Direct Support Professional/Life Skills Coach
About the job
Join a mission-driven team where your compassion, creativity, and reliability are valued—and build a real career path in human services, not just a job.
Life Skills Coach / Direct Support Professional (DSP) Part-Time to Full-Time | $24.00–$27.00/hour DOE | San Jose, CA
Company: Cypress Independent Living Services, Inc. (Cypress ILS) Job Type: Part-time, Full-time Schedule: 10–40 hours/week (varied shifts)
About Cypress ILS Cypress Independent Living Services supports adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to live with dignity, independence, and joy. We are a leading Bay Area provider of community-based services, and our team is known for professionalism, reliability, and heart.
If you’re looking for meaningful work where you can see your impact every day, this role is for you.
Position Summary As a Life Skills Coach / Direct Support Professional, you work out in the community, not behind a desk. You support adults with disabilities where they live, work, and socialize, helping them build skills and independence. In this role, you act as:
• Partner – supporting independent, self-directed lives
• Teacher – coaching life skills (cooking, budgeting, transportation, communication)
• Ambassador – promoting inclusion in the community
• Advocate – supporting clients in making informed choices and exercising their rights
• Supporter – encouraging personal goals and celebrating progress
You empower clients to make their own decisions rather than making decisions for them.
Key responsibilities
Provide 1:1 support to adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in homes and community settings • Teach and coach daily living skills: cooking, shopping, hygiene, budgeting, housekeeping, organization • Support community access: public transportation, appointments, volunteer opportunities, recreation, and work-related activities • Encourage and model social skills and communication to build confidence and relationships • Follow individual
Skills & Qualifications
• Friendly, patient, dependable, and genuinely interested in helping others • Experience in Human Services, Education, Mental Health, Caregiving, or DSP work is a plus (not required for the right candidate) • At least 18 years old • Reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license, and at least minimum auto insurance • Acceptable driving record (no DUIs) • Able to pass all required background checks • Comfortable working independently in the field and maintaining professional boundaries
Benefits
• Pay: $24.00–$27.00 per hour (Dependent Upon Experience) • Benefits for eligible (typically full-time) employees: • Health, dental, and vision insurance • Paid time off • Flexible scheduling where possible • Employee discounts • Referral bonuses • Internships and leadership training programs • Clear career path into roles such as Case Manager, Supervisor, and Leadership
Cypress Indepdendent Living Services
- Application form