House Manager for Autism Support and Behavioral Management

Job Description

Job Description

Full-Time House Manager

Residential Support & Staff Leadership

Location: East County San Diego, California
Position: Full-Time
Compensation: $90,000–$95,000 salary, depending on experience and qualifications
Schedule: To be determined; includes designated on-call days and regular days off

About the Position

We are seeking an experienced, compassionate, and highly dependable Full-Time House Manager to oversee the day-to-day support of an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities and moderate to high behavioral needs.

This is a unique leadership opportunity for someone with experience providing direct support and leading, supervising, training, or coordinating a support staff team.

The House Manager will not be expected to be physically in the home for all scheduled hours. Many management responsibilities can be performed remotely/from home. However, the House Manager will serve as the primary on-call resource during designated days , providing guidance to staff, problem-solving support, and in-person assistance when needed.

The House Manager will work closely with the Supervisor, BCBA, SLP, Part-Time House Manager, and other members of the support team. Open communication, collaboration, and willingness to learn are essential.

Our Approach

We believe excellent support begins with knowing and understanding the individual—not simply managing behaviors.

The person we support has a unique way of communicating, learning, relating, and experiencing the world. We are looking for someone who is curious, patient, observant, flexible, and willing to learn what works specifically for this individual rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach.

The successful candidate will respect neurodiversity and individual differences and will not try to force the individual into conventional or neurotypical expectations.

The House Manager must be willing to learn from the Supervisor, family, and professional support team and communicate closely regarding the individual’s care and support.

Familiarity with Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) is strongly preferred, but training will be provided to the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

Staff Leadership & Management

· Help recruit, interview, and select qualified Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).

· Build and maintain a stable, dependable, appropriately skilled support team.

· Provide ongoing leadership, mentoring, coaching, and guidance to staff.

· Identify staff training and support needs.

· Help ensure staff consistently follow individualized support strategies and plans.

· Assist with staffing coordination and unexpected coverage needs.

· Promote a respectful, collaborative, and positive team culture.

Individualized Residential Support

· Develop a thorough understanding of the individual’s communication style, preferences, routines, strengths, interests, and support needs.

· Provide direct support when needed.

· Support daily living, community participation, and meaningful activities.

· Promote independence, dignity, autonomy, choice, and quality of life .

· Maintain a calm, predictable, respectful, and supportive home environment.

· Follow individualized plans and recommendations from the professional support team.

· Observe responses to different approaches and communicate important observations to the family and support team.

Behavioral & Crisis Support

· Provide calm, thoughtful leadership during challenging situations.

· Recognize potential triggers and early signs of distress.

· Coach staff in proactive, individualized approaches.

· Support staff during behavioral or emotional escalation.

· Implement positive, person-centered, and trauma-informed strategies.

· Follow established Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and other individualized recommendations.

· Understand that behavior is communication and respond by seeking to understand the individual’s needs rather than simply suppressing behavior.

· Respond appropriately to urgent situations while protecting the individual’s safety, dignity, and rights.

On-Call Leadership

During designated on-call days, the House Manager will be the primary management contact for the home and support staff.

On-call responsibilities may include:

· Being available by phone to staff.

· Providing guidance and problem-solving support.

· Helping address behavioral, interpersonal, household, or support-related concerns.

· Determining when additional assistance or professional intervention is needed.

· Responding to staff call-outs and unexpected staffing needs.

· Going to the home when in-person assistance is necessary.

· Communicating significant concerns or incidents to the appropriate professional team members.

· Ensuring appropriate management coverage when off duty.

The House Manager will have designated days off when they are not responsible for on-call duties . The Part-Time House Manager will provide management/on-call coverage during those periods.

Home Management

· Oversee the day-to-day operation of the home.

· Ensure the home is safe, comfortable, organized, and appropriately supplied.

· Establish routines and systems that promote consistency and stability.

· Ensure staff understand their responsibilities.

· Coordinate household needs, appointments, activities, and other day-to-day matters.

· Address problems promptly and communicate significant concerns appropriately.

Qualifications & Experience

Strongly preferred:

· Experience working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) .

· Experience supporting individuals with autism and/or moderate to high behavioral needs.

· Experience supervising, mentoring, training, or managing DSPs.

· Experience implementing Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) or Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).

· Experience with positive behavior support and behavioral de-escalation/crisis prevention.

· Experience managing a residential or supported living environment.

· Experience with person-centered planning and trauma-informed care.

· RBT certification or willingness to become RBT certified.

· Familiarity with Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) or willingness to receive training.

· Experience with AAC or alternative communication approaches is a plus.

· CPR/First Aid, DSP, RBT, behavioral health, or other relevant training/certifications are a plus.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who is:

· Calm and emotionally regulated under pressure.

· Compassionate, patient, observant, and flexible.

· Highly dependable and responsible.

· A strong communicator and collaborative team member.

· Comfortable providing leadership while also working hands-on when necessary.

· Curious about what works specifically for this individual rather than relying on assumptions.

· Respectful of neurodiversity and individual differences.

· Committed to person-centered support rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

· Comfortable working independently and making thoughtful decisions.

· Willing to learn from the individual, family, Supervisor, and professional support team.

· Committed to continual learning and professional development.

What Makes This Position Different?

This is an opportunity to become an important part of a small, highly individualized support team , rather than working in a large residential setting.

The House Manager will have the opportunity to:

· Build a meaningful relationship with one individual.

· Develop a deep understanding of his unique needs and strengths.

· Lead and develop a dedicated support team.

· Create consistency across staff.

· Receive specialized training, including RDI.

· Make thoughtful, individualized decisions rather than relying solely on generic procedures.

· Help create a home where the individual can feel safe, respected, understood, and supported to live as fully and independently as possible.

We are looking for someone who wants to do more than provide care. We are looking for someone who wants to understand the person, develop the team, and help create a support environment where that person can thrive.

Compensation & Schedule

$90,000–$95,000 salary , depending on experience and qualifications.

This is a full-time position with designated on-call days and designated days off. Management responsibilities may be performed remotely/from home, with in-person support at the home when needed.

Additional employment details, including benefits, paid time off, overtime, exact schedule, and on-call expectations, will be discussed during the interview process.