Direct Support Professional-Adult Day Program Instructor

Abilitypath; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 4 weeks

Holidays

Health, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

Educational reimbursement

Mileage reimbursement

Performance bonuses

Job summary

AbilityPath, a nonprofit in Palo Alto, CA, is seeking a Community & Site Program Instructor to help adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities build life skills, confidence, and community connections. You will lead on-site and in-community activities to support independence and meaningful engagement.

The role offers a full-time schedule with 6- or 8-hour shifts, Monday–Friday, in Palo Alto, and a benefits package including PTO, holidays, health/dental/vision coverage, and retirement

Qualifications

• 1+ years of work or volunteer experience supporting adults with disabilities.
• Associate degree, or working toward one.

Responsibilities

• Coach life skills through one-on-one and group sessions tailored to each client's needs.
• Lead community volunteering with local organizations to build purpose and connection.
• Plan and lead group outings to parks, museums, and events with safe transportation.
• Design learning sessions on topics like current events, basic academics, technology, and social skills.
• Support health and wellness with exercise, nutrition guidance, and wellness activities.
• Organize recreation and social activities to build teamwork and personal growth.
• Build job readiness with pre-vocational training and workplace etiquette.
• Foster creative expression through art, music, and community showcases when appropriate.
• Contribute to person-centered planning with clients, families, and teams.
• Track milestones and celebrate progress in our case management system.

Skills

Disability support experience

Education

Associate degree

Job description

Hiring Community & Site Program Instructor

Join a Mission Driven Team!

Do you want work that actually matters? As a Community & Site Program Instructor at AbilityPath, you'll help adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities build the skills, confidence, and community connections to lead fulfilling, independent lives. You'll lead group activities on-site and out in the community - and go home knowing you made a difference.

Pay: $24-$25/hour (based on education and experience)

Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday | 6- or 8-hour shifts available between 8:30am-5:00pm Location: Palo Alto, CA

Why You'll Love Working Here

• 4 weeks of PTO - plus 10 paid holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one
• 401(k) with employer match
• Educational reimbursement to support your professional growth
• Mileage reimbursement
• Performance bonuses

We invest in our people because when our team thrives, the people we serve thrive too.

Who We Are

AbilityPath is a nonprofit providing a full lifespan of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our mission: accept, respect, and include people of all abilities. We're committed to building a genuinely inclusive community, grounded in ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work.

What You'll Do

This role is hands-on and varied - no two days look the same.

• Coach life skills. Provide one-on-one and group coaching on the skills people need to live independently, tailored to each person's needs and learning style.
• Lead community volunteering. Coordinate with local organizations to create meaningful volunteer opportunities that build purpose and connection.
• Get out into the community. Plan and lead group outings to parks, museums, and local events - including safe transportation - while supporting clients as they navigate public spaces and build social confidence.
• Design learning sessions. Develop and lead sessions on topics like current events, basic academics, technology, and social skills, adapted to different learning styles.
• Support health and wellness. Promote healthy habits through exercise, nutrition guidance, and wellness activities.
• Organize recreation and social activities. Sports, games, movie nights, holiday celebrations - activities that build teamwork and personal growth.
• Build job readiness. Lead pre-vocational training, help clients explore career interests, and teach workplace skills and etiquette.
• Foster creative expression. Lead accessible art, music, and creative activities, and support participation in community showcases when appropriate.
• Contribute to person-centered planning. Work with clients, families, and interdisciplinary teams to set goals, track progress, and adjust support plans.
• Track and celebrate progress. Document milestones and goal progress in our case management system.

What We're Looking For

• 1+ years of work or volunteer experience supporting adults with disabilities
• Associate degree, or working toward one

We strongly encourage BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized candidates to apply.

Requirements to Get Started:

• Valid California driver's license (held 3+ years if under age 25) with a clean driving record
• Negative TB test results
• Occupational physical clearance
• Clear criminal fingerprint background check
• 18 years of age, or valid work permit

Physical requirements:

Ability to sit, stand, and bend frequently; drive a vehicle to transport adults with disabilities; and lift up to 25 lbs. as needed.

We encourage applicants to share any access needs during the interview process, at hire, and throughout employment - we're committed to making our organization accessible for our whole team.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AbilityPath is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit. We prohibit unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry (including language-use restrictions and possession of a driver's license), citizenship, physical or mental disability, genetic characteristics or information, marital status, domestic partner status, family care status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, legally protected medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or disrespectful conduct based on any protected characteristic, whether actual or perceived