Direct Support Professional – Autism & Behavioral Support

Direct Support Professional – Autism & Behavioral Support

Hab It Your Way LLC | Philadelphia, PA

Part-Time | Weekend Availability Required

Looking for Someone Who Understands Behavior, Values Connection, and Wants to Make a Difference

Hab It Your Way LLC is seeking a compassionate, emotionally intelligent, and psychologically informed individual to support a 36-year-old autistic man who experiences significant anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and panic attacks.

We are particularly interested in candidates with backgrounds in psychology, behavioral health, autism support, or related fields who understand that meaningful progress begins with trust, patience, and a genuine interest in understanding another person.

The individual experiences repetitive behaviors, highly focused interests, perseveration, and challenges with emotional regulation and flexibility. Periods of heightened anxiety or distress can sometimes escalate into aggressive behaviors.

We are looking for someone who can recognize early signs of distress, respond calmly and thoughtfully, and develop a meaningful connection that encourages personal growth, independence, and enjoyment of life.

The Ideal Candidate

• Psychologically informed: Understands autism in adults, OCD, anxiety, trauma, repetitive behaviors, and emotional regulation.
• Compassionate and patient: Recognizes that challenging behaviors may reflect anxiety, distress, difficulty communicating, or unmet needs.
• Naturally engaging: Has a warm personality, a good sense of humor, and the ability to connect without forcing interactions.
• Curious and observant: Genuinely interested in learning about another person's personality, interests, motivations, experiences, and behavioral patterns.
• Emotionally grounded: Remains calm, confident, and supportive during challenging situations.
• Creative and motivated: Enjoys discovering new activities, encouraging healthier routines, and creating opportunities for meaningful experiences.
• Patient and persistent: Understands that building trust takes time, especially with someone who may initially seem withdrawn or resistant to connection.

Responsibilities

• Develop a consistent, trusting, and meaningful relationship.
• Recognize early signs of anxiety and use individualized strategies to support emotional regulation and prevent escalation.
• Support individuals experiencing repetitive thoughts, counting rituals, perseveration, rigid thinking patterns, and difficulty transitioning between activities.
• Encourage exploration of new interests, hobbies, recreation, physical activity, and community experiences.
• Help develop healthier daily routines and gradually increase flexibility while respecting personal preferences and autonomy.
• Support independence, confidence, decision-making, and meaningful community participation.
• Collaborate with family members, behavioral professionals, and other support staff.
• Follow established behavioral support plans and proactive de-escalation strategies.

Collaborative Community Support – 2:1 Staffing

Some community-based hours will be provided alongside another staff member in a 2:1 support arrangement.

This collaborative approach provides additional support while helping the individual explore new activities, develop confidence, and expand opportunities for community participation.

Candidates must be comfortable working both independently and as part of a coordinated support team.

Preferred Knowledge & Qualifications

We especially encourage applicants with education or professional experience in:

• Psychology, behavioral health, social work, counseling, behavioral science, or related fields.
• Adult autism, including restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, and perseveration.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), including counting rituals and compulsive behaviors.
• Anxiety disorders, panic attacks, PTSD, and trauma-informed support.
• Positive Behavior Support, emotional regulation, and proactive de-escalation.
• Supporting individuals with rigid thinking patterns, difficulty with transitions, and challenges adapting to changes in routines.

Psychology students, graduates, behavioral health professionals, and experienced autism support specialists are encouraged to apply.

A clinical license is not required. Relevant experience, emotional maturity, sound judgment, and a genuine ability to connect with others are highly valued. Must have a bachelor's degree, RBT-Cert, or NADD Cert

Schedule & Availability

• Part-time position
• Weekend availability is required
• Combination of individual support and scheduled 2:1 community-based support hours
• Additional scheduling details discussed during the interview process

Our Philosophy

At Hab It Your Way LLC, we believe meaningful support goes beyond managing behaviors or completing daily tasks.

It's about understanding the person behind the challenges, discovering what motivates them, building authentic relationships, and creating opportunities for greater independence, healthier living, meaningful experiences, and joy.

We're looking for someone who is curious about the reasons behind behavior—not simply focused on changing it.

Someone who sees potential, not limitations, and genuinely wants to help another person experience more of what life has to offer.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume

Pay: $30.00 - $36.00 per hour

Expected hours: 8.0 – 30.0 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Mileage reimbursement
• Opportunities for advancement

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person