About the role#
ETTA is hiring a Direct Support Professional to work with a non-speaking autistic UCLA student. This role involves providing daily living support and fostering independence for an individual who is ambitious, curious, and intellectual. You will work within a Circle of Support team to help the student achieve personal goals and engage with the community.
What you'll do#
- Listen to and honor all forms of communication, including nonverbal, verbal, and typing.
- Use AAC tools and strategies to support social interactions and create conversational space.
- Provide verbal or physical resistance prompts to help with mind-body connection and self-determination.
- Assist with academic classes, projects, physical exercise, and social media interaction.
- Facilitate outings to restaurants, classes, and medical appointments.
- Attend academic, medical, and personal events with the individual.
- Maintain a safe environment while learning the individual's specific needs, wants, and feelings.
- Attend monthly staff meetings to connect with leadership and fellow support staff.
What you'll need#
- Strong communication skills paired with patience, compassion, and a commitment to personal growth.
- Experience with or a willingness to learn Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools.
- A personality that aligns with the individual, such as being open-minded, humorous, honest, or outgoing.
- Majors in Psychology, Nursing, Public Health, or Sociology are relevant to this work.
Location & details#
- Location: 1400 Glenville Drive, Los Angeles, CA.
- Modality: On-site.
- Employment: Full-time and part-time shifts available, 7 days a week.
- Compensation: $22.00 per hour.
About ETTA
ETTA provides educational, residential, and recreational programs for adults with disabilities. Based in North Hollywood, the organization serves the Los Angeles community. It was founded in 1993 to support independence and inclusion for people with special needs. The nonprofit employs 161 people.
How to get in at ETTA
Applying to ETTA early gives you a significant advantage because recruiters review applications as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, so you can submit your materials before the applicant pile grows. Getting your application in quickly ensures you are seen while the team is still actively reviewing candidates. You can find the recruiters behind these roles through Intern Insider to reach out directly. Asking a recruiter about the role or requesting a referral often improves your response rate compared to submitting into a general queue. This direct approach helps you stand out as a serious candidate who has done the research.
