Direct Support Professional - San Francisco |$30-$35/hr.| FT in San Francisco, California at Supportive Steps Services, INC.

Employment Classification: Nonexempt (Hourly)
Compensation: $30.00–$35.00 per hour, based on qualifications and experience
Work Location: In-Person – Client Homes, Schools, and Community Settings
Travel Requirement: Up to a 30-mile radius from home or assigned work location

Supportive Steps Services is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve greater independence, confidence, and quality of life. Through individualized, evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and adaptive skills services, we support clients and families in home, school, and community environments.

Our organization is built on compassion, collaboration, professionalism, and a commitment to meaningful outcomes. We recognize that our employees are essential to our success and strive to foster a supportive workplace that encourages professional development, teamwork, open communication, and work-life balance.

Whether you are beginning your career or bringing years of experience in behavioral health, education, or developmental services, Supportive Steps Services offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference while receiving guidance and support from an experienced clinical team.

Supportive Steps Services is seeking compassionate, dependable, and motivated individuals to join our team as Adaptive Skills Trainers (ASTs) / Behavior Technicians (RBTs).

In this role, employees provide individualized, one-on-one instruction and behavioral support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Services focus on developing essential life skills, improving communication and social interactions, increasing independence, and supporting clients in achieving their individualized goals.

Services are provided primarily in clients' homes, schools, and community settings, depending on individual service plans and assigned schedules.

We welcome both entry-level candidates who are currently pursuing a qualifying bachelor's degree and experienced professionals seeking to advance their careers. Previous experience in ABA or direct-support services is preferred but not required. Comprehensive training, ongoing guidance, and clinical supervision are provided.

Direct Client Services and Skill Development

• Provide individualized, one-on-one instruction to support the development of daily living, communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, community safety, self-advocacy, and decision-making skills.

• Implement individualized teaching strategies and activities consistent with each client's Individual Program Plan (IPP), Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, Regional Center service plan, or other applicable treatment plan.

• Assist clients in acquiring, maintaining, and generalizing skills across home, school, and community environments.

• Implement assigned behavioral interventions and support strategies under the direction of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or other qualified supervisor, consistent with applicable credentials, training, and professional requirements.

• Encourage client independence, self-determination, and meaningful participation in everyday activities.

• Maintain a safe, respectful, and supportive environment while promoting client dignity and individual choice.

Documentation and Data Collection

• Collect accurate, objective, and timely data regarding client progress, skill acquisition, and behavioral interventions.

• Complete required session documentation, including SOAP notes, data collection records, and other service-related reports, within established deadlines.

• Document and promptly report incidents, safety concerns, changes in client behavior, and other relevant observations in accordance with organizational policies.

• Maintain accurate records to support treatment planning, service quality, and applicable funding and billing requirements.

Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities

• Collaborate with clinical supervisors, families, educators, caregivers, and other members of the client's support team to promote consistent and effective services.

• Participate in required training, supervision, team meetings, and professional development activities.

• Communicate scheduling concerns, client needs, service barriers, and other relevant information promptly and professionally.

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and protect client confidentiality in accordance with applicable privacy laws and organizational policies.

• Follow all applicable mandated-reporting requirements, safety procedures, ethical standards, and company policies.

• Perform other related duties as assigned, consistent with the position's responsibilities and qualifications.

• Education: A bachelor's degree in Psychology, Education, Social Work, Applied Behavior Analysis, Counseling, Rehabilitation, Human Services, or a closely related field is preferred. Applicants currently enrolled in and actively working toward a bachelor's degree in one of these qualifying fields are also eligible for consideration.

• Experience: Previous experience in ABA, behavioral health, education, caregiving, developmental disabilities, or direct-support services is preferred but not required.

• RBT Certification: Current Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification is preferred but not required at the time of hire. Employees must obtain RBT certification within 90 days of employment, in accordance with company policy and applicable certification requirements.

• Background Screening: Must successfully complete applicable background checks and satisfy any additional screening requirements associated with assigned services.

• CPR Certification: Must obtain and maintain required CPR certification.

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated patience, empathy, dependability, and professionalism.

• Ability to establish positive, respectful relationships with clients, families, and colleagues.

• Ability to understand, learn, and consistently implement structured teaching methods and behavior-support plans.

• Sound professional judgment and the ability to respond calmly and appropriately to challenging situations.

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to accurate documentation.

• Ability to work independently while following clinical guidance and supervisory direction.

• Flexibility to adapt to varying client needs, schedules, and service environments.

• Commitment to inclusion, client dignity, confidentiality, ethical conduct, and person-centered services.

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred but not required.

This is a community-based position requiring travel to assigned client locations.

• Willingness and ability to travel within an approximately 30-mile radius of the employee's residence or assigned work location, depending on client needs and available assignments.

• Reliable transportation to and from assigned service locations.

• A valid driver's license, current vehicle registration, and active automobile insurance when driving is required for assigned duties.

• Ability to maintain all required driving documentation throughout employment.

• Willingness to travel between client locations as needed throughout the workday.

Compensable travel time and eligible mileage reimbursement will be provided in accordance with applicable law and company policy.

The position involves providing direct services in a variety of environments, including private residences, schools, and community locations.

Essential physical functions may include:

• Sitting, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, and transitioning between positions throughout client sessions.

• Participating in instructional activities, community outings, and other client-centered tasks.

• Providing physical assistance or support to clients when required by an assigned service plan and consistent with appropriate training and safety procedures.

• Responding appropriately to client behavioral or environmental safety concerns.

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable law.

• Full-time and part-time opportunities may be available based on organizational needs and client referrals.

• Work schedules are determined by client service requirements, employee availability, and geographic assignments.

• Afternoon, evening, and weekend availability may be beneficial depending on client needs.

• Employees are expected to maintain reliable attendance, communicate schedule changes promptly, and follow established scheduling procedures.

Meaningful Work: Make a direct and lasting impact by helping individuals develop greater independence and improve their quality of life.

Supportive Clinical Team: Work alongside experienced professionals who provide ongoing guidance, collaboration, and supervision.

Professional Development: Access training, continuing education opportunities, and support toward professional certification.

Flexible Scheduling: Explore full-time and part-time opportunities based on available client assignments and organizational needs.

Career Growth: Develop valuable experience in ABA, adaptive skills training, and developmental services, with opportunities for professional advancement.

Collaborative Culture: Join an organization that values respect, communication, teamwork, and employee contributions.

Hourly Pay Range: $30.00–$35.00

Starting compensation is determined based on relevant education, experience, certifications, qualifications, and organizational considerations.

Supportive Steps Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and professional workplace.

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Supportive Steps Services provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees in accordance with applicable law.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position's duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. It does not constitute an employment contract or guarantee employment for any specified period. Supportive Steps Services reserves the right to modify job duties and responsibilities as organizational needs evolve, consistent with applicable law.