Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Adult Day Program in San Jose, California at The Creekside School

The Creekside School is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Through person-centered support, meaningful relationships, and evidence-based practices, we empower every individual to reach their fullest potential while fostering independence, dignity, and community engagement.

Our Adult Day Program provides engaging opportunities for participants to build life skills, develop friendships, explore their interests, and actively participate in their communities. Every day, our team works together to create an environment where participants feel valued, respected, and supported.

No two days are the same. One day you might be helping someone learn a new cooking skill, the next you’re supporting a community outing, volunteering alongside participants, celebrating a personal milestone, or encouraging someone to achieve a goal they’ve been working toward for weeks. Every day brings new opportunities to make a positive impact while sharing meaningful experiences and having fun along the way.

At The Creekside School, we believe every individual deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Our Direct Support Professionals play an essential role in helping participants achieve their personal goals while creating experiences filled with purpose, choice, and connection. Whether you’re supporting someone during a community outing, teaching a new life skill, encouraging independence, or simply celebrating a small success, you’ll make a meaningful difference every day.

When you join The Creekside School, you become part of a team that values collaboration, compassion, and continuous learning.

We offer:

• Meaningful work that makes a lasting difference in people’s lives.
• A supportive team that values collaboration and respect.
• Paid training and ongoing professional development.
• Opportunities to grow your career in education and human services.
• A person-centered environment where every participant is treated with dignity and respect.
• The chance to help adults build independence, confidence, and meaningful community connections.

Our work is guided by the values that define The Creekside School:

• Relationships First – We build trusting relationships with participants, families, and one another.
• Person-Centered Support – Every participant’s goals, strengths, and choices guide the services we provide.
• Learning Through Experience – We create engaging opportunities for participants to develop skills both in our program and throughout the community.
• Teamwork – We work together to support one another and celebrate each participant’s success.
• Continuous Growth – We believe in learning, improving, and helping everyone reach their full potential.

Make a Difference Every Day

Do you enjoy helping others reach their goals, build independence, and become active members of their community? The Creekside School’s Adult Day Program is looking for compassionate, dependable, and energetic Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who are passionate about helping adults with autism and developmental disabilities live meaningful, fulfilling lives.

As a DSP, you’ll do more than provide support—you’ll build lasting relationships, teach life skills, encourage independence, and celebrate each participant’s successes. Every day is an opportunity to make a lasting difference. Our Direct Support Professionals (also known as Instructors) work closely with participants, families, and our interdisciplinary team to provide person-centered services that promote choice, dignity, inclusion, and personal growth.

• Build positive, respectful relationships with participants while promoting dignity, choice, and independence.
• Provide direct support and supervision during on-site and community-based activities.
• Assist participants with daily living, communication, social, recreational, and vocational activities based on their Individual Program Plan (IPP) and Individual Service Plan (ISP).
• Implement positive behavior support strategies and follow individualized support plans.
• Encourage participants to develop life skills, make choices, and participate in meaningful community experiences.
• Use adaptive communication methods, including visual supports and assistive technology, when appropriate.
• Maintain a safe environment and respond appropriately during emergencies or crisis situations.
• Observe participant health and well-being, recognizing changes that may require medical attention.
• Assist with medication administration after completing required training.
• Accurately document participant progress, services provided, and incident reports in accordance with Title 17, Title 22, and program requirements.
• Communicate professionally with participants, families, coworkers, supervisors, and outside service providers while maintaining confidentiality.
• Attend required trainings, staff meetings, and continuing education opportunities.
• Assist with transfers, mobility, emergency evacuations, and other physical support as needed.
• Follow health, sanitation, safety, HIPAA, and Community Care Licensing regulations.
• Support a collaborative, positive team environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

We’re looking for people who are compassionate, dependable, and excited to make a difference. If you’re someone who enjoys working with others, solving problems, and celebrating small victories, we’d love to hear from you.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least six months of experience supporting adults or individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, autism, behavioral health, or related human services experience preferred.
• Compassionate, patient, and dependable.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in a variety of situations.
• Ability to safely assist participants with mobility and physical support as needed.
• Willingness to work in both program and community settings.

• Meaningful work that changes lives every day.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Ongoing paid training and professional development.
• Opportunities for career growth.
• Work in a person-centered program that values dignity, inclusion, and independence.