Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Adaptive SDP; Whittier, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

Travel reimbursement

Job summary

Adaptive SDP is seeking dependable Direct Support Professionals to provide person-centered in-home and community-based support for individuals with developmental and behavioral disabilities across Southern California, including Whittier. You will work 1:1 or in small groups, implementing individualized plans and applying ABA-based strategies when appropriate.

Documentation of progress is required along with regular communication with leadership.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 year of experience supporting individuals with developmental or behavioral disabilities.
• Willingness to transport participants; valid driver’s license may be required for some assignments.
• CPR & First Aid certification preferred; provided within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to pass a Live Scan background check.

Responsibilities

• Implement individualized support and skill-building plans.
• Apply behaviorally informed (ABA-based) strategies when appropriate.
• Support development of communication, self-help, social, and adaptive skills.
• Reinforce positive coping strategies, routines, and structure.
• Assist with in-home and community-based skill-building activities.
• Facilitate structured, safe community outings.
• Follow safety, supervision, and de-escalation protocols.
• Maintain accurate documentation and daily progress notes.
• Clock in/out accurately using EVV-compliant systems.
• Communicate regularly with the Program Director and support team.

Skills

Communication skills

Patience

Adaptability

ABA principles

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

EVV system

Job description

Join our talent pool of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) providing person-centered, in-home and community-based support to individuals with developmental and behavioral disabilities across Southern California. Apply once — we'll match you to the right participant and program when a fitting opportunity opens.

Full Description

About Adaptive SDP

Adaptive SDP provides individualized, person-centered support to individuals with developmental and behavioral disabilities through in-home and community-based services. Our programs support participants with a wide range of needs — from adaptive life skills and community integration to behaviorally informed and ABA-based support.

We serve participants of varying ages, support levels, and schedules across Southern California and are seeking dependable, adaptable Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our growing team. This is a general, always-open posting for our talent pool — apply once, and we'll reach out to match you to the right participant and program when an opportunity that fits your experience and availability arises. Holding current credentials helps us place you faster when the right opportunity opens.

Position Overview

Direct Support Professionals support participants in 1:1 or small-group settings through our Adaptive Skills Training (AST), Independent Living Skills (ILS), and Community Integration Support (CIS) programs. Depending on the participant, support may be life-skills and independence-focused or behaviorally informed (ABA-based), and may take place in the morning, after school, in the evening, or on weekends.

DSPs are matched to participants based on experience, availability, compatibility, and comfort level, and work under the supervision of our Program Director and support team.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement individualized support and skill-building plans
• Apply behaviorally informed (ABA-based) strategies when appropriate
• Support development of communication, self-help, social, and adaptive skills
• Reinforce positive coping strategies, routines, and structure
• Assist with in-home and community-based skill-building activities
• Facilitate structured, safe community outings
• Follow safety, supervision, and de-escalation protocols
• Maintain accurate documentation and daily progress notes
• Clock in and out accurately using company systems in accordance with EVV requirements
• Communicate regularly with the Program Director and support team

You'll use a company-provided tablet to submit daily logs and progress notes, clock in/out (EVV-compliant), and review your schedule, updates, and messages. Comfort following documentation timelines and accuracy requirements is essential.

Scheduling & Availability

We support participants with a wide range of schedules — morning and daytime, after-school and evening, and weekends. Candidates with flexible availability are strongly encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED (required)
• Minimum 1 year of experience supporting individuals with developmental or behavioral disabilities
• ABA or behavior-support experience (required for some placements)
• Mandated Reporter Training (required; provided if not already completed)
• CPR & First Aid (required within 30 days of hire; preferred at hire)
• DSP I & DSP II certification (preferred)
• RBT certification (preferred; required for some placements)
• College coursework in psychology, education, special education, or a related field (preferred)
• Ability to pass a Live Scan (DOJ) background check
• Reliable transportation to participant locations
• Valid driver's license in good standing (required for some assignments)
• Willingness to transport participants when approved and assigned (mileage and travel reimbursement provided when applicable)
• Comfortable using company-provided mobile devices for work-related tasks
• Opportunities across Southern California, matched by fit and availability
• Structured programs with clear expectations
• Direct supervision and ongoing support from experienced leadership
• Required training provided when needed
• Mileage and travel reimbursement when applicable
• Meaningful, consistent work supporting individuals and families