Direct Support Professional for IDD

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism Program in North Carolina is seeking a part-time Direct Support Professional for IDD to support autistic adults with higher needs in a residential setting. DSPs will assist residents to live as independently as possible and collaborate with a dedicated staff team. The role is 20 hours per week, 2nd shift (3:00 PM – 10:00 PM).

The University mandates work during adverse events. Start date is flexible with seasonal/occasional appointments.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Responsibilities

• Our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) work directly with our autistic residents with higher support needs.
• They are not merely caregivers; they provide whatever support is necessary for our residents to thrive.

Skills

Autistic/disabled senior adults

Caregiving experience

Communication skills

Professionalism under pressure

Team collaboration

Tools

EMR experience

Daily email use

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

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.

Posting Information

Department

Department CIND - TEACCH - CLLC - 427480

Career Area Other

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 08/25/2026

Application Deadline

Application Deadline 09/03/2026

Position Type

Position Type Temporary Staff (SHRA)

Position Title

Position Title Direct Support Professional for IDD

Position Number

Position Number 20036099

Vacancy ID

Vacancy ID S027998

Full-time/Part-time

Full-time/Part-time Part-Time Temporary

Hours per week 20

Work Schedule

Work Hours 2nd Shift – 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM – Needed any night of the week.

Position Location

Position Location North Carolina, US

Hiring Range

Hiring Range $15.00 per hour

Proposed Start Date

Estimated Duration of Appointment

Estimated Duration of Appointment Occasional/Seasonal

Position 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 serve15 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.
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.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Management Preferences

• Professional or caregiving experience with autistic, disabled, or senior adults
• Experience with both autism and dementia
• Clear oral and written communication with patients, families, co-workers, and teams
• Proficient in using technology, including daily email communication, or entering client information into electronic medical records ( EMR )
• Ability to remain calm, professional, or effective while working with individuals who may exhibit challenging behaviors

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 move 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.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions

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.

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.

Optional and Required Documents

• Required Documents Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Optional Documents Cover Letter

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * 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
• * Do you possess the competencies necessary to perform the Human Services Pgm Support Tech position?
  • Yes
  • No