Lead Direct Support Professional

Pacificautism; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Pacificautism is seeking a Lead Direct Support Professional to join our residential services team in California. This full-time role involves mentoring Residential Support Professionals across three local homes and delivering hands-on, person-centered care to autistic adults.

As a lead, you will oversee daily operations, model best practices, and support residents during medical appointments while ensuring regulatory compliance and accurate documentation across San Jose, Sunnyvale, and adjacent

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience supporting adults with developmental disabilities.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience with challenging behaviors and hygiene support.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel between three homes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must pass DOJ/FBI clearance and provide TB/physical clearance.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with residents through person-centered support.
• Provide direct care and assist with activities of daily living.
• Float across three homes to provide consistent support.
• Model professional caregiving and best practices for staff.
• Support residents during medical appointments and relay information to the team.
• Assist with licensing documentation and maintain accurate records.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming home environment.
• Collaborate with supervisors to ensure continuity of care.
• Model effective communication and problem-solving for staff.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Behavior management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Psychology/Social Work

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about supporting adults with autism and developmental disabilities? Do you enjoy mentoring others while providing hands‑on, person‑centered care? We are seeking a compassionate, dependable, and experienced Lead Direct Support Professional to join our residential services team.

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with the individuals we support while serving as a positive role model for residential staff across three local homes.

Position Summary

The Lead Residential Support Professional provides direct care and leadership support within three local (San Jose and Sunnyvale) residential homes serving autistic adults. This is a full‑time, hands‑on position that requires someone who is adaptable, organized, and committed to promoting dignity, independence, and quality of life for each resident.

Typical working hours fall between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., with flexibility based on program needs.

What You'll Do

• Build trusting, meaningful relationships with residents by providing compassionate, person‑centered support.
• Provide direct care and assistance with activities of daily living while promoting independence and choice.
• Float between three residential homes, providing consistent support where it is needed most.
• Serve as a role model for Residential Support Professionals by demonstrating best practices, professionalism, and excellent caregiving skills.
• Support residents during medical appointments and communicate important information to the interdisciplinary team.
• Assist with licensing documentation and ensure records are accurate, complete, and maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Help maintain a safe, welcoming, and engaging home environment.
• Collaborate with supervisors and team members to ensure high‑quality services and continuity of care.
• Model positive communication, problem‑solving, and person‑centered practices for other staff.

Requirements

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience supporting adults with developmental disabilities.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Must have experience with challenging behaviors and hygiene support.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Reliable transportation, clean driving record and the ability to travel between three local residential homes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required
• Upon offer, must pass DOJ/FBI clearance
• Upon offer, must have proof of TB and physical clearance

Preferred:

• Experience supporting autistic adults in a residential setting.
• Knowledge of licensing standards, documentation requirements, and person‑centered planning.
• Experience mentoring or providing informal leadership to direct support staff.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach while providing care and completing household tasks.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, or pull up to 35pounds independently.
• Ability to physically assist residents with activities of daily living, including hygiene, and personal care, as needed.
• Ability to safely implement approved crisis prevention and intervention techniques, including physical safety interventions, in accordance with agency training and policies.
• Ability to accompany residents on community outings and medical appointments, which may involve walking on uneven terrain, climbing stairs, and entering/exiting vehicles.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and maintain a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks involving grasping, lifting, carrying, and fine motor coordination for documentation, medication support, and household responsibilities.