Instructor – Adult Activity Center / Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Department: Day Programs
Reports To: Program Manager
Location: 4400 Harrisburg Blvd., Houston, TX 77011
Status: Full-Time, Hourly
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Position Summary

At Pursuit Center, we believe everyone has unique talents, interests, and possibilities waiting to be discovered. Our Adult Activity Center Instructors are at the heart of that belief.

This role provides direct support and instruction to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, or similar conditions who participate in our Adult Day Program. Instructors help participants build independence, develop life and social skills, explore interests, and fully engage in their community through meaningful on-site activities and extended community outings.

Participants have a wide range of abilities and needs. Some individuals require total care and hands-on assistance with activities of daily living. Others are more independent and focused on social, recreational, or community-based experiences. This role requires flexibility, empathy, patience, and a genuine interest in supporting adults to live full, connected lives in the community.

Community integration is a core part of our program. Instructors are expected to support participants during community outings that may last 4–6 hours, including transportation, supervision, engagement, and personal care as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Direct Support & Personal Care

• Provide respectful, dignified support with personal care needs, including toileting, hygiene, grooming, and incontinence care.
• Assist with safe mobility, transfers, positioning, and wheelchair support using proper techniques and equipment.
• Support safe feeding and mealtime assistance in accordance with Special Needs Plans, choking precautions, and positioning guidelines.
• Monitor participants’ well-being throughout the day and respond calmly and appropriately to behavioral, medical, or safety needs.

Instruction & Engagement

• Implement daily schedules that include structured activities, recreational programming, and skill-building opportunities.
• Adapt activities so all participants can engage meaningfully based on ability, interest, and support needs.
• Encourage choice, independence, and self-advocacy in daily activities and interactions.
• Support participants who are non-verbal or have limited speech using communication devices, gestures, and alternative communication methods.

Community Integration & Outings

• Actively support community outings lasting 4–6 hours, which may include museums, parks, restaurants, stores, recreational activities, and other community locations.
• Safely transport participants in agency vehicles and ensure supervision, engagement, and personal care needs are met while in the community.
• Represent Pursuit Center professionally in the community while modeling inclusive, respectful interactions.
• Support participants in navigating community spaces, building social skills, and practicing real-world life skills.

Documentation & Teamwork

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including service delivery logs, intake records, hygiene logs, and behavior documentation as required.
• Follow all Pursuit Center policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members to ensure consistency and quality of care.
• Participate in required trainings and certifications.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Licensure

• Valid Texas Driver’s License required.

Experience

• Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, or similar conditions preferred.
• Direct care experience is strongly preferred but not required; training will be provided.

Skills & Attributes

• Genuine passion for working with adults with disabilities
• Patience, empathy, and emotional awareness
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Reliability and consistent attendance
• Willingness to be active and engaged throughout the day, including in the community
• Sense of humor and positive attitude

Certifications

• CPR certification required or willingness to obtain (training provided).

Physical & Mental Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to lift and assist adults who require physical support.
• Ability to remain attentive and engaged throughout the day, including during extended community outings.
• Visual, auditory, and communication abilities sufficient to ensure participant safety and follow instructions.

Occupational Exposure

Category II – Tasks may involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. Appropriate personal protective equipment is provided.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Pursuit Center is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.