DIRECT STAFF
About The Position
Join a team that changes lives every day. At Opportunity Acres, we believe in creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities through a unique ranch-based program. Located on a 56-acre working ranch, we combine animal care, agriculture, life skills training, and community integration to support independence, growth, and purpose. We are seeking compassionate, reliable, and motivated Direct Care Staff Partners to support adults in our Adult Day Program. This is a hands-on role working outdoors alongside individuals as they care for animals, maintain the ranch environment, and participate in structured learning and recreational activities. No prior experience in special needs services is required—training is provided. Position Summary The Direct Support Professional Partner provides supervision, instruction, and behavioral support to program participants under the guidance of the Clinical Behavior Consultant. Staff help implement individualized instructional plans, activity schedules, and behavior intervention plans while fostering independence, engagement, and safety in a ranch setting.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or equivalent (college coursework in Psychology, Education preferred)
- Clean DMV driving record
- Ability to pass DOJ and FBI background clearance
- Negative TB test
- Ability to work outdoors in varying terrain and physical conditions
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Applied Behavior Analysis, command of terminology in order to effectively communicate with supervisors and administration, understanding and working knowledge of the basic behavioral principles, verbal behavior, and incidental training; knowledge of prompt hierarchy, ability to appropriately address behavior excesses i.e., tantrum, aggression, etc.
- Punctual to sessions and meetings, consistently at work and on time, presents self professionally, dresses appropriately; Works well independently and as a team player; maintains effective and proper working relationships among coworkers, clients, and supervisors; welcomes feedback, accepts responsibility for own actions, follows directions, follows proper chain of command; Ability to manage difficult or emotional client situations, keeps emotions under control, maintains client and company confidentiality; Effective oral and written communication, participates in meetings; Sets and achieves goals, adheres to a schedule, pursues training and development opportunities attends ongoing mandated professional development, volunteers readily, asks for help and offers help when needed, applies feedback to improve performance, monitors own work to ensure quality and accuracy, meets productivity standards, ability to multi-task, organizes work, completes work in timely manner, checks and responds to email daily, completes billing on time and accurately; Displays original thinking and creativity, meets challenges with resourcefulness, works well with teens and adults, displays high energy level; Observes safety and security procedures, uses equipment and materials properly; Adheres to all company policies and procedures
- Minimum of six months experience working with individuals with special needs in a home, care setting, classroom, recreational program, therapeutic or tutorial setting, or ABA program.
- Must have reliable means of transportation and willingness to travel via personal automobile
- Availability to work a minimum of 30 hours per week
- Access to a computer with knowledge of internet, email and Microsoft Office applications.
Nice To Haves
- college coursework in Psychology, Education preferred
Responsibilities
- Provide supervision, instruction, and guidance to participants per clinical directives
- Support daily work routines including animal care, ranch maintenance, gardening, and construction tasks
- Facilitate participation in meals, breaks, and recreational activities
- Support adaptive skill development (e.g., hygiene, meal preparation, daily living skills)
- Implement behavior intervention plans and collect behavioral data
- Record participant progress and maintain accurate documentation
- Communicate ongoing progress, challenges, and needs with clinical staff
- Assist with transportation of participants (mileage reimbursement provided)
- Perform additional duties as assigned
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Paid holidays (plus additional guaranteed holidays off)
- Mileage reimbursement for transportation duties
- Paid training and ongoing professional development
- Supportive clinical supervision and structured training environment
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
