About the Staff

All direct care staff are under direct supervision of the SUCCESS Inc. day program director, as well as the direct care staff assistant manager. SUCCESS Inc. direct care staff provide behavioral support and self care based on the consumers individual needs. The staff are responsible for making sure all of these needs are met as outlined in the consumer's Individual Service Plan developed by each consumer, their circle of support, and SUCCESS Inc. The direct care staff is considered the main support staff for the consumer during normal day program hours. Day program director and direct care staff assistant manager have at a minimum weekly contact with every consumer and direct care staff to monitor the behavioral, self-care, and personal needs of every consumer. Individual adjustments are made on a case by case basis.

Direct care staff work alongside the consumer they are serving. During volunteer work, staff model appropriate work ethic and skills, as well as appropriate communication. They also model appropriate ways to deal with frustrations. Staff and consumers eat lunch together for a chance to have some mealtime conversations. Also, on days where a group activity is planned, staff and consumers get to enjoy recreational activities together.

Monthly birthday and holiday parties are planned for direct care staff and consumers to celebrate together. These informal gatherings give all a chance to get to know each other better, and develop friendships with each other.

Staff Requirements

SUCCESS Inc. has basic requirements for staff employment. Each new employee must complete the following:

• DOJ Fingerprint clearance

• Current First Aid and CPR

• Current Driver's License

• Current Vehicle insurance

• Current DMV printout

• Current TB test

• CPI- Non Violent Crisis Intervention Training

• Experience working with adult with disabilities

• Automotive Checklist

Additionally, the day program director meets individually with each employee to review consumer rights, mandatory abuse reporting and the consumers specific objectives from their current Individual Service Plan. In addition to the specific consumer information, all consumers general histories are reviewed as relevant to their care. SUCCESS Inc. also requires each new employee to be trained in wheelchair tie-downs, g-tube training, and self-care assistance. SUCCESS Inc. offers annual mandatory Red Cross First Aide and CPR training and CPI-Non Violent Crisis Intervention Training as part of ongoing employment requirements. Other trainings offered by the Regional Center of Orange County community colleges, adult education centers, and through private and nonprofit agencies is attended and shared as appropriate.

Employees supporting consumers who speak languages other than English must be fluent in the language in which the consumer communicates best. SUCCESS serves currently serves consumers using American Sign Language, English and Spanish. Staff are hired on an as needed basis for each particular consumer.

All staff have face to face contact with the program administrator, Wendy MacLean Soderman at least weekly, allowing for close contact and supervision. In addition, monthly staff meetings are held to discuss safety, personal care, and behavioral intervention as they relate to each consumer's care. Additionally, ongoing employment requirements and expectations, volunteer positions, and upcoming group activities are shared at these meetings.