Schedule 28.5 hours per week — five days a week, 8:45 AM-3:00 PM, with a 30-minute unpaid meal break and two paid 10-minute rest breaks each day; occasional field trips and events outside typical program hours, scheduled in advance.

NIAD pays the regular hourly rate for attendance at the monthly (or bi-monthly on some occasions) all-staff meeting, when needed. Classification Non-exempt (hourly) under California and federal wage-and-hour law Pay range $26.00-$28.50 per hour, depending on experience Posting dates Posted 9/25/26. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Position open until filled.

Anticipated start:

ASAP. 2. About NIAD Art Center NIAD Art Center (Nurturing Independence through Artistic Development) is a progressive art studio and gallery in Richmond, California that supports adult artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities in building sustained professional practices and engaging with the wider contemporary art world. Founded in 1982 by artist and educator Florence Ludins-Katz and psychologist Dr. Elias Katz, NIAD is the second-oldest progressive art studio in the United States and the only art center in Contra Costa County serving adults with disabilities. Our mission is to promote creative expression, independence, dignity, and community integration for and with people with disabilities. Each week nearly 80 artists work at NIAD's 23rd Street Studio and Virtual Studio, supported by studio facilitators who assist rather than teach. Artists exhibit and sell their work locally, nationally, and internationally, and are represented in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, SFMOMA, and the Oakland Museum of California. NIAD delivers its mission through three interlinked programs — the 23rd Street and Virtual Studios, Community Programs, and Exhibitions & Partnerships — supported by our Administration, Development, Facilities, and Communications teams. NIAD is a City of Richmond Anchor Arts Organization, a licensed adult day program, and a vendor of the Regional Center of the East Bay. 3. Position summary The Personal Care Support - Lift, Mobility, and Transfer Specialist supports the physical well-being, access, and participation of artists at NIAD's 23rd Street Studio. Working as part of NIAD's Care Team, this position provides individualized, person-centered support with mobility, transfers and repositioning, eating, toileting, communication, daily routines, and other needs. What distinguishes this role from the rest of the Care Team is that it serves as NIAD's trained resource for safe lifts and transfers. The Specialist is expected to be fluent with mechanical and assistive equipment — Hoyer and mobile lifts, slings, gait belts, transfer boards — to assess what level of assistance and equipment is required for a safe transfer. This role is the lead resource for complex transfer decisions, equipment, competency, and peer training, while still participating in general care. All of it is grounded in respect for each artist's autonomy, dignity, communication style, and consent. A transfer is something done with an artist, explained beforehand and paced to them, not something performed on them. We are looking for someone careful and unhurried, comfortable with hands-on physical support, and interested in a culture that treats access and care as integral to artists' creative and professional lives. Like all NIAD staff, the Specialist shares responsibility for running programs safely and in accordance with the requirements of the Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB) and California Community Care Licensing (CCL), and for upholding NIAD's commitments to confidentiality, accessibility, and person-centered practice. 4. Essential functions and responsibilities The groups below are listed in general order of priority; the balance among them shifts with the needs of the studio and the artists present on a given day. Lift, transfer, and mobility support Provide trained, hands-on assistance with artist transfers, repositioning, and mobility, including transfers between wheelchairs, studio chairs, changing tables, and other appropriate surfaces. Safely operate the mechanical and assistive transfer equipment used at NIAD, including Hoyer and mobile lifts, slings, gait belts, transfer boards, and other mobility or transfer devices. Provide or coordinate safe floor-recovery assistance after a fall, including use of appropriate mechanical lifting equipment and additional trained staff when needed, in accordance with the artist's support plan and NIAD's fall-response procedures. Assess whether an artist who has fallen can be safely assisted from the floor and select the appropriate recovery method, including mechanical lift, assisted transfer, or escalation for medical evaluation. Before assisting with a transfer, assess the type and level of support required and determine whether it can be completed safely by one trained staff member or needs additional trained staff and/or mechanical equipment. Use mechanical lifting or transfer equipment whenever appropriate rather than relying on manual lifting alone, and never attempt a transfer that cannot be completed safely with the staff and equipment available. Follow each artist's individualized mobility and transfer instructions, and report changes in an artist's mobility, strength, balance, or ability to take part in a transfer to the Studio Director and the Community Programs team. Explain transfers and procedures to artists in accessible, person-centered ways, and support each artist's participation, preferences, and consent throughout. Visually inspect lifting and transfer equipment before use, report equipment concerns promptly, and support routine cleaning, organization, inventory, and maintenance of lift, transfer, and mobility equipment. Personal care and daily living support Assist artists with activities of daily living in the studio and on field trips, always in the way each artist prefers and consents to, including: Toileting — assisting with clothing, wiping, and use of the adult changing table. Eating — preparing and heating food, preparing drinks, and holding cups or assisting with feeding as needed. Mobility and navigation — reminders to use a cane, walker, or other mobility aid that are identified as a part of an artist's support plan; help moving around the studio, help with outerwear, and fall prevention. Prompting and reminders about the day's schedule and activities. Clean-up and gathering belongings at the end of the day. Support artists' wellness goals as they are identified — a healthy snack at break, five minutes of stretching, a quiet moment away from a busy room. Support artists with self-identified wellness routines and preferences during the program day, such as taking a break, stretching, eating or drinking, or spending time in a quieter space. Support adaptive approaches to art-making so that artists can work in the media they choose. Adapt to each artist's communication style, including non-speaking and augmentative communication, and explain what you are doing before you do it. Documentation, communication, and coordination Record daily notes in NIAD's artist documentation system (Artist Tabs), tracking activities and support provided. Document changes in artists' needs, routines, mobility, or participation, and communicate them to the Studio Director, the Care Team, and Community Programs so that services stay coordinated. Stay current on artists' relevant health, medication, dietary, and support information shared with the Care Team and necessary to safely support artists during the program day. Support artists in pursuing goals they have identified, and document information that helps the team understand their preferences, interests, and support needs Maintain warm, reliable communication with artists' families, caregivers, and care teams. Studio environment, safety, and team