Direct Support Professional for IDD

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

University of North Carolina TEACCH program seeks a Direct Support Professional for IDD to support autistic adults in a residential/vocational setting. The role involves training in self-help, communication, social and leisure skills, and collaboration with staff to promote independence.

The position is based at the Carolina Living and Learning Center (CLLC) near Pittsboro, NC, with a 40-hour week, weekend rotation, and a $1,200 sign-on bonus.

Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals with autism and developmental disabilities is preferred.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without accommodations.

Responsibilities

• Provide training in self-help, communication, social and leisure skills, vocational skills and independence.
• Work directly with adults with autism in residential/vocational settings and their families.
• Maintain safety, document observations, and support behavior management strategies.

Skills

Autism support

Residential care

Communication

Education

Experience with IDD populations

Tools

EMR

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

** ELIGIBILITY FOR SIGN-ON BONUS

Qualified applicants must be selected from the candidate pool of this posting and meet the State policy following requirements:

A newly hired permanent full-time or permanent part-time (more than 20 hours a week) employee is eligible for a sign-on bonus (this will be prorated for employees working more than 20 hours and less than 40 hours per week).

An employee is not eligible for a sign-on bonus if:

1. The employee has held a SHRA position in North Carolina State government, including the judicial system, or the University of North Carolina system within the last 12 months (the employee shall remain ineligible for 12 months from the separation date);

2. The employee has previously received a sign-on bonus from any North Carolina State agency or university; or

3. UNC-CH has paid any contract placement or recruitment fees.

This SHRA Sign-on Bonus is contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. All recipients must sign the Pay Back Agreement form. Additional information regarding the SHRA Sign-on Policy can be found https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy .

Posting Information

Posting Information

Department

Department CIND - TEACCH - CLLC-427480

Career Area Other

Is this an internal only recruitment?

Is this an internal only recruitment? No

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 09/02/2026

Application Deadline

Application Deadline 09/16/2026

Position Type

Position Type Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title

Position Title Human Services Prog Spprt Tech - Contributing

Salary Grade Equivalent

Salary Grade Equivalent NC01 / GN03

Working Title

Working Title Direct Support Professional for IDD

Position Number

Position Number 20040473

Vacancy ID

Vacancy ID P021346

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited Full-Time Permanent

If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment

Hours per week 40

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday and every other weekend, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

Position Summary Information

Be a Tar Heel!

The Direct Support Professional for IDD position is located at the Carolina Living and Learning Center ( CLLC ), just north of Pittsboro and next door to Chatham Park, where a variety of new amenities are now available (e.g., Lowe’s Foods, People’s Coffee, Greek Kouzina, the Refuel station). We’re at the intersection of peaceful country living and busy modern life, where we can take advantage of both lifestyles. On our 79 acres, we serve 15 autistic adults with higher support needs. They live in two homes on our beautiful farm, where we also have a barn, a potting shed, and a greenhouse to provide plenty of year-round activities.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to serve this unique, vulnerable population, while collaborating with our dedicated and compassionate staff. We are a diverse community, united by our desire to make a difference in the lives of our residents. There is no more meaningful way to use your professional skills. Plus, we have plenty of free parking and a commitment to work-life balance. Come and join our community!

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism program is system of university-based regional centers to serve autistic children, adolescents and adults and their families. As part of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the program has an active clinical, teaching, and research program. TEACCH operates seven community regional clinics. Our clinics and programs offer a set of core services along with unique demonstration programs meeting the needs of autistic individuals, their families, and professionals across the state of North Carolina. Also, part of TEACCH is the Carolina Living and Learning Center, a residential/vocational training facility for autistic adults as well as an Employment Services program providing Job Coaching and related services to adults on the spectrum.
TEACCH is currently part of the Carolina Institute for Neurodevelopmental Disabilities ( CIND ) program. All TEACCH programs are coordinated through a central administration and research unit in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
TEACCH provides clinical services such as diagnostic evaluations, psychotherapy, speech language therapy, occupational therapy and parent support groups. In addition, TEACCH conducts training within the state of North Carolina, nationally and internationally and provides consultation for teachers, residential care providers, and other professionals from a variety of disciplines.
TEACCH conducts clinical research focused on providing evidence-based care to autistic individuals and their families in their home communities. Our research examines intervention effectiveness in clinic, school, and community settings. Ongoing research includes a school-based anxiety intervention program, a community college-based transition to adulthood program, a telehealth program treating depression and anxiety in autistic adults, and a physical activity program for autistic adults. Studies also examine the services needs related to early intervention, employment and aging.
TEACCH has 48 full and part-time faculty, 150+ staff and provides training opportunities in both research and clinical activities for interns, postdocs and other graduate and undergraduate students.
This position is located at the CLLC in Pittsboro NC.

