Direct Support Professional

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Alpine Learning Group

Make a Difference Every Day

At Alpine Learning Group, our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) empower autistic adults to build independence, develop life and employment skills, and participate meaningfully in their communities. If you are compassionate, dependable, and passionate about helping others reach their goals, we would love to hear from you.

Position Summary

As a Direct Support Professional, you will provide direct support and instruction to autistic adults in our center, throughout the community, and at volunteer or employment sites. You will implement individualized teaching plans, support positive behavior strategies, collect data to monitor learner progress, and help individuals develop the skills they need to lead fulfilling and independent lives.

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position reporting to the Clinical Supervisors and the Director of Adult & Transition Services.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to learners in center-based, community, volunteer, and employment settings.

• Implement individualized instructional and behavioral support programs.

• Provide job coaching at supported employment and volunteer sites.

• Teach functional, vocational, communication, and independent living skills using evidence-based instructional strategies, including:

  • Discrete Trial Teaching

  • Chaining

  • Prompting techniques (modeling, manual guidance, and verbal prompting)

  • Incidental Teaching

  • Systematic Desensitization

• Implement behavior reduction and behavior support programs.

• Collect, summarize, and report learner data.

• Supervise assigned learners throughout the day.

• Collaborate with supervisors and clinical staff to contribute to individualized instructional and treatment plans.

• Report emergencies, incidents, and injuries according to Alpine Learning Group policies and procedures.

• Attend staff meetings, professional development opportunities, and required crisis intervention training.

• Recommend materials, equipment, and supplies that support learner success.

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Clinical Supervisors, Director of Adult & Transition Services, or Executive Director.

Services may be provided on-site, in-home, through distance learning, or in a combination of these settings as determined by program needs.

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• Valid New Jersey Driver's License

• Ability to work a full-time, 40-hour schedule

Preferred

• Experience working with individuals with autism

• Experience supporting adults with disabilities

• Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities

Desired Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds and support needs

• Comfort using educational technology, including tablets and computers

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality

• Reliable attendance and punctuality

• Ability to successfully complete Alpine Learning Group's required training program

• Demonstrates professionalism and good moral character

Physical Requirements

This is an active, hands-on position requiring the ability to:

• Walk, stand, sit, and occasionally run throughout the day

• Lift and assist learners as needed

• Demonstrate fine and gross motor coordination while providing instruction and guidance

• Supervise learners in a variety of settings

• Assist with movement and physical support during crisis intervention when necessary

• Maintain the vision, hearing, and communication skills needed to safely support learners

Background & Employment Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all required federal, state, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), and Alpine Learning Group clearances, including:

• Criminal History Background Check

• Motor Vehicle Review

• Citizenship/Employment Eligibility Verification

• Central Registry Review

• Drug screening as a condition of employment

In accordance with Department of Human Services (DHS) and DDD regulations, this position is also subject to random drug testing. Refusal to participate in required testing may result in termination of employment.

Why Join Alpine Learning Group?

At Alpine Learning Group, you will join a collaborative team dedicated to providing exceptional support and meaningful opportunities for autistic individuals. Our staff are passionate about fostering independence, promoting growth, and creating positive outcomes for every learner we serve.

If you are looking for a rewarding career where your work makes a meaningful impact every day, we encourage you to apply.