Direct Support Professional

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