Independent Living Skills Direct Support Staff

AbilityPath • San Jose, CA

9d

About The Position

AbilityPath is hiring Independent Living Skills Specialists to provide services and teach living skills that empower adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities to live independently and participate as active members of the community. The role offers full-time and part-time schedules, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with opportunities in San Jose’s South Region. Compensation is $24–$25 per hour, based on education and experience.

Staff provide individualized, one-on-one life-skills coaching; collaborate with people served, support networks, and interdisciplinary teams on person-centered goals and plans; and support physical health, recreation, social participation, and career exploration. They document learning and progress in a case management system. The position includes physical support during domestic, job-training, and community activities, driving and transporting adults with disabilities, and lifting up to 25 pounds as needed.

AbilityPath is a nonprofit organization providing lifespan services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its mission is to accept, respect, and include people of all abilities, and it is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every listed qualification. AbilityPath encourages BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and marginalized candidates to apply.

Requirements

• At least 1 year of previous work or volunteer experience supporting adults with disabilities.
• Previous experience in professional settings and work environments.
• Associate degree or working toward completion.
• Valid California driver’s license or ID.
• Proof of negative TB test results.
• Verification of occupational physical clearance.
• Pass a criminal fingerprint clearance.
• Be at least 18 years of age or have job permit clearance.
• Physical stamina to engage in domestic, job-training, and community activities.
• Ability to drive a vehicle and transport adults with disabilities.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized, one-on-one coaching to develop essential life skills and support independent living, tailoring instruction to each person’s needs and learning style.
• Collaborate with individuals served, interdisciplinary service team members, and support networks to develop goals, strategies, and tools for personal growth and independence.
• Partner with people served to develop and implement individualized support plans; work with team members, adults served, families, and interdisciplinary teams to set goals, track progress, and adjust plans.
• Promote healthy lifestyle choices through exercise programs, nutritional guidance, wellness activities, and support with personal health routines.
• Support participation in recreational and social activities, including sports, clubs, personal interests, skill-building, relationship-building, and community events.
• Support adults with disabilities in exploring career interests and developing pre-vocational skills to obtain a job and work independently.
• Document learning and goal progress in a case management system.
• Provide physical support during domestic, job-training, and community activities; drive and transport adults with disabilities; lift up to 25 pounds as needed.

Benefits

• 4 weeks of paid time off.
• 10 paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits upon hire.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• Performance bonuses.
• Educational reimbursement for ongoing professional development.
• Mileage reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree