INTERIM LEAD DSP

ADVANCE KIDS GROUP; California (MO); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime bonus

Paid training

401(k) with employer contribution

PTO accrual

Life & AD&D coverage

Comprehensive EAP

Job summary

Advance Kids Group seeks an Interim Lead Direct Support Professional to supervise staff in residential crisis homes and to develop leadership skills while continuing hands-on support for adults with developmental disabilities.

The role emphasizes guiding DSPs, ensuring safety and adherence to client plans, and coordinating with a multidisciplinary team to support residents and enhance daily living skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 months supervisory experience.
• 6+ months experience with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and challenging behaviors.
• Willingness to work every weekend in CA locations.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Community Crisis Home staff and ensure program design is carried out safely.
• Provide guidance and support to DSP staff while in the lead capacity.
• Ensure adherence to policies, procedures, safety protocols, and client plans.
• Foster effective communication and teamwork among residential staff and care teams.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Developmental disabilities experience

Weekend availability

RBT within 60 days

DSP leadership potential

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Kala House - Orangevale, CA 95662, Salary Range: $24.50 - $28.50 Hourly, Interim Lead Direct Support Professional - Residential Crisis Program

Location Options: Orangevale, Elverta, Rio Linda & Shingle Springs

$24.50 - $28.50/hour

Do you have a goal of becoming a Lead DSP, maybe even an administrator? Here’s your opportunity to build the experience and skills to get there.

At Advance Kids, we believe every individual deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful, fulfilling life. For more than 25 years, we have provided innovative residential, clinical, educational, and crisis intervention services for children, teens, and adults with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities. Our mission is simple: to improve quality of life through compassionate, individualized support and evidence-based care.

Position Summary

The Interim Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP) role is an opportunity for experienced DSPs to develop and demonstrate their leadership skills while continuing to provide direct support to adults in our residential crisis programs. This position is designed for individuals who are interested in growing into a Lead DSP role and want to gain hands‑on experience directing and supporting a residential team.

Interim Lead DSPs work directly with residents during regular DSP shifts. When serving in the interim lead capacity, responsibilities include:

• Supervise Community Crisis Home staff as they carry out the facility's program design, including but not limited to:
  • Responding safely and effectively to crisis behaviors
  • Supporting daily living skills and independence
  • Coordinating outings, appointments, medications, and meals
  • Maintaining the home environment and assisting with household upkeep
  • Engaging clients in enriching activities
  • Collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team
• Provide guidance, direction, and support to DSP staff while serving in the lead capacity
• Help ensure staff follow established policies, procedures, safety protocols, and individualized client support plans
• Support effective communication and teamwork among residential staff and the broader care team

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of 3 months supervisory experience
• Minimum 6 months experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and displaying severe verbal and physical behaviors
• Availability to work every weekend
• Readiness to work in any of the following locations in California: Orangevale, Rio Linda, Elverta, and Shingle Springs
• Willingness to obtain Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification within 60-days of hire
• Capacity to complete the Direct Support Professional (DSP) 1 and 2, 35-hour competency-based training course and a pass on the competency test within one year of start date
• Ability to read and write efficiently in the English language, in order to perform essential duties
• Possession of basic mathematical skills, in order to assist individuals with medications, shopping, cooking, and budgeting
• Commitment to the successful completion of a minimum of 25 hours of continuing education within each twelve-month period following the assumption of duties.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to lift, transfer, and assist individuals as needed
• Ability to perform physical aspects of residential care and crisis response

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Valid and current auto insurance
• CA Driver's License
• High School Diploma
• Criminal background check
• Reference verification
• Negative TB test

Compensation

• $24.50 - $28.50/hour
• Quarterly overtime bonus, when eligible
• Paid training (RBT, DSP I/II, CPI, Ukeru)
• RBT Test Reimbursement
• Employer-subsidized medical, dental & vision coverage
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• PTO accrual
• Separate paid sick time
• Annual performance-based compensation growth potential
• Loyalty bonus every 5 years
• Life & AD&D coverage at no cost to you
• Comprehensive EAP—100% employer-funded
• Tax-advantaged healthcare & dependent care FSAs
• Ongoing professional development (CEUs)

Why Advance Kids?

At Advance Kids, you'll join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to helping individuals with developmental disabilities achieve greater independence, safety, and quality of life. We foster a culture of compassion, teamwork, continuous learning, and meaningful impact. Every day offers an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.