Position Summary

A SIGN -ON BONUS OF $1,200 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE : $600 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE AND $600 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE .
** See Eligibility for Sign-On Bonus below in the Special Instructions section.
This position is a direct care staff member who works directly with adults with autism in this residential/vocational facility and their families to provide training in the areas of self-help, communication, social and leisure skills, vocational skills, behavioral support and independence.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Management Preferences

Experience working with individuals with autism and developmental disabilities in a residential home is preferred.

Required Licenses/Certifications

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

The Direct Support Professional ( DSP ) must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting and Moving: Ability to lift at least 30 pounds. May be required to assist patients in and out of bed or use mobility devices. Provide patient ambulatory support.
• Mobility: Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, squatting, holding, carrying, and twisting throughout shift – on even and uneven surfaces. Provide assistance with client Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Ability to use physical de-escalation techniques with clients.
• Dexterity: Fine and gross motor skills are needed for assisting with hygiene care, meal preparation, medication administration, and other daily living activities.
• Endurance: Ability to walk at a steady pace or stand for at least 30 minutes consecutively.

Mental Requirements

• Communication: Clear oral and written communication with patients, families, co-workers, and teams is essential. Ability to observe and recognize changes in client’s mental status, mood, and behavior. Ability to use verbal de-escalation and conflict-resolution techniques effectively.
• Technology: Proficient in using technology, including daily email communication, entering client information into electronic medical records ( EMR ), and utilizing Microsoft Office applications.
• Stress Management: Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective while working with individuals who may exhibit challenging behaviors, including verbal aggression, physical aggression, self-injurious behaviors, or inappropriate physical contact.

Employees in this position are considered Mandatory Employees of the University, meaning they are required to work during any adverse event that prompts reduced/suspended operations ( such as adverse weather conditions). This position is also a CDME (Communicable Disease Mandatory Employee) as well and required to work during a State of Emergency Order.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Position/Schedule Requirements Carolina Living and Learning Center, Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens, Overtime occasionally, Patient care involved, Weekend work

Special Instructions

** ELIGIBILITY FOR SIGN -ON BONUS

Qualified applicants must be selected from the candidate pool of this posting and meet the State policy following requirements:

A newly hired permanent full-time or permanent part-time (more than 20 hours a week) employee is eligible for a sign-on bonus (this will be prorated for employees working more than 20 hours and less than 40 hours per week).

An employee is not eligible for a sign-on bonus if:

1. The employee has held a SHRA position in North Carolina State government, including the judicial system, or the University of North Carolina system within the last 12 months (the employee shall remain ineligible for 12 months from the separation date);

2. The employee has previously received a sign-on bonus from any North Carolina State agency or university; or

3. UNC-CH has paid any contract placement or recruitment fees.

This SHRA Sign-on Bonus is contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. All recipients must sign the Pay Back Agreement form. Additional information regarding the SHRA Sign-on Policy can be found https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy .

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you possess the competencies necessary to perform the Human Services Pgm Support Tech position?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you able to work on site during weekends, holidays, and adverse weather conditions as needed?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have previous experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities including autism spectrum disorders?
  • Yes
  • Yes, with developmental disabilties but not autism spectrum disorders
  • No
• * Do you have any previous experience working with autistic adults in a residential setting?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Please describe your work experience that you feel is most relevant to this position.

  (Open Ended Question)