Friends of Children with Special Needs·Fremont, California
The AST Specialist implements individualized adaptive skills training plans and behavior intervention strategies to promote independence and social participation for adults with disabilities. They also provide direct care, monitor skill acquisition, and collaborate with families and professional teams to ensure program fidelity.
Adaptive Skills Training Specialist (Direct Support / Behavior Specialist) Location: Fremont, CA Employment Type: Full-Time | Non-Exempt Pay Range: $28 - $34 / hourly (depending on experience and qualifications) Working Schedule: Mondays - Fridays (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
About Us Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) is a California Bay Area non-profit organization founded in 1996 and focused on helping individuals with special needs and their families find love, hope, respect, and support through integrated community involvement.
Program Overview Our Adaptive Skills Training (AST) Program is seeking an energetic, patient, detail-oriented, and reliable Adaptive Skills Training Specialist. The position is responsible for providing training and supervision to adults with developmental challenges.
1 individualized services to adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities. The program aims to enhance existing skills, remediate deficits, and promote independence, social participation, and self-determination.
Adaptive Skills Training (AST) Program services enhance an individual’s existing skills. They also may remedy an individual’s skill deficits in communication, social function, or other related skill areas, including, but not limited to, the following categories: (a) safety skills; (b) skills needed to access the community; (c) hygiene and dressing skills; (d) skills needed to access technology; (e) skills needed to buy and prepare food; (f) competency training; (g) housekeeping skills; (h) toileting skills; (i) feeding skills (including addressing picky eating, food refusal, and sensory-based issues with food); (j) staff and personnel training; (k) communication; (l) challenging behavior; (m) sleep and sleep hygiene; (n) choice making; and (o) specialty counseling.
All AST staff comply with CDSS, DDS, HIPAA, Title 17, and Title 22 regulations, maintain documentation, and ensure dignity, safety, and client rights.
Data Collection & Documentation Review BMT data for accuracy and completeness Prepare ISP progress reports and monthly check-ins Collect and maintain accurate daily documentation related to participant behaviors, skill acquisition, progress, participation, and incidents. Complete Daily Progress Reports, incident reports, ISP objective tracking, monthly summaries, and other required documentation in a timely manner. Assist with semi-annual and annual ISP progress reports and other participant-related documentation as assigned. Maintain confidentiality of participant information in compliance with HIPAA, CDSS regulations, and organizational policies.
Program Flexibility & Team Support Participate in cross-training to develop skills and effectively support multiple participants across program settings. Demonstrate flexibility in accepting participant assignments based on program and participant needs as determined by supervisors. Provide consistent, quality support to all assigned participants and collaborate with team members to ensure continuity of services.
Safety & Emergency Procedures Supervise BMTs to ensure proper application of CPI, First Aid, CPR, and emergency protocols Maintain a safe environment for all participants across all program settings, including the facility, community, and home-based activities. Follow established safety protocols and emergency procedures; intervene promptly and appropriately as situations require. Engage in proactive, precautionary practices to identify and mitigate health, safety, and other risks to participants' well-being. Apply CPI, First Aid, CPR, and other emergency protocols, including evacuations, as appropriate to participant needs and circumstances.
Education: Must be at least 19 years of age. Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Nursing, Social Work, Applied Behavior Analysis, or behavior medicine, speech and language, rehabilitation, marriage and family therapy, or a comparable degree in a human services related field. Minimum one (1) year of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.
Proficient oral and written communication skills in English; Mandarin or Cantonese preferred. Ability to implement positive behavioral support strategies and respond effectively to challenging behaviors. Ability to facilitate structured activities, adaptive skills training, and participant engagement. Strong interpersonal, organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively while maintaining professionalism and sound judgment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, email communication, and electronic documentation systems. Ability to adapt to changing participant needs and program priorities.
CPR and First Aid certification required within one (1) month of hire. CPI certification required within three (3) months of hire if not already current. Successful completion of DOJ and CDSS fingerprint clearance, health screening, and TB testing prior to employment. A valid California Driver's License and a clean driving record are required. Transporting participants to community activities, outings, and appointments is an essential function of this position that cannot be comparably performed using alternative transportation (California Government Code §12940, SB 1100, effective January 1, 2025). Current automobile insurance required if transporting participants in a personal vehicle.
Patient, caring, empathetic, and genuinely committed to enhancing the quality of life, independence, and well-being of adults with developmental disabilities. Reliable, punctual, and accountable; takes initiative and follows through on responsibilities with a strong work ethic. Creative, innovative, and solution-oriented, with a positive, can-do attitude. Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to work effectively across program, community, and home-based settings. Collaborative team player who supports coworkers, respects diverse perspectives, and contributes to a positive and inclusive work environment. Committed to upholding the dignity, rights, and privacy of all participants at all times.
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, in accordance with the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Ability to stand, walk, and remain on feet for extended periods throughout the workday. Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and assist with participant transfers, mobility support, personal care, and hygiene tasks. Ability to push a manual wheelchair for participants who require mobility assistance during facility activities, community outings, and transportation as assigned. Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds unassisted on a regular basis. Ability to operate electronic devices, including tablets and computers, for documentation and communication purposes. Ability to drive and transport participants in personal or company vehicles during community outings, field trips, and other program activities; a personal vehicle with valid registration and current automobile insurance is required when transporting participants. Must be available for varied assignments across program, community, and home-based settings as operational needs require.
Company-Wide Hiring Requirements Must pass CDSS and DOJ fingerprint-based background clearance prior to employment Must pass a health screening and TB test prior to employment Must possess a valid driver's license and have a clean driving record Obtain valid CPR and First Aid Certificate within one month of employment (employer-covered) Use of mask when recommended/required by the local Public Health Department.
Health Insurance (Medical/Dental/Vision) Life/AD&D Insurance Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) for Wellness & Fitness Paid Time Off (PTO) Paid Sick Leave (PSL) 401(k) & company matching Holiday Paid Days Sign-On Bonus Referral Bonus Program
Market context
In California, Adaptive Skills Training Specialist roles are typically in demand where providers support individuals with developmental disabilities in daily living, communication, and community skills. These jobs are competitive because employers often look for a human services bachelor’s degree, at least one year of relevant experience, and reliable transportation; this platform’s AI-summarized requirements and benefits help you review the original posting faster. Before applying, confirm you can meet the CPR, First Aid, and other certification requirements and be ready to describe hands-on support experience.
