Direct Support Professional

Better Together Companion Services is looking for a caring, dependable, patient, and energetic Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide in-home and community-based support to a loving 9-year-old boy with autism. This is a rewarding position for someone who genuinely enjoys working with children, is comfortable providing hands-on support, and understands the importance of keeping a child safe while helping him learn, grow, and enjoy his community.

He enjoys:

• Watching Mickey Mouse on his tablet and TV
• Playing with Magna-Tiles
• Playing with balls
• Going for walks in his adaptive stroller
• Going to the park
• Spending time with people who are patient, caring, and engaging

He communicates without verbal speech, so his staff need to be attentive to his body language, behaviors, facial expressions, and other forms of communication. He does use a talker to help aid in communication.

Important Safety Requirