Direct Support Instructor (Behavior Technician)

Friends of Children with Special Needs

Fremont (CA)

On-site

USD 33,062 - 37,195

Full time

14 days+

Get more replies from employers

Send a job-specific resume in minutes.

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance (Medical/Dental/Visa)

401(k) & company matching

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) is seeking a Direct Support Instructor (Behavior Technician) in Fremont, CA. This full-time role supports adults with developmental challenges, providing training, supervision, and behavior intervention.

Responsibilities include implementing BIPs, data collection, daily living support, community outings, and collaboration with staff. Requires at least a high school diploma and RBT coursework; ABA/PBS knowledge preferred.

Qualifications

Education requirement: High School diploma or equivalent; higher degrees preferred (Psychology / Behavior Analysis / Special Education).
Certification: complete online RBT courses; RBT status a plus.
Experience: at least 1 year with developmentally disabled or quick learner with strong work ethic.

Responsibilities

1) Behavioral Intervention & Crisis Management: supervise, implement BIPs, use proactive strategies, manage crises.
2) Documentation: track daily progress, incidents, and ISP reports.
3) Daily Operation & Personal Care: teach functional skills, adapt curriculum, assist with daily living and mobility.
4) Community Integration & Transport: drive participants, coordinate community activities.
5) Collaboration & Communication: communicate with supervisor, teamwork, attend meetings.

Skills

ABA principles

PBS knowledge

Time management

Detail-oriented

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate/Bachelor in Psychology or Behavior Analysis or Special Education

Job description

Position Title: Direct Support Instructor (Behavior Technician)

Location: Fremont, CA

Employment Type: Full-Time

Pay Range: $24 - $27 / hourly (depending on experience)

Working Schedule: Mondays - Fridays (8:45 AM - 2:45 PM)

Job Summary

Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) is a Bay Area non‑profit organization founded in 1996 and focused on helping individuals with special needs and their families find love, hope, respect, and support through integrated community involvement. Our FCSN Adult Day Program is seeking an energetic, patient, detail‑oriented, and reliable Direct Support Instructor (Behavior Technician). The position is responsible for providing training and supervision to adults with developmental challenges.

Essential Functions

Under the supervision of Program Coordinator and the clinical guidance of the Behavior Consultant, the L.E.A.D. Adult Training Program Instructor provides support and behavior intervention implementation, intensive supervision, personal care, skill‑building instruction, and community‑based training for adults with complex behavioral needs and developmental disabilities.

The instructor utilizes proactive behavior support strategies, active de‑escalation techniques, and functional communication training while collecting accurate behavioral data to support clinical oversight. The instructor maintains a structured, predictable, and person‑centered environment that promotes participant safety, reduces challenging behaviors, and fosters independence, community integration, and daily living skills.

Responsibilities

1. Behavioral Intervention & Crisis Management

Provide close supervision, assistance and engagement to ensure participants’ safety, well‑being, and needs are met.
Implement individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
Utilize positive behavioral practices, proactive intervention, and antecedent strategies to prevent behavioral escalation.
Recognize, assess, and use crisis interventions to manage challenging behaviors (e.g., physical aggression, self‑injurious behavior, elopement, and property damage).

2. Documentation

Document participants’ daily progress, behaviors, participation, activities, general well‑being, objective tracking and incidents.
Complete semi‑annual and annual ISP reports in a timely manner for assigned clients.
Collect continuous, objective behavior data throughout the program day.
Promptly report Special Incidents (SIRs) and behavioral milestones to the Program Coordinator.

3. Daily Operation, Structured Skill‑Building & Personal Care

Teach functional alternatives to challenging behaviors, emphasizing communication, self‑regulation, and coping mechanisms.
Deliver highly adapted curriculum, vocational tasks, and leisure activities tailored to the participant’s sensory and behavioral tolerance.
Prepare and conduct classes/training, offer daily activities based on client’s needs, skills, and preferences to promote their autonomy, health, and overall skills.
Motivate and actively engage participants in classes, training, and activities.
Assist participants with essential daily living tasks, including mobility support, mealtime routines, and personal hygiene/toileting care as dictated by their service plan.
Assist participants to self‑administer prescribed medication or over‑counter medications.

4. Community Integration & Transport

Drive and transport participants safely within the local community using personal or agency vehicles.
Assist participants in exploring community resources, planning and attending community outings.
Escort and closely monitor participants on community outings, prioritizing public safety and behavioral stability.

5. Collaboration & Communication

Communicate effectively and proactively with the supervisor regarding participants’ issues.
Be a team player, support coworkers and promote team morale.
Attend staff meetings and training.

Requirements

1. Education

A High School Diploma or equivalent is required. An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Behavior Analysis, or Special Education is highly preferred.

2. Certifications

MUST complete and pass online RBT courses. Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) status is a strong plus.

3. Experience

Have at least one year of experience working with the developmentally disabled or be an enthusiastic, quick learner with an impeccable work ethic.

4. Specialized Skills

Strong knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles or Positive Behavior Support (PBS). Exceptional emotional resilience, patience, and professional boundaries.

5. Personality Traits

Self‑motivated and able to work independently & effectively. Professional, energetic, detail‑oriented, reliable. Highly organized, analytical, taking initiative, multitasking, excellent time management skills.

6. Environmental & Physical Requirements

Must be flexible with assigned caseloads and work assignments; able to lift up to 25 pounds and perform physical tasks such as bending, standing, walking, and assisting participants with personal care and mobility.

Company‑Wide Hiring Requirements

Must pass DOJ fingerprint‑based background clearance prior to onboarding.
Must pass a health screening and TB test prior to onboarding.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and have a clean driving record.
Obtain valid CPR and First Aid Certificate within one month of employment (employer‑covered).

Employee Benefits