Working with the disabled in California? (San Francisco, Sacramento: daycare, homes, employment)

[Griffis]

Hello, All.

Like so many others, I feel the call of California. I've always loved it there and have traveled through the state a great deal many times over the years, but have never had the opportunity to live there.

I realize like any other place California has its troubles. I'm not pollyanna enough to think it's a perfect land of magical rainbows. I've lived all over the USA so I have some experience with different locations and dashed illusions.

So I have been hunting for jobs in the state. I am a librarian by degree, but much of my adult life has involved working with developmentally disabled people. From direct care staff to group home manager to vocational director to case management, I've done a little of everything in the field.

I look for library jobs in California constantly but I have had a more difficult time trying to seek positions with the disabled. I know there are official state jobs, but I am wondering if anyone knows anything specifically about developmental disabililties services anywhere around the state. Private or non-profit organizations, etc.

We are hoping to relocate somewhere North, up above San Francisco if possible, and would prefer to be within reach of the coast, but would consider any part of the state that isn't too crowded or expensive.

I really appreciate any advice or suggestions. Thanks.

[jaijai]

How do you define "too expensive"?
Camphill is a wonderful organization and they have a community in Soquel which is in Santa Cruz county.
Camphill - Camphill Communities California
I see on the web-site that they are accepting applications for the upcoming year which begins in July.
Santa Cruz county is a bit south of San Francisco on the Monterey bay.
There are many semi-rural and rural places to live in the county and it's close to the coast.
But it's expensive.
Until you get quite a bit north of S.F., the CA coast is very pricey.
And where it's relatively affordable, you'll have less job opportunities if any.

[Griffis]

Originally Posted by jaijai

How do you define "too expensive"?
Camphill is a wonderful organization and they have a community in Soquel which is in Santa Cruz county.
Camphill - Camphill Communities California
I see on the web-site that they are accepting applications for the upcoming year which begins in July.
Santa Cruz county is a bit south of San Francisco on the Monterey bay.
There are many semi-rural and rural places to live in the county and it's close to the coast.
But it's expensive.
Until you get quite a bit north of S.F., the CA coast is very pricey.
And where it's relatively affordable, you'll have less job opportunities if any.

Thankyou for the info, jaijai. I willl look into Camphill.

(Santa Cruz is amazing, by the way. What a beautiful place.)

Yes, for several reasons I am focusing the search on far Northern California. By this I mean up above Sacramento. I love other parts of the state, but moving further North would be easier for us (I'm in Portland at the moment) and I think the climate and cost of living would be more aligned with us.

However, you are 100% correct about the job prospects in the less-inhabited areas up there.

I really like the idea of a place like Eureka or Arcata, but my wife wants to live a little bit further inland...

[Curmudgeon]

Contact the state Department of Developmental Services and through their web site find the Regional Centers throughout the state that contract for all the direct services other than those provided by the inpatient Developmental Centers. California Department of Developmental Services. By the way, they're not referred to as patients in CA. They're called "Consumers."

[Capt. Dan]

Originally Posted by Griffis

Thankyou for the info, jaijai. I willl look into Camphill.

(Santa Cruz is amazing, by the way. What a beautiful place.)

Yes, for several reasons I am focusing the search on far Northern California. By this I mean up above Sacramento. I love other parts of the state, but moving further North would be easier for us (I'm in Portland at the moment) and I think the climate and cost of living would be more aligned with us.

However, you are 100% correct about the job prospects in the less-inhabited areas up there.

I really like the idea of a place like Eureka or Arcata, but my wife wants to live a little bit further inland...

Google "Casa de Vida San Luis Obispo"

[Griffis]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

Contact the state Department of Developmental Services and through their web site find the Regional Centers throughout the state that contract for all the direct services other than those provided by the inpatient Developmental Centers. California Department of Developmental Services. By the way, they're not referred to as patients in CA. They're called "Consumers."

Thanks, my good Captain! I just stumbled onto the very site you mentioned late last night. I need to investigate a little further. It looks like maybe I have to do some state testing to get in this way, which will be fine.

Yeah, most places seem to use the term "consumer" or even "customer."

When I worked group homes the term "residents" was pretty common. Most of my colleagues here in case management say "client."

Whenever possible I just say people or folks.

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by Griffis

Thanks, my good Captain! I just stumbled onto the very site you mentioned late last night. I need to investigate a little further. It looks like maybe I have to do some state testing to get in this way, which will be fine.

Yeah, most places seem to use the term "consumer" or even "customer."

When I worked group homes the term "residents" was pretty common. Most of my colleagues here in case management say "client."

Whenever possible I just say people or folks.

If you want to go to work for DDS you'll have to test and get on a list as that's state employment (with all the benefits, I might add). The Regional Centers are private/non-profits (a polite way of saying they take the state for all they can get) while the group homes, daycare centers, etc. are also private. No testing required unless you're looking to get a licensed position.

I worked for DDS for a couple of years over 20 ago.

[eureka1]

In Eureka or Arcata your choice of employers consists of Regional Center offices in Eureka and Crescent City or non-profits; both pay poorly but at least the RC has benefits. I would call the Redwood Coast Regional Center with your inquiry. (707) 445-0893. Good luck! This population is severely underserved in this area.

[.highnlite]

Nearly every school district has classes for various disabilities. You can work as an Instructional Assistant and you will be highly marketable as few people really like the work.

Originally Posted by Griffis

Hello, All.

Like so many others, I feel the call of California. I've always loved it there and have traveled through the state a great deal many times over the years, but have never had the opportunity to live there.

I realize like any other place California has its troubles. I'm not pollyanna enough to think it's a perfect land of magical rainbows. I've lived all over the USA so I have some experience with different locations and dashed illusions.

So I have been hunting for jobs in the state. I am a librarian by degree, but much of my adult life has involved working with developmentally disabled people. From direct care staff to group home manager to vocational director to case management, I've done a little of everything in the field.

I look for library jobs in California constantly but I have had a more difficult time trying to seek positions with the disabled. I know there are official state jobs, but I am wondering if anyone knows anything specifically about developmental disabililties services anywhere around the state. Private or non-profit organizations, etc.

We are hoping to relocate somewhere North, up above San Francisco if possible, and would prefer to be within reach of the coast, but would consider any part of the state that isn't too crowded or expensive.

I really appreciate any advice or suggestions. Thanks.

[Hawk J]

Years ago my sister worked for Gateway, in Pacific Grove.

Gateway Center | Programs