DIRECT STAFF

Job DetailsJob Location: Opportunity Acres - Shingle Springs, CA 95682Salary Range: $17.50 - $17.50 HourlyDirect Care Staff Partner - Ranch Program 
Direct Care Program | Shingle Springs, CA
Pay Info: From $17.50/hour (part-time, full-time)

Join a team that changes lives every day.

At Opportunity Acres, we believe in creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities through a unique ranch-based program. Located on a 56-acre working ranch, we combine animal care, agriculture, life skills training, and community integration to support independence, growth, and purpose.

We are seeking compassionate, reliable, and motivated Direct Care Staff Partners to support adults in our Adult Day Program. This is a hands-on role working outdoors alongside individuals as they care for animals, maintain the ranch environment, and participate in structured learning and recreational activities. No prior experience in special needs services is required—training is provided.

Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional Partner provides supervision, instruction, and behavioral support to program participants under the guidance of the Clinical Behavior Consultant. Staff help implement individualized instructional plans, activity schedules, and behavior intervention plans while fostering independence, engagement, and safety in a ranch setting.

Qualifications

Required

Must be at least 18 years of age
High school diploma or equivalent (college coursework in Psychology, Education preferred)
Clean DMV driving record
Ability to pass DOJ and FBI background clearance
Negative TB test
Ability to work outdoors in varying terrain and physical conditions

Physical Requirements

Ability to walk long distances on uneven ground
Ability to lift, carry, and move 25–50 pounds
Ability to remain active throughout the workday in an outdoor ranch environment

Pre-Employment Requirements

Criminal background clearance (DOJ/FBI)
DMV record clearance
TB test clearance
Paid training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) (26–30 hours initial training)
Completion of competency assessments within first 2 weeks of hire
Ongoing quarterly field competency evaluations during first year

What You’ll Do

Provide supervision, instruction, and guidance to participants per clinical directives
Support daily work routines including animal care, ranch maintenance, gardening, and construction tasks
Facilitate participation in meals, breaks, and recreational activities
Support adaptive skill development (e.g., hygiene, meal preparation, daily living skills)
Implement behavior intervention plans and collect behavioral data
Record participant progress and maintain accurate documentation
Communicate ongoing progress, challenges, and needs with clinical staff
Assist with transportation of participants (mileage reimbursement provided)
Perform additional duties as assigned

Compensation

$17.50/hour starting pay
Benefits include:

Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Paid time off (PTO)
Paid holidays (plus additional guaranteed holidays off)
Mileage reimbursement for transportation duties
Paid training and ongoing professional development
Supportive clinical supervision and structured training environment

Why Opportunity Acres?

At Opportunity Acres, you’ll join a mission-driven team dedicated to improving independence, dignity, and quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities. This is a hands-on, outdoor role where your work directly contributes to meaningful daily outcomes for the people you support.

Apply Today and Help Change Lives.
QualificationsComprehensive knowledge and understanding of Applied Behavior Analysis, command of terminology in order to effectively communicate with supervisors and administration, understanding and working knowledge of the basic behavioral principles, verbal behavior, and incidental training; knowledge of prompt hierarchy, ability to appropriately address behavior excesses i.e., tantrum, aggression, etc.
 Punctual to sessions and meetings, consistently at work and on time, presents self professionally, dresses appropriately;

Works well independently and as a team player; maintains effective and proper working relationships among coworkers, clients, and supervisors; welcomes feedback, accepts responsibility for own actions, follows directions, follows proper chain of command;
Ability to manage difficult or emotional client situations, keeps emotions under control, maintains client and company confidentiality;
Effective oral and written communication, participates in meetings;
Sets and achieves goals, adheres to a schedule, pursues training and development opportunities attends ongoing mandated professional development, volunteers readily, asks for help and offers help when needed, applies feedback to improve performance, monitors own work to ensure quality and accuracy, meets productivity standards, ability