support Remain attentive and available throughout the studio so artists can access personal care, mobility, and health-related support when needed Help keep the studio, kitchen, and bathroom areas hygienic, well-organized, and accessible. Follow NIAD's health and safety practices and protocols as set out in the Employee Handbook, including the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan and Injury and Illness Prevention Program. With the Studio Director, keep signage and information for artists and staff current with the latest health and safety guidance; with the Care Team, and in consultation with the Community Programs Director and studio staff, recommend changes to those guidelines and approaches. Meet regularly with the Care Team — Personal Care Support staff, the Studio Director, Community Programs staff, and others as appropriate — to share updates, exchange feedback, review artists' identified goals, preferences, and support needs, and contribute to NIAD's shared learning and training model. Support peer-to-peer learning across the staff on personal care, safe mobility and transfer support, and person-centered support. With the Facilities team, keep an accurate inventory of first aid, hygiene, and cleaning supplies, and occasionally run errands or place online orders in coordination with Facilities and the bookkeeper. Cover breaks for facilitators during program hours. Shared responsibilities of all NIAD staff Treat artists as professional artists and colleagues: honor each person's autonomy, preferences, communication style, and consent. Maintain confidentiality of artist, family, staff, and organizational information in accordance with NIAD policy and applicable law. Participate in staff meetings, required trainings, and NIAD's shared learning model. Engage with artists, families, colleagues, volunteers, and the public in a friendly, professional manner, in the studio and in the community. Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned. 5. What you bringRequired Willingness and ability to provide hands-on personal care and physical transfer support — including toileting, eating support, and lifts and transfers — with warmth and respect for each person's dignity and privacy. Willingness and ability to complete NIAD's hands-on lift and transfer training and demonstrate competency before independently performing transfers. Experience supporting people with developmental disabilities, paid or lived, with a genuine interest in understanding each person's individual needs and preferences. Strong verbal and non-verbal communication, including deep listening and the flexibility to adapt to a wide range of communication styles. Ability to keep accurate daily notes, and comfort with — or willingness to learn — basic applications such as Google Workspace. Good organizational skills and the ability to hold several things at once in a busy, social room. A positive, collaborative approach, and the ability to work both as part of a team and independently. Commitment to NIAD's mission and to a person-centered, disability-justice-informed approach to the work. Preferred Previous experience providing mobility or transfer support; experience using mechanical lifts or other adaptive transfer equipment is highly desirable. Previous professional or lived experience assisting people with activities of daily living. Background in nursing, occupational therapy, or physical therapy. Familiarity with person-centered practices, adaptive and accessibility supports, or augmentative and alternative communication. Knowledge of and passion for Disability Justice. Familiarity with resources for people with developmental disabilities in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. Spanish, ASL, or another language spoken by NIAD artists and families. Interest in art and in working in a creative environment. Interest in wellness and personal growth. Research shows that people from historically excluded groups often apply only when they meet every listed qualification. If you are excited about this role and believe you can contribute, we encourage you to apply even if your experience does not match every item above. 6. Training and compliance requirements Criminal record clearance. Because NIAD is licensed by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division, this position requires fingerprint-based criminal record clearance through the California Department of Justice and FBI (Health and Safety Code § 1522), completed after a conditional offer of employment. NIAD will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act and licensing requirements. Health screening. Documentation of a negative tuberculosis test or risk assessment dated within the past two years, provided after a conditional offer. Certifications. Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certification, obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained thereafter; NIAD provides or reimburses this training. Mandated reporter. This position is a mandated reporter of suspected abuse or neglect of dependent adults under California Welfare and Institutions Code § 15630 and will complete mandated reporter training within 30 days of hire. Lift and transfer competency — before working independently. Before independently performing lifts or transfers, complete NIAD-provided or approved competency-based training and supervised practice using the types of equipment used at NIAD, including Hoyer and mobile lifts, slings, gait belts, transfer boards, and wheelchair transfer procedures as applicable. Demonstrated competency. Demonstrate competency in selecting an appropriate transfer method and level of assistance; safe positioning and body mechanics; equipment inspection and use; fall prevention and response; infection prevention; and person-centered communication, consent, and dignity during physical assistance. Refresher training. Complete refresher training and competency review at least annually, and whenever NIAD introduces new lifting or transfer equipment or substantially changes transfer procedures. Required NIAD trainings. Confidentiality; person-centered practice; emergency procedures and assisted evacuation; Workplace Violence Prevention Plan; harassment prevention (within 6 months of hire and every 2 years thereafter); infection prevention and universal precautions; additional training as needed to support artists' changing needs and studio safety. Work authorization. Proof of eligibility to work in the United States (Form I-9) within three business days of the start date. 7. Physical requirements and work environment The requirements below describe the physical demands and environment of the essential functions of this position. NIAD provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions. Stand and move about a concrete-floored open studio for up to 6 hours a day. Lift and move supplies and mobility or transfer equipment up to 100 pounds. Provide hands-on mobility and transfer assistance after required training, using appropriate mechanical or assistive equipment including wheelchairs, changing tables, Hoyer and mobile lifts, and related transfer devices. Bend, kneel, reach, and position yourself as needed to provide safe personal care and mobility support. Assist with personal care in bathroom and changing areas, with regular use of gloves and other personal protective equipment. Communicate in person and in writing with artists, families, and colleagues, including with artists who communicate non-verbally; observe and respond to activity across a large, active room. Work in a busy, social, sometimes noisy studio shared with up to 80 artists and staff, with exposure to art materials such as paints, clays, glazes, and fibers, and to food preparation areas. Travel occasionally within the Bay Area for field trips and community events; NIAD arranges transportation for group outings. 8. Compensation and benefits

