Direct Support Professional - Day Services

Overview

We’re looking for energetic and dependable people who enjoy working with young adults with autism and higher support needs and want a job where the work you do matters every day.

This is more than a caregiving position. You’ll work with a team alongside a small group young adults as they build independence, develop meaningful skills, participate in their community, and discover activities and relationships that make their lives richer.

We are especially interested in candidates with experience in autism, developmental disabilities, behavioral support, special education, Applied Behavior Aanalysis, or as an Registered Behavior Technician.

If you have experience with individuals who need more hands-on support and are looking for work where you can build real relationships and make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Branching Tree Is Not a Typical Day Program

Our Day Services model is intentionally different from a traditional day program. Rather than spending the day in a center following a set schedule of activities, our days are built around the individual interests, goals and abilities of the people we support.

Activities take place both at home and throughout the community and may include fitness, cooking, volunteering, recreation, errands, local events, creative activities and exploring new interests.

The goal is to help each person build skills, make choices, participate in their community and have a day that feels meaningful to them.

That means our DSPs need to be creative, observant and willing to think beyond a traditional program model.

What You’ll Do

• Provide individualized, hands-on support to young adults with autism and developmental disabilities, including individuals with higher support needs.
• Help individuals build communication, social, behavioral, daily living and community-living skills.
• Use positive, respectful and consistent strategies to support regulation, engagement and independence.
• Work with a BCBA and apply individualized behavior support strategies and reinforcement techniques.
• Support participation in community activities, recreation, volunteering, fitness, work experiences and other meaningful activities.
• Help individuals discover their interests and build routines that give their days purpose and structure.
• Assist with personal care and daily living needs when needed.
• Observe, document and collect data on progress, behaviors and skill development.
• Help create an environment where individuals are respected, included and genuinely known.

We’re looking for people who are:

• Patient, energetic, dependable and genuinely interested in getting to know the people they support.
• Able to remain calm, consistent and supportive when someone is anxious, frustrated or dysregulated.
• Comfortable following individualized support and behavior plans and collecting basic data.
• Creative and flexible enough to adapt activities to the interests and abilities of the person being supported.
• Familiarity with alternative communication methods is advantageous.

Experience We Value

Experience working with young adults with autism, intellectual/developmental disabilities, or higher support needs is strongly preferred. We especially value experience in:

• Autism, ABA or RBT work
• Special education or psychology
• Direct support or residential services
• Behavioral health or mental health
• Occupational or physical therapy
• Recreation, camp or community-based programs serving people with disabilities

An RBT certification is not required, but candidates with ABA/RBT experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required for community-based activities.

If you’re looking for meaningful work, enjoy working with young adults, and have the patience, creativity and commitment to support people with higher needs, we’d like to meet you.

Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• How many years experience do you have working with young adults/adults with IDD and autism
• How many years experience do you have using applied behavior analytic techniques
• How many years experience do you have working in a day program for individuals with IDD and autism

Work Location: In person