Direct Support Professional (Autism Life Skills)

Loxo; Camp Hill (Cumberland County); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Career Connections Recruiting is hiring a Life Skills Instructor for a Day Services program focused on community integration. This is not a clinic role—work happens out in the community.

You’ll support individuals in building independence, lead outings, and help develop daily living and social skills. A driver’s license is required for community activities.

Qualifications

• Passion for working with individuals with autism or developmental disabilities.
• Enjoy being active, hands-on, and out in the community.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Reliable, organized, and adaptable.
• Valid driver’s license required for community outings.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals in building independence in real-life environments.
• Lead and participate in community outings (stores, restaurants, recreational activities).
• Help individuals develop social, communication, and relationship skills.
• Provide hands-on support with daily living tasks (cooking, cleaning, hygiene).
• Encourage confidence, decision-making, and self-advocacy.
• Maintain a safe, structured environment and track progress.

Skills

Hands-on work

Strong communication

Out in the community

Job description

Direct Support Professional (Autism Life Skills)

Life Skills Instructor (Direct Support Professional) | Community-Based Autism Support

At Career Connections Recruiting, we partner with leading autism providers who are committed to helping individuals build meaningful, independent lives—in the real world, not just within four walls.

We’re currently hiring a Life Skills Instructor for a Day Services program focused entirely on community integration and independence. This is not a clinic role—your work happens out in the community, where real growth takes place.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll support individuals both in the Community Integration Center (CIC) and throughout the community, helping them develop the skills needed for everyday life.

This includes:

• Supporting individuals in building independence in real-life environments
• Leading and participating in community outings (stores, restaurants, recreational activities, etc.)
• Helping individuals develop social, communication, and relationship skills
• Providing hands-on support with daily living tasks (cooking, cleaning, hygiene, etc.)
• Encouraging confidence, decision-making, and self-advocacy
• Maintaining a safe, supportive, and structured environment
• Tracking progress and documenting services, behaviors, and outcomes
• Transporting individuals to and from community-based activities

Why This Role Is Different

• Community-based — no sitting in a clinic all day
• Focused on real-life independence, not just session-based goals
• You see the direct impact of your work every single day
• More dynamic, engaging, and relationship-driven than traditional settings

What We’re Looking For

• Passion for working with individuals with autism or developmental disabilities
• Someone who enjoys being active, hands-on, and out in the community
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Reliable, organized, and adaptable
• Valid driver’s license (required for community outings)