What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Behavioral Direct Support Professional position at Advance Kids?
Job Title: Lead Behavioral Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Company: Advance Kids
Location: Elverta, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $27 – $30 per hour
Advance Kids is seeking a compassionate, experienced, and motivated Lead Behavioral Direct Support Professional (DSP) to join our team in Elverta, CA. In this leadership role, you will help guide and support a team providing direct care to adults with developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs in a Community Crisis Home (CCH). The Lead DSP plays a vital role in maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive environment while mentoring staff, modeling best practices, and ensuring high-quality care for residents transitioning from more restrictive settings into community living. This is an excellent opportunity for professionals who are passionate about behavioral health, leadership, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
About Advance Kids
We’ve been serving children, teens, and adults in the community for over 25 years, delivering ABA services and residential support to help individuals reach their full potential. Our team takes pride in creating lasting positive change in the lives of our clients and their families while providing a supportive environment for staff growth and professional development. Our vision is to inspire a community where every individual and family’s journey with applied behavior analysis is beneficial and life-changing.
Key Responsibilities
- Mentor members of the team, identifying training opportunities and coaching their team to greatness
- Maintain a positive and supportive environment for all staff in the home
- Coordinate outings, appointments, medications, meals, and the upkeep of the home
- Supervise DSPs adherence to treatment plans, company policies, and state regulations and ensure team's understanding
- Keep safety as a top priority and actively seek to meet the safety needs of residents, the team, and the home
- Model exemplary conduct and act as an example for other staff
- Provide intervention and support during crisis situations as needed
- Report to administrator regarding workplace safety issues, needed repairs, threats to individual employees, potential liabilities, work-related injuries and illnesses, and any other concerns
- Attend all scheduled staff meetings, IPP meetings, and other meetings as requested
- Respond to communication in a timely manner
- Complete all necessary paperwork accurately and in a time manner including incident reports, daily case notes, payroll timesheets, and medical/financial logs
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 1 year of related experience (2 years preferred) supporting individuals with behavioral challenges, inpatient mental health populations, or severe mental health needs
- At least 6 months of supervisory experience (1 year preferred) supporting a team of direct reports
- Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health conditions
- Ability to remain calm, patient, and supportive in crisis or high-behavior situations
- Strong communication and documentation skills
- Ability to positively contribute to team dynamics and growth
Benefits
Advance Kids offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Subsidized Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Sick Time
- Holiday pay
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Life insurance AD&D policy
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Opportunities for career growth
Why Work Here?
· Make a meaningful impact every day - This role allows you to directly improve the lives of adults with mental, intellectual, and developmental health challenges, helping them transition to a more independent and fulfilling life. You’re not just providing care; you’re creating lasting positive change.
· Work with a Supportive, Experienced Team – You’ll collaborate with a team that is dedicated to therapeutic care and professional growth, ensuring you’re never alone in high-stakes or challenging situations.
· Develop Highly Transferable Skills – You’ll gain hands-on experience in behavior support, crisis management, and community integration, along with the opportunity to obtain RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) certification, strengthening your career in behavioral health.
· Comprehensive Benefits and Stability – Advance Kids provides competitive pay ($28–$31/hr), subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and more, creating both financial and professional security.
· Opportunities for Career Growth – With over 25 years of experience in the field and a focus on staff development, Advance Kids offers clear pathways to grow in behavioral health, residential services, or leadership roles.
· Be Part of a Life-Changing Mission – Working here means joining a team committed to making applied behavior analysis a positive and transformative experience for both individuals and their families—a role that’s rewarding not just professionally but personally.
Join Our Team
If you are passionate about supporting individuals with complex needs and helping people successfully transition to community living, we encourage you to apply and become part of the Advance Kids team.
Pay: $27.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Life insurance
- Paid orientation
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- All schedules include at least one weekend day and may include Friday, Saturday, and Sunday each week. Are you available to work every weekend?
- Please provide your email address and phone number so our hiring team knows how to reach you.
- Please explain your experience working with difficult behaviors in individuals with mental health or developmental/intellectual diagnoses?
- Please explain your related leadership experience (supervisor/manager level).
- Available shifts:
- Morning: 5:45 AM – 2:00 PM
- Evening: 1:45 PM – 10:00 PM
- Night: 9:45 PM – 6:00 AM
Which shifts are you available for full-time?
Work Location: In person
Salary : $27 - $30