Employment Requirements
What You Need to Work With Us
All requirements must be completed before your first day of work with any client. Required items are non-negotiable per Florida law and APD compliance standards.
Level 2 Background Screening
REQUIRED BY FLORIDA LAW
All staff must complete a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Level 2 background check before working with any client. This is required by Florida Statute and APD regulations. No exceptions.
Valid Government-Issued Photo ID
REQUIRED
Florida Driver's License, State ID, or Passport. Must be current and not expired. Required for I-9 employment verification and background screening.
Social Security Card
REQUIRED
Original Social Security card required for I-9 employment verification. Must match the name on your government-issued photo ID.
CPR & First Aid Certification
REQUIRED
Current CPR and First Aid certification required. Must be from an accredited provider (American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or equivalent).
Reliable Transportation
REQUIRED
Must have reliable transportation to travel to client homes and community locations. Valid driver's license and proof of auto insurance required for driving clients.
Completed W-9 Form (Contractors)
REQUIRED
Independent contractors must submit a completed IRS Form W9 with accurate legal name and Tax ID or SSN before receiving first payment. Required for 1099 tax reporting.
High School Diploma or Equivalent
REQUIRED
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required for all positions. Associates degree or higher in human services, education, psychology, or related field preferred.
Experience with IDD / ASD Population
STRONGLY PREFERRED
Prior experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, or autism spectrum disorder strongly preferred. Behavioral tech, DSP, CNA, or similar experience valued.
Onboarding Checklist
Your Pre-Employment Checklist
Track your progress below. Check off each item as you complete it. Print this page to bring to your orientation meeting.
Ready for the World — Employee Checklist
Check each item as you complete it:
Document to Gather
[ ] Valid government-issued photo ID (Driver's License, State ID, or Passport)
[ ] Original Social Security Card
[ ] High School Diploma or GED (copy)
[ ] Current CPR & First Aid Certification card (copy)
[ ] Proof of auto insurance (if driving clients)
Must be current and in your name
BACKGROUND SCREENING
[ ] Submitted Level 2 Background Screening application
Coordinator will provide instructions — required before first day
[ ] Received Level 2 Background Screening clearance
Must be cleared before working with any client
Required Trainings
[ ] HIV 500 — Completed and certificate saved
trainflorida.org — Free, approximately 4 hours
[ ] HIPAA Privacy & Confidentiality — Completed
hhs.gov/hipaa — Free online training
[ ] APD Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation Prevention — Completed
[ ] APD Zero Tolerance Training — Completed
[ ] Person-Centered Practices Training — Completed
Paperwork to Submit Ready For the World
[ ] Completed Employment Application submitted
[ ] W-9 form submitted (independent contractors only)
Download at irs.gov — complete and email to [email protected]