The primary employee of ND is the Direct Support Professional, (DSP) or “Direct Support Staff”.  These are the employees who will work hand in hand with the person supported on a daily basis.  These employees will, at the direction of the person served, assist them in helping direct their services and supports in the way the person supported desires or prefers, not the agency.  All Direct Support Professionals (DSP) will be required to possess traits and characteristics which match those whom they will be asked to support.  All DSP, and indeed anyone employed by the agency that may have contact with persons’ served, will be required to pass a fingerprint clearance through the California Department of Justice and the FBI Department of Justice, and a Department of Motor Vehicle printout.  No employee will work alone with clients until clearance is received by the agency.  All employees will be screened for potential risks related to supporting people with disabilities.  This screening process will include, but not be limited to:  checking references on applications, checking with past employers, review of online information, accessing the Megan’s Law database, along with other methods approved by D.S.L.E. and the agency.  Any employee asked to provide transportation will be required to have a valid driver’s license free from felony traffic convictions. Within 3 months of being hired, DSP will receive CPR/1st Aide training, along with internal training as outlined within this program design.

§58643 Standards for Direct Service Staff:

a.) The SLS vendor shall, subject to Section 58620 ©, assign direct service staff to provide SLS directly to consumers. Such direct service staff shall have:

1. The skill, training, or education necessary to:

1. Establish and maintain a constructive and appropriate personal relationship with consumers;

2. Minimize risks of endangerment to the health, safety, and well-being with consumers;

3. Perform first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and operate 24-hour Emergency Assistance systems, as appropriate to the need with respect to any specific consumer; and

4. Achieve the intended results of the services being performed.

2. Current and valid licenses, certificates, or registrations that may be legally required to provide the service.

 The second “type” of employee, or role would be that of a Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP)/ Manager.  This employee has the responsibility of ensuring that the plans and preferences of the person supported are being honored and implemented.  The lead DSP/ Manager will assist the person, or person served within the home train their support staff on their Individual Support Plan (ISP), how it should be implemented, and how to track progress.  In addition, the Lead DSP/ Manager will assist the person(s) served in scheduling their support staff (including IHSS when applicable).  The Manager will also assist the person served in scheduling and attending medical appointments, ordering medications, picking up medications and storing medications along with scheduling and attending team meetings when asked or determined by the team as necessary.  Note: This employee will work in the home, directly with the person served and the team.

 A third type of employee, or role, of employee within the agency is the Shift Manager.  This employee has the responsibility of ensuring that all employees are acting within the scope of this service design, Title 17, and the contract between the regional center and the agency during the shift in which they are working.  This employee is available at all times by cell phone, or in person.  In addition, this employee is ultimately responsible for ensuring that all requirements for the people supported are being met during the shift in which they work.

 A crucial or critical supportive program role is that of the Program Director.  This employee works with the Lead DSP/Managers, Shift Managers and teams with an overall responsibility of ensuring that ISP’s and plans are being developed within the timeframes set forth in regulation, and that the program in general is in compliance with all regulations governing the service.  In addition, the Program Director will work with the rest of the administrative team (Operations Director, Executive Director, Office Personnel and IHSS Coordinator) in developing and or refining: Policies, Procedures, and Training Curriculum etc...  The Program Director is also the primary support person for the House Manager with respect to handling training of employees and implementation of person’s plans and company policy.  When needed, the Program Director may also assist with other aspects of the agencies operations, such as overseeing POS hours authorized, employee timecards and charge forms, communication with families, payees, conservators, regional center staff and other outside agencies.  The Program Director will also be instrumental in assessing referrals and determining if the agency has the capacity and characteristics necessary to support the referred person.

 The Operations Director will have the overall responsibility of ensuring that all of the various positions within the agency work together.  The Operations Director will also be available to assist with the teams when needed. In addition, the Operations Director will work with the rest of the administrative team (Program Director, Executive Director, Bookkeeper and IHSS Coordinator) in developing and/or refining: Policies, Procedures, and Training Curriculum etc...  This employee also will oversee other programs funded by RCRC and executed by the agency.  The Operations Director will ensure that the agency has the tools it needs to be successful in supporting the people served.  Tools are any piece of equipment or technology which will assist in the delivery of services.  Examples would be:  Computers, computer software, cell phones, educational materials, facilitation materials (PCT)

 The Executive Director has the responsibility of ensuring that all insurances and licenses are in place and in compliance with all laws and regulations governing this field of work.  The Executive Director will oversee all billing to the regional center, contracts, and services and will provide final approval of all service units before the regional center is billed for any services.  The Executive Director is ultimately responsible for the overall operation of the business as it relates to local, state and federal law.