Pay:

$26.00-$28.50 per hour, depending on directly relevant experience and skills and NIAD's internal equity across similar positions. This is an hourly, non-exempt position and is eligible for overtime as required by law.

Schedule and breaks:

Five days a week, 8:45 AM-3:00 PM. You will receive a 30-minute unpaid meal break and two paid 10-minute rest breaks each day, in accordance with California law. Occasional field trips and events fall outside typical program hours and are scheduled in advance. Reachable on email, phone, and Slack during scheduled hours.

Benefits:

NIAD pays 65% of the base-plan medical and dental premium for regular employees scheduled 21-29 hours per week, and 100% for employees scheduled 30-40 hours per week. Employees may elect vision coverage at their own cost; premiums for dependents are borne entirely by the employee, and employees cover the difference in cost for any higher-tier plan they choose. All staff accrue paid sick leave as required by California law, and regular employees accrue paid vacation and receive 11 paid holidays per year. Benefits are subject to eligibility and the terms of the applicable plans and NIAD policies, which may change. 9. Equal opportunity, accessibility, and fair chance NIAD Art Center is an equal opportunity employer. We make employment decisions without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability (mental and physical), sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision-making, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We actively encourage applications from people with disabilities, Black, Indigenous, and people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, immigrants, and others whose communities are under-represented in the arts and in the workforce. NIAD is committed to an accessible hiring process. If you need an accommodation to apply or interview — including materials in an alternate format, extra time, a sign-language interpreter, or applying by phone or video instead of in writing — contact Ingrid Alonso-Rodriguez at admin@niadart.org or 510-620-0290. Requesting an accommodation will not affect your application. NIAD will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act and applicable licensing requirements. 10. How to apply Send a résumé and a brief cover letter (one page is plenty) telling us why this role and NIAD interest you to info@niadart.org with the subject line "Lift, Mobility, and Transfer Specialist - Your name." We accept applications in written, audio, or video form. We review applications on a rolling basis.

Our process is typically:

a screening call (20-30 minutes), an interview with the hiring team, a paid working session in the studio for finalists, and reference checks. We aim to let every applicant know the outcome. Please email rather than call with questions, so that we can respond to everyone consistently; we will reply within three business days. If email is not accessible to you, call 510-620-0290 and ask for the hiring contact.

Pay:

$26.00 - $28.50 per hour Expected hours: 28.5 per week

Benefits:

Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance On-the-job training Paid time off Paid training Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

In person