Direct Support Professional for IDD

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; North Carolina; On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Job summary

The University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism program, located at the Carolina Living and Learning Center (CLLC) near Pittsboro NC, seeks a Direct Support Professional for IDD. This part-time role supports autistic adults with higher needs in a farm-based residential setting, focusing on independence and daily living.

You will collaborate with a dedicated team, provide person-centered assistance, assist with hygiene, mobility, and medications, and help residents engage in meaningful activities.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work with autistic adults with higher support needs.
• Ability to move at least 30 pounds and assist residents with mobility needs.
• Capable of assisting with hygiene care and daily living activities.

Responsibilities

• Assist residents to live as independently as possible.
• Provide support for hygiene care and daily living activities.
• Assist with medication administration and safety.
• Support residents in community and residence activities.

Skills

Compassionate caregiving

Mobility assistance

Medication administration

Hygiene support

Job description

Posting Information

Department: CIND - TEACCH - CLLC - 427480
Career Area: Other
Posting Open Date: 10/19/2026
Application Deadline: 10/28/2026
Position Type: Temporary Staff (SHRA)
Position Title: Direct Support Professional for IDD
Position Number: 20030345
Vacancy ID: S028163
Full-time/Part-time: Part-Time Temporary
Hours per week: 20
Work Schedule: Weekday Evenings and Weekend Evenings, 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Position Location: North Carolina, US
Hiring Range: $15.00 per hour
Estimated Duration of Appointment: Occasional/Seasonal

Position Information

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

This position is a part-time position with the TEACCH Autism Program, located at the Carolina Living and Learning Center (CLLC). Our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) work directly with our autistic residents with higher support needs. DSPs are charged with assisting our residents to live as fully and as independently as possible. They are not merely caregivers; they provide whatever support is necessary for our residents to thrive.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Management Preferences

Professional and/or caregiving experience with autistic, disabled, and/or senior adults. Prefer experience with both autism and dementia.

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.

Ability to move at least 30 pounds. May be required to assist patients in and out of bed or use mobility devices. Provide patient ambulatory support.

Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, squatting, holding, carrying, and twisting throughout shift – on even and uneven surfaces.

Fine and gross motor skills are needed for assisting with hygiene care, meal preparation, medication administration, and other daily living activities.

Ability to walk at a steady pace or stand for at least 30 minutes consecutively.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

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.