Lead Direct Support Professional

Pacific Autism Center for Education; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 33,751 - 35,817; Full time

Job summary

Pacific Autism Center for Education in Santa Clara, CA, is seeking a Lead Direct Support Professional to join our residential services team. This full-time, hands-on role supports autistic adults, mentors staff, and promotes dignity and independence across three local homes in San Jose and Sunnyvale.

You will provide direct care, coordinate with an interdisciplinary team, assist with documentation, and ensure a safe, engaging home environment.

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Minimum of two years’ experience supporting adults with developmental disabilities.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience with challenging behaviors and hygiene support.
• Ability to work independently and with a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with residents and provide person-centered support.
• Assist with activities of daily living and promote independence and choice.
• Float between three residential homes to provide consistent support.
• Model best practices and professional caregiving to staff.
• Support residents during medical appointments and communicate with the interdisciplinary team.
• Assist with licensing documentation and maintain accurate records.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services

Job description

Job Summary

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.

Position Overview

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 are 7:00 a.m. – 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.

Required 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.
• 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 Qualifications

• 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 35 pounds 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.

Salary

$24.50 - $26.00 per hour