Direct Support Professional for IDD

Work Location: PITTSBORO, NC

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: $33,540 - $38,086

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

Notice to Applicants: This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

Be a Tar Heel!

The Direct Support Professional for IDD position is located at the Carolina Living and Learning Center (CLLC), just north of Pittsboro and next door to Chatham Park, where a variety of new amenities are now available (e.g., Lowes Foods, People’s Coffee, Greek Kouzina, the Refuel Station). We’re at the intersection of peaceful country living and busy modern life, where we can take advantage of both lifestyles. On our 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.

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. There is no more meaningful way to use your professional skills. Plus, we have plenty of free parking and a commitment to work-life balance. Come and join our community!

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

The University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism program is system of university-based regional centers to serve autistic children, adolescents and adults 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. Our clinics and programs offer a set of core services along with unique demonstration programs meeting the needs of autistic individuals, their families, and professionals across the state of North Carolina. Also, part of TEACCH is the Carolina Living and Learning Center, a residential/vocational training facility for autistic adults as well as an Employment Services program providing Job Coaching and related services to adults on the spectrum.

TEACCH is currently part of the Carolina Institute for Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (CIND) program. 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, psychotherapy, speech language therapy, occupational therapy and parent support groups. In addition, TEACCH conducts training within the state of North Carolina, nationally and internationally and provides consultation for teachers, residential care providers, and other professionals from a variety of disciplines.

TEACCH conducts clinical research focused on providing evidence-based care to autistic individuals and their families in their home communities. Our research examines intervention effectiveness in clinic, school, and community settings. Ongoing research includes a school-based anxiety intervention program, a community college-based transition to adulthood program, a telehealth program treating depression and anxiety in autistic adults, and a physical activity program for autistic adults. Studies also examine the services needs related to early intervention, employment and aging.

TEACCH has 48 full and part-time faculty, 150+ staff and provides training opportunities in both research and clinical activities for interns, postdocs and other graduate and undergraduate students.

This position is located at the CLLC in Pittsboro, NC.

Position Summary:

A SIGN-ON BONUS of $1,200 is available for the successful applicant of this posting to be paid in 2 installments within 12 months after hire: $600 within 30 days of hire date and $600 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 who works directly with adults with autism in this residential/vocational facility and their families to provide training in the areas of self-help, communication, social and leisure skills, vocational skills, behavioral support, and independence.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Management Preferences:

• Experience with Autism and/or other developmental disabilities.
• Experience with disabilities in adults.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements :

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting and Moving: Ability to lift at least 30 pounds. May be required to assist patients in and out of bed or use mobility devices. Provide patient ambulatory support.
• Mobility: Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, squatting, holding, carrying, and twisting throughout shift – on even and uneven surfaces. Provide assistance with client Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Ability to use physical de-escalation techniques with clients.
• Dexterity: Fine and gross motor skills are needed for assisting with hygiene care, meal preparation, medication administration, and other daily living activities.
• Endurance: Ability to walk at a steady pace or stand for at least 30 minutes consecutively.

Mental Requirements

• Communication: Clear oral and written communication with patients, families, co-workers, and teams is essential. Ability to observe and recognize changes in client’s mental status, mood, and behavior. Ability to use verbal de-escalation and conflict-resolution techniques effectively.
• Technology: Proficient in using technology, including daily email communication, entering client information into electronic medical records (EMR), and utilizing Microsoft Office applications.
• Stress Management: Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective while working with individuals who may exhibit challenging behaviors, including verbal aggression, physical aggression, self-injurious behaviors, or inappropriate physical contact.

Employees in this position are considered Mandatory Employees of the University, meaning they are required to work during any adverse event that prompts reduced/suspended operations (such as adverse weather conditions). This position is also a CDME (Communicable Disease Mandatory Employee) and is required to work during a State of Emergency Order.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements:

Carolina Living and Learning Center, Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens, Overtime occasionally, Patient care involved, Weekend work

Special Instructions:

** 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.

Organization

The nation’s first public university is at the heart of what’s next, preparing a diverse student body to become creators, explorers, innovators and leaders in North Carolina and throughout the world. Carolina’s nationally recognized, innovative teaching, campus-wide spirit of inquiry and dedication to public service continue the legacy that began in 1795 when the University first opened its doors to students.

Here, in one of America's most beautiful college settings, we offer exceptional careers in richly diverse fields. Come explore what UNC-Chapel Hill has to offer you.

Undergraduate Enrollment: 19,117

Graduate/Professional Enrollment: 10,894

Total Student Enrollment: 30,011

Founded: 1789, as the first state university in the United States

Type of Institution: Public, four-year

Undergraduate Admission: 15,961

Graduate/Professional Enrollment: 10,039

Total Student Enrollment: 26,000

Faculty: 3,000

Percentage of faculty who hold Ph.D.s or the highest degrees in their field: 94 percent

Faculty/student ratio: 1/14

Location: UNC is located in the heart of Chapel Hill, the best college town in America! It's a friendly town of about 40,000 in the geographical center of North Carolina. Chapel Hill is at the western point of the Research Triangle, an area of about one million people, comprised of Chapel Hill, the cities of Durham and Raleigh, and the Research Triangle Park, home of many corporate offices and scientific research centers. Carolina is about 30 miles from the state capital, Raleigh, and 20 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Chapel Hill's main street, Franklin Street, borders the campus and offers shops, coffee houses, cafés, movie theaters and houses of worship. The town has a historic district, museum, library, parks, malls, and many recreational facilities.

Origins of Carolina's students: 82 percent of UNC's freshmen are from North Carolina and 18 percent are from out-of-state. Our students come from 42 different states and our international students represent 37 countries.

Size of freshman class: Approximately 3,400

Class size: Barely five percent of undergraduate classes contain more than 100 students; two-thirds of undergraduate classes have fewer than 30 students. Forty-one percent have fewer than 20 students, including First Year Seminars, in which first-year students work closely with professors.

Sports and athletic programs: UNC is an NCAA Division I school with 28 varsity teams. Carolina is the proud home of the Dean Smith Center, Kenan Stadium, Carmichael Auditorium, Koury Natatorium, and many other fine athletic facilities. Students join more than 60 intramural and club sports, which include baseball, bowling, crew, golf, lacrosse, rock climbing, rugby, tae kwon do, and ultimate frisbee. The Student Recreation Center offers weight training, aerobics, stair machines, and all the equipment you would expect to find at a great health club! Carolina offers a newly renovated outdoor pool and indoor pools, a golf course, tennis courts, and the longest zipline in America!

Number of residence halls: Incoming undergraduates will live in one of Carolina's 29 residence halls, which are wired for Internet access and cable television. housing.unc.edu

Scholarships and financial aid: About 40 percent of UNC-Chapel Hill students receive scholarships and/or some form of financial aid. studentaid.unc.edu

Special research institutes: Institute for Research in Social Science, Institute of Outdoor Drama, Morehead Planetarium, Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, Institute of Government, Institute of African American Research.

Career services: On-campus counseling, job fairs, résumé writing service, internships, placement services. www.unc.edu/depts/career

Technological facilities: Students find multiple uses for Carolina's state-of-the-art technological resources. They can access Carolina's computer services through Academic Technology and Networks, which manages academic computing, e-mail, microcomputing labs, interactive media presentation, video and classroom support, and a help desk. The MetaLab oversees the development of SunSITE, one of the world's busiest digital library and electronic publishing projects.

Students may open e-mail accounts, and many use campus computer resources to construct personal Web pages. Students in residence halls have hardwired network connections to the Internet and cable television in their rooms. At the ATN Training center, students may take classes on software packages and utilities. Computer labs are available for student use all over campus.

Carolina Computing Initiative: Beginning with the freshman class of 2000, undergraduates must purchase laptop computers. The University has arranged for IBM to offer computers at excellent prices. Students, faculty, and staff will enjoy cost savings, higher quality compatible equipment, and better technical support through CCI. www.unc.edu/cci

The Study Abroad program allows students to live and learn in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Rim, Africa, and the Americas. www.unc.edu/depts/abroad

The Honors Program offers special seminars, research programs, and the chance to design your own independent studies. www.unc.edu/depts/honors

Carolina students spend time in public service through student organizations, the Campus Y, the Carolina Center for Public Service, and courses that incorporate community service.

UNC's chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, a national collegiate honor society, is the oldest in North Carolina, dating from 1904. There are many other honorary societies at Carolina.

UNC offers ROTC programs in all branches of national military service.

Through the First Year Seminars program, first year students will understand what it means to study at a premier research university. They will learn from faculty members and share in their research in seminars of no more than 20 students.

Life outside the classroom: More than 370 clubs, teams, and student organizations offer something for everyone! You can choose from among musical and dramatic performing groups, publications, ethnic and religious clubs, the Campus Y and other service organizations, fraternities and sororities, and pre-professional organizations. Whatever your interests, you will find others at Carolina who share them! www.unc.edu/depts/union/student/listintr.htm