Direct Care Manager; Cougar Mountain

Direct Care Manager (Cougar Mountain)

Join to apply for the Direct Care Manager (Cougar Mountain) role at Gersh Autism Academy.

For over 30 years, Gersh Autism has empowered students on the autism spectrum to reach their full potential. Serving individuals aged 5‑21 across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, our network of K‑12 schools provides personalized education tailored to each student’s unique learning style. We offer comprehensive therapeutic services—speech, physical, occupational therapy, and more—along with vocational training for older students. Our dedicated team collaborates with families to ensure academic, social, and emotional growth, preparing students for success beyond the classroom.

At Gersh Autism, we are committed to helping individuals on the autism spectrum lead fulfilling, independent lives.

Gersh Autism is seeking a Direct Care Manager to join our team! The Direct Care Manager is responsible for providing day‑to‑day leadership, supervision, and support to Behavior Technicians and Teacher Assistants within the school environment. This role ensures consistent, high‑quality behavioral and academic support for students by overseeing staff performance, training, coverage, and collaboration across teams. This is a hands‑on leadership position that works closely with teachers, school administrators, and Human Resources to address staffing needs, support employee development, and maintain effective program implementation.

The position requires regular travel between both Washington locations.

• Directly supervise and manage Behavior Technicians (BT, CBT, RBT) and Teacher Assistants
• Conduct classroom observations and provide timely, constructive feedback
• Model appropriate behavioral and instructional strategies and coach staff in real time
• Address performance concerns and support progressive discipline in collaboration with school leadership and HR
• Serve as a primary point of contact for direct care staff
• Partner with Human Resources on employee relations, performance management, and problem‑solving
• Communicate consistently with instructional and administrative teams to ensure alignment and follow‑through

• Lead onboarding and training for new Behavior Technicians (BT, CBT, RBT) and Teaching Assistants
• Ensure staff are trained on approved behavioral strategies, academic support expectations, and appropriate language use
• Provide ongoing coaching and professional development to reinforce best practices

• Review and process timecards accurately and in accordance with payroll deadlines
• Coordinate daily coverage, reassignments, and staff placements to address absences and staffing gaps
• Maintain appropriate staffing levels to support student and classroom needs

• Collaborate with teachers and administrators to support classroom structure and student programming
• Assist with the implementation and oversight of targeted programs, including regression support and intervention initiatives
• Ensure classrooms are equipped with appropriate and up‑to‑date materials and resources

• Bachelor’s degree required (Education, Psychology, Behavioral Science, or a related field preferred)
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in a school‑based, behavioral health, or special education setting
• Prior supervision or management experience
• Strong knowledge of behavior support strategies and classroom‑based interventions
• Strong communication skills with the ability to handle sensitive situations professionally
• Sound judgment and ability to consider multiple perspectives before making decisions
• Comfortable providing direct feedback and holding staff accountable
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Willingness and ability to travel between Washington locations
• CPI or similar crisis intervention training, or willingness to obtain

• Experience working with students with autism or related developmental needs
• Background in staff training, coaching, or professional development
• Experience with timecard review, scheduling, or staff coverage coordination