Direct Support Professional for IDD and Employment Services

Work Schedule to be determined by the department supervisors.

To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

This position is a direct care staff member of two TEACCH Programs, The CLLC and Employment services who works hands-on with autistic adults with higher support needs at the CLLC/ residential/vocational facility to provide active treatment in areas of self-help, communication, social and leisure skills, vocational skills, behavioral support and independence. The Carolina Living and Learning Center ( CLLC), is just north of Pittsboro and next door to Chatham Park, where a variety of new amenities are now available (e.g., Lowe's Foods, People's Coffee, Greek Kouzina, the Refuel station). The CLLC is located on 79 acres, we serve 15 autistic adults with higher support needs. They live in two homes on our beautiful farm, where we also have a barn, a potting shed, and a greenhouse to provide plenty of year-round activities.

In the Employment services capacity, the position will assist autistic individuals at their current jobs. They will work with the autistic adults coordinating responsibilities, planning services/activities, monitoring, evaluating, and modifying program activities; and developing resources. As part of the TEACCH and Employment Services philosophy, all staff members including administrative staff members will work directly with adults with autism as part of their job. This position is not center based, and all services are provided in the community. We are required to travel great distances, sometimes at a moment's notice. Individuals in this position are required to work alone in the community providing support to autistic adults.

In addition to working with autistic adults, we work closely with the other support systems of the individual. This includes but is not limited to, additional family members, employers, other provider agencies, medical staff, residential providers, and local mental health agencies and other providers of funding for the services provided by TEACCH Employment Services. As a result, members of the staff must display effective communication skills to maintain positive relationships with the community at large. This position provides basic services to clients who are already placed in employment settings. There may be 1 client per setting or up to 3 per setting. They provide their services under direct supervision, offering their observations and ideas during team meetings/supervision. They typically have a caseload of 1-3 people and are scheduled by supervisors in their daily activities. Their caseload often remains unchanged from year to year.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to serve this unique, vulnerable population, while collaborating with our dedicated and compassionate staff. We are a diverse community, united by our desire to make a difference in the lives of our residents and clients. There is no more meaningful way to use your professional skills. Come and join our community!

The TEACCH Autism Program began in 1972 as a system of university-based regional centers to serve children, adolescents, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder ( ASD)and their families. As part of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the program has an active clinical, teaching, and research program. TEACCH operates seven community regional clinics across the state. Each center offers a set of core services along with unique demonstration programs meeting the needs of individuals with ASD, and their families, and professionals across the state of North Carolina. Also, part of TEACCH are the Carolina Living and Learning Center, a residential/vocational training facility for autistic adults as well as an Employment Supports program providing Job Coaching and related services to adults on the spectrum. TEACCH is part of the North Carolina Area Health Education Centers ( AHEC) program and faculty are actively involved in student and professional training activities within the state, nation, and across the world. All TEACCH programs are coordinated through a central administration and research unit in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. TEACCH provides clinical services such as diagnostic evaluations, parent training and parent support groups, social play and recreation groups, individual counseling for individuals with ASD and supported employment. In addition, TEACCH conducts training nationally and internationally and provides consultation for teachers, residential care providers, and other professionals from a variety of disciplines. Research activities include psychological, educational, and biomedical studies.

A SIGN-ON BONUS OF $1,200 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE $600.00 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE AND $600.00 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE.

** See Eligibility for Sign-On Bonus below in the Special Instructions section.

This position is a direct care staff member of two TEACCH programs, the CLLC and Employment services who works hands-on autistic adults with higher support needs in the CLLC residential/vocational facility to provide active treatment in the areas of self-help, communication, social and leisure skills, vocational skills, behavioral support and independence. In the Employment Services capacity, the position will assist autistic individuals at their current jobs. It involves coordination of responsibilities, planning services/activities, monitoring, evaluating, and modifying program activities; and developing resources while working directly with clients at their jobs in the community.

In addition to working with autistic adults, we work closely with the other support systems of the individual. This includes but is not limited to, additional family members, employers, other provider agencies, medical staff, residential providers, and local mental health agencies and other providers of funding for the services provided by TEACCH Employment Services. As a result, members of the staff must display effective communication skills to maintain positive relationships with the community at large.

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Since this position is a direct care staff member who works with autistic adults with higher support needs, individuals in this position must have the highest standards for ethical care of this vulnerable population, demonstrating integrity, reliability, and a deep commitment to maintaining the best possible quality of life for our residents. This position also requires the skill and desire to work well as part of a team, the demonstrated capacity to give and receive clear communication, and the emotional maturity to benefit from constructive feedback. We will provide the necessary training specific to our context so that the staff member becomes competent in person-centered care and the day-to-day implementation of the TEACCH model.

It should also be noted that there is a great deal of physical effort involved in this position as well as the requirement to be able to work outside in a variety of weather conditions. This position has been designated as essential to University operations. Employees in this position are considered Mandatory Employees of the University, meaning they are required to work during adverse weather conditions.

For the employment supports in the community, this position requires professional communication and demeanor along with the ability to adapt to a variety of job sites and workplace cultures where our clients work. Must be able to advocate with and for our clients as they communicate and interact with their coworkers and employers. Must be able to educate others about autism and learn about the different work cultures while collaborating with the employers for successful outcomes.

Having previous employment or volunteering experience in a job/organization in the community, meeting workplace demands, is beneficial to understanding and supporting the expectations and environmental conditions that our clients experience.

Professional and/or caregiving experience with autistic, disabled, and/or senior adults is preferred. The ideal candidate has experience with both autism and dementia.

Valid driver's license.

Requires the ability to sustain a variety of physical postures and movements depending on the job sites, with or without accommodation (extended standing, repetitive walking, stooping, reaching, lifting, sitting).

Must be able to transport clients safely in the community. Will be willing and able to work side by side with the client, completing tasks for short and sometimes extended periods of time when the client might need help to manage their work, with or without accommodation.

Not Applicable.

** ELIGIBILITY FOR SIGN-ON BONUS

Qualified applicants must be selected from the candidate pool of this posting and meet the State policy following requirements:

A newly hired permanent full-time or permanent part-time (more than 20 hours a week) employee is eligible for a sign-on bonus (this will be prorated for employees working more than 20 hours and less than 40 hours per week).

An employee is not eligible for a sign-on bonus if:

1. The employee has held a SHRA position in North Carolina State government, including the judicial system, or the University of North Carolina system within the last 12 months (the employee shall remain ineligible for 12 months from the separation date);

2. The employee has previously received a sign-on bonus from any North Carolina State agency or university; or

3. UNC-CH has paid any contract placement or recruitment fees.

This SHRA Sign-on Bonus is contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. All recipients must sign the Pay Back Agreement form. Additional information regarding the SHRA Sign-on Policy can be found https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.