

Training:
The Full-time Companion will be expected to participate in approximately 75 hours of required training. The Part-time Companion will be expected to participate in a minimum of 40 hours of required training. The Substitute Companion will be expected to participate in a minimum of 30 hours of required training. The above referenced training would be completed during the first six months of employment. Training requirements include: Competency Based Training; Quarterly inservice training sessions; on-the-job training; and training provided by the professional staff of the Institute and/or professionals outside the agency.

Goal: To provide companionship, protection, and encouragement to the individual with a developmental disability in order to assist him or her to develop the skills necessary to live independently and become fully integrated into the surrounding community. These skills may include money management, cooking, meal planning, shopping and cleaning.

Responsibilities: The primary responsibility of the Companion is to provide companionship, fellowship, protection and personal care for the challenged individual. Responsibilities and working hours will necessarily vary based on each individual's particular needs and schedule.

Job Duties: Job duties for each Companion will necessarily vary based on each individual's particular disabilities and needs. Management will prepare an overall plan for each individual that the Companion will be primarily responsible for implementing. In some cases, the Companion may also work with the individual's Roommate, Personal Care Companion, and/or the Overnight Companion in implementing the individual's plan. However, the general job duties that all Companions can be expected to perform are as follows:
(1) The primary responsibility of the Companion is simply to "be there" and provide individualized companionship, fellowship and personal care to the individual. This will necessarily include activities such as talking, listening, and engaging in every day activities with the individual to foster a positive relationship.
(2) In the event of an emergency, the Companion is required to provide protection to the individual. This may include administering first aid or CPR and telephoning 911 in the event of an emergency.

Note: Companions shall not transport individuals in their automobiles except in an emergency.

(3) The Companion will be primarily responsible for assisting and encouraging the individual with the development of independent life skills. For example, this may include accompanying the individual for grocery shopping, banking, cooking, social activities and assisting and encouraging the individual to develop these skills.
(4) The Companion will be primarily responsible for assisting and encouraging the individual with full social integration into the community. For example, this may include introducing individuals to neighbors and shopkeepers and encouraging individuals to join and participate in organizations and activities in which they have a special interest or introducing them to volunteers.
(5) Some individuals may have behavioral disabilities (e.g. autism). In these cases, the Companion will be expected to assist and encourage the individual to overcome those behavior problems. The Companion is also expected to document the frequency and nature of such conduct.
(6) The Companion will be expected to exhibit a positive attitude and to assist the individual with presenting a positive profile to the community.
(7) Assist the Natural Supports Developer to match volunteers with challenged individuals and monitor volunteer support.

Note - This job description shall apply to Full-time, Part-time and Substitute Community Support Companions.

Reports to: Area Supervisor Review Date: 07/96, 10/97, 12/01, 09/04, 2/05, 11/07, 01/08

Salary Range: $11.00 – 13.00 per hour Director Approval:
Exempt Employee (*)
(*)Exemption From Overtime:
All of the Institute's companion positions are exempted from overtime requirements. Federal law provides this exemption from overtime under CFR Title 29, Part 552.6 for people (companions) who provide services such as fellowship, care, and protection for persons who are physical or mentally infirm. California state law provides for this exemption under Industrial Wage Order 15 for personal attendants (companions) who are dispatched to a private household by a third party in the health care industry. If you have any questions regarding this exemption from overtime, contact your manager or the Institute's Director of Human Resources.

Compensation/Benefits:
In addition to a positive work environment, IABA offers competitive compensation & outstanding benefits, including medical and dental insurance, paid time off, credit union membership, & continued career training.

Direct Support positions are regularly available in LA, Ventura, & Orange Counties. 

Visit us at: www.IABA.com for more information.

Over a Quarter Century of Helping People!

IABA, a leader in the field of non-aversive behavior management, provides a variety of services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

Services provided include behavior management day services, supported employment, supported living, behavioral consultation and educational services.

IABA is an Equal Opportunity Employer