"Our vision is of a society that values each individual
and provides the opportunity for all people
to lead full and productive lives"

Learn more about the Silcock Family

Employment Requirements for Support Staff

First Step Supported Living Services has strict rules for staff employment. Before working with our consumers, each new employee must have the following items completed:

• FBI Fingerprint clearance

• Current First Aid card

• Current CPR card

• Current Driver's License

• Current Vehicle insurance

• Current DMV printout

• Complete Health Screening and Physical Exam

• Current TB test

• Three reference letters

• One year experience working with adult with disabilities

Additionally 15 hours per year of on-going training is expected to be completed by each paid employee. Training hours are accepted on a case-to-case basis and must be related to the care and supervision of the consumer the employee is supporting. Some training is available the Regional Center of Orange County. Other training is offered by the community colleges, adult education centers, and through private and non-profit agencies. Completing the on-going training in the employees responsibility as a condition of continuing employment.

All employees supporting consumers who are Deaf must be fluent in American Sign Language (interpreter level) or be enrolled in a sign language class. Employees supporting consumers who speak languages other than English must be fluent in the language in which the consumer communicates best.

Finally, each paid staff member must attend monthly staff meetings with the program administrator, Jim Silcock. Monthly staff meetings are used to discuss new and on-going regulations as they relate to supported living. Additionally, specific questions and concerns regarding supported living requirements and expectations, as well as finalize staffing schedules and up-coming recreational events are addressed at these staff meeting.