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BuildAbility

Provides person-driven I/DD services and supports

Direct Support Professional – Independent Living Skills

Part-Time
$19 - $23/hr+ Mileage reimbursement + Paid travel time
Entry
Sylmar, Los Angeles, CA, USA
HybridTravel to participants across the San Fernando Valley Region, Sunland, Tujunga, and Burbank; travel up to 75%.
Social & Community ServicesResidential & Direct Support

About the job

Requirements
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact positively and constructively with individuals with disabilities, their family members, employers, and others.
  • A high school diploma or GED.
  • Ability to pass a Department of Justice Live Scan fingerprint background clearance.
  • A valid driver's license, automobile insurance, and reliable transportation.
  • Willingness to travel up to 75%.
Responsibilities
  • Assist participants in their homes with budgeting, meal planning, hygiene practices, and activities of daily living.
  • Provide opportunities for participants to develop socialization and interpersonal communication skills and practice self-regulation and coping techniques.
  • Provide hands-on training, observation, and evaluation of participants' household tasks, and assist with further development.
  • Advocate for participants' inclusion in the community and empower them to exercise their rights.
  • Use BuildAbility's digital program to log each individual's progress and performance.
Desired Qualifications
  • Fluency in Spanish.
  • Prior experience supporting individuals with disabilities. On-the-job training is provided for candidates without prior experience.

About the company

BuildAbility supports adults with disabilities by offering programs such as supported employment, independent living skills, and community- or site-based day services. Its offerings are tailored to each participant through person-driven planning, combining employment support, daily living training, and structured activities to help people thrive. The organization stands out through its 50+ year nonprofit history, integrated service model, emphasis on neurodiversity, and strong community partnerships that coordinate multiple supports in one framework. Its goal is to expand opportunities, promote independence and dignity, and help people live without limits.

Company Size

11-50

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Los Angeles, California

Founded

1967

Get referred to BuildAbility

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The 2026 website update signals active service delivery and outreach.
  • BuildAbility says it has supported over 9,000 adults, proving durable demand.
  • Employer partnerships and paid internships create low-friction placements for local businesses.

What critics are saying

  • California Regional Center and Department of Rehabilitation funding dominates revenue; 2027 cuts crush operations.
  • A reimbursement delay or lost state contract threatens payroll, program continuity, and participant services.
  • Limited geography and eligibility narrow growth; Antelope Valley expansion carries execution risk.

What makes BuildAbility unique

  • Founded in 1967, BuildAbility serves adults with disabilities across Southern California.
  • Its employer matching is no-cost, combining job coaching, training, and ongoing support.
  • The 2026 Coordinated Career Pathways pipeline targets transition-age participants after high school.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Employee Assistance Program