Direct Care Staff - Valley Achievement Center

• All employees are required to wear a mask
• MUST be COVID-19 vaccinated.

• Ensure client and employee safety at all times.
• Uphold client confidentiality at all times.
• Maintain organization of client work/classroom areas.
• Complete daily assigned job responsibilities at the beginning or end of the shift.
• Ability to exercise appropriate ABA techniques for client programming.
• Follows appropriate chain of command when faced with concerns related to clients, parents/primary care providers, VAC vendors, supervisors and other employees.
• Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness, personal accountability; looks for ways to improve or promote quality.
• Adheres to all VAC policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Supervises developmentally disabled clients per assigned schedule, in defined Center-Based Activities, and Community-Based Activities as related to the client's ISP.
• Completes appropriate and required forms daily and monthly this includes but is not limited to; Time Cards, mileage, Client Progress Report, Daily Illness Inspection Form, Medication Log and other forms and reports as assigned.
• Encourages clients to develop appropriate socialization, functional academics, adaptive functioning skills, daily living skills and volunteer or work-related skills and abilities.
• Will be required to assist with the following: laundry, meal preparation, cooking/baking, toileting, participating in recreational activities (indoor and outdoor).
• Will assist clients in a variety of prompts, including but not limited to verbal prompts, hand-over-hand, or other physical prompts.
• May be required to work with non-verbal clients using Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) or other assistive technology.
• Maintains a professional and objective relationship with referral sources, employers, parents, care providers, clients, and appropriate others.
• Participates in meetings, program special events, training and/or workshops (e.g. community sponsored events, on behalf of clients, award ceremonies, career events, etc.) for the purpose of receiving and/or conveying information.
• Exemplifies VACis Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

• Required to have a safe, reliable, and insured vehicle on hand during all scheduled shifts.
• Prior experience working with adults with developmental disabilities is preferred.
• Ability to follow goals and objectives established for each client.
• Ability to work any shift as required by the supervisor or the client's needs.
• Must be 18 years of age to work in the SLS Program.
• Ability to communicate effectively (oral and written) with students, parents, VAC vendors, supervisors and other employees.
• Ability to work as a team, and independently without direct supervision; actively participate and collaborate with other team members.
• Knowledge of crisis management techniques is preferred.
• Ability to maintain composure, remain objective, demonstrate sound judgment and react effectively in challenging situations.
• Flexible and adaptable to our clients, program, and organizational changes.
• Exhibits a positive, solution-oriented, and motivating demeanor at all times.

• High School Diploma or GED required (all programs).

• Must be able to lift 60 lbs. without assistance.
• Frequent squatting, sitting, walking, standing, bending and twisting, kneeling, crawling and climbing. Occasional running, pushing and pulling, reaching above and below shoulder level.
• Regular exposure to excessive noise levels.
• Walking and running on uneven surfaces.
• Regular exposure to outside elements, including excessive heat, direct sunlight, cold, wind or rain.

• Valid Driver's License and evidence of insurability, and registration. 
• (Transportation of client's in your personal vehicle could be required).
• CPR/First Aid certification is preferred, but not required.

Valley Achievement Center (VAC) was founded by Jolene Billinger and Bonny Hulsy. These two passionate mothers of children with autism had a vision to help many families like them in our community. VAC’s Basic Education Program was established to provide a progressive, positive and well-staffed school that would use proven research based techniques to help children with autism attain their educational goals and improve functional skills.VAC quickly developed a reputation for making substantial progress with its students. As a result, increasing numbers of children were referred to VAC. When parents expressed a need for afterschool adaptive skills and social skills programs for their children with autism, VAC established its Intermediate Afterschool (ages 6 through 9) and Afterschool (ages 10 through 22) programs, as well as its Social Skills Program (ages 6 through 18) to meet the need. As those children who attended VAC became adults, it became clear that they and other adults in the community with autism and other developmental disabilities would continue to require ongoing support and services. In response, VAC opened its Adult Services programs, which include supported living, supported employment, and its adult behavioral day program, to continue to meet the needs of its clients and to ensure that, regardless of age, individuals in our community with autism and other developmental disabilities will have the support they need to achieve their goals and thrive.VAC currently has 12 programs for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Our more than 300 employees operate out of our four sites in Bakersfield, providing exceptional service to our wonderful clients and their families.