Direct Support Specialist | IDD Services

Make a Difference Every Day
At the Adult Ability Center (AAC), we believe every person deserves opportunities to grow, connect, and thrive in their community. Our Direct Support Specialists help adults with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities build independence, confidence, coping skills, friendships, and meaningful life experiences. This is more than a caregiving role — it’s a chance to build relationships, create fun and engaging experiences, and support people in reaching their personal goals in ways that are person-centered, respectful, and empowering. 

One day might include helping a client practice cooking skills, exploring a community activity, working on emotional regulation strategies, supporting employment goals, attending a music or art activity, or simply celebrating a small win together. If you are compassionate, dependable, energetic, and enjoy helping others grow, we would love to meet you.

Pay: Range starts at $17/hour (pay is calculated based on years of related experience)

•  Quarterly Bonus Opportunity: Eligible employees receive quarterly bonuses based on program service delivery 

Schedule: Monday-Friday | 8:30am-4:30pm

Benefit Highlights

• Compensation Our compensation program includes tenure-based service increases and performance bonuses that recognize and reward high-performing team members.
• On-Demand Pay gives you access to a portion of your earned wages before your scheduled payday.
• Time Off We offer 15 days of accrued paid time off annually (increasing by one day with each year of service), 10 paid holidays, 2 wellness days, and paid parental leave.
• Health & Insurance Benefits Full-time and part-time team members working 30+ hours per week are eligible for medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, as well as voluntary options including accident, hospital indemnity, critical illness, financial protection, and pet insurance. Valley also provides Basic Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability Insurance at no cost to eligible team members.
• Health Savings & Reimbursement Out-of-pocket medical expenses may be eligible for reimbursement through our Garner HRA — up to $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for families. Depending on your medical plan selection, you may also contribute pre-tax dollars to a Health Savings Account (HSA), with a company match of up to $900 for individuals and $1,800 for families.
• Retirement Our 401(k) plan accepts both pre-tax and Roth (post-tax) contributions and includes a company match of up to 6% of your annual salary.
• Professional Development We invest in our team members' growth through tuition reimbursement, new licensure reimbursement, paid training and conference attendance, continuing education reimbursement, and paid time for continuing education.

Why Valley?

Since 1984, Valley Behavioral Health has helped thousands of adults, children, and families access high-quality behavioral health care. As the largest non-profit community behavioral health provider in the Intermountain Region, Valley offers a comprehensive range of services to ensure each individual receives the personalized care they need to heal and grow.

You will belong in a community where you can be yourself, grow your career, and embrace new opportunities. Valley is committed to being an organization that promotes authenticity and encourages opportunities for success.

Job Summary & Deliverables

The Direct Support Specialist provides evidence-based practices to develop clients’ individual skills in providing supported services across life, social, and job skill areas as indicated by the person-centered support plan to meet individualized goals. The Direct Support Specialist is responsible for utilizing evidence-based practices, meeting fiscal responsibilities, and ensuring that regulatory and organizational standards are met.

• Utilizes information gathered from the person-centered process to identify client strengths and weaknesses and develops collaborative goals with each client and their family for lifelong learning
• Develops client’s individual skills in providing supported services across life, social, and job skill areas
• Uses evidence-based practices to teach pre-employment and employment skills in clinical settings
• Assists clients with self-help/independence skills which can include toileting, feeding, and basic hygiene routines
• Works cohesively with treatment team to ensure the delivery of high quality support and care

Education

• High School diploma or equivalent

Experience

• No experience required - see Preferred Qualifications

Licenses/Certifications

• CPR certification (post hire if needed)
• Valley de-escalation certification (as required)
• Driving positions require a minimum age of 21 and a current driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing job coaching skills to adult clients with disabilities
• Bachelor’s degree in related field