Self-Determination Program (SDP) Specialist
Part-Time | Home & Community-Based
Make a Meaningful Difference:
We're building a highly individualized support team for our teenage son through California's Self-Determination Program (SDP). We're seeking compassionate, experienced professionals who are passionate about helping autistic adolescents build confidence, independence, communication, and lifelong skills.
This is a unique opportunity to become part of a collaborative, family-centered program where you'll have the autonomy to develop meaningful learning experiences while making a lasting impact.
Please note: This is direct employment with our family through California's Self-Determination Program—not a traditional agency position.
About the Participant:
Our teenage son is bright, kind, and capable. He learns best through individualized instruction, hands-on experiences, consistency, and positive relationships. Our goal is to help him strengthen communication, develop meaningful social connections, increase independence, and prepare for adulthood.
Who We're Looking For:
We're interested in professionals with experience in one or more of the following areas:
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Speech & Social Communication
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Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
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Social Skills Development
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Executive Function Coaching
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Independent Living Skills
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Community Integration
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Transition-to-Adulthood Services
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Special Education
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Health & Wellness (including Type 1 Diabetes support)
Whether you're an experienced specialist or bring expertise across multiple disciplines, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll Do:
Depending on your background and experience, responsibilities may include:
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Develop individualized goals and structured learning activities
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Teach communication, social, executive functioning, and independent living skills
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Promote emotional regulation and self-advocacy
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Support community participation and real-world skill development
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Track progress and maintain clear documentation
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Collaborate with the family and other professionals to ensure consistency across supports
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Adapt teaching strategies to meet the participant's unique learning style
This role emphasizes meaningful, real-life learning experiences rather than traditional classroom or clinic-based instruction.
What Makes This Role Different:
We're looking for professionals who take initiative and enjoy leading their own sessions.
Rather than arriving and asking, "What would you like to work on today?" you'll assess needs, create structured activities, monitor progress, and continuously adjust your approach to help our son achieve meaningful goals.
If you enjoy problem-solving, thinking creatively, and seeing long-term growth, you'll thrive in this role.
Qualifications
Required:
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Demonstrated hands-on experience supporting autistic children or adolescents.
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Strong communication and organizational skills.
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Ability to work independently and take initiative.
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Reliable transportation for community-based activities.
Preferred:
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Experience with ABA principles or positive behavior supports.
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Executive functioning coaching.
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Speech and social communication strategies.
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Special education.
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Occupational therapy techniques.
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Independent living skills instruction.
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Transition planning for teens and young adults.
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Goal writing and progress documentation.
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Type 1 diabetes management (for applicants interested in health & wellness support).
Schedule:
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Approximately 10 hours per week.
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Flexible scheduling.
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Primarily home-based with regular community outings and real-life learning opportunities.
Ideal Candidates May Have Experience As A:
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Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
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Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
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Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
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Special Education Teacher
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Adaptive Skills Trainer
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Executive Function Coach
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Independent Living Skills Instructor
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Autism Support Specialist
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Community Integration Specialist
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Pediatric Diabetes Educator or Nurse
Why Join Our Team?
This is more than a support role—it's an opportunity to help shape a personalized program that empowers a young person to become more independent, confident, and prepared for adulthood. You'll work in a collaborative environment where your expertise, creativity, and ideas are genuinely valued.
If you're passionate about helping neurodivergent individuals thrive and want to make a meaningful difference, we'd love to hear from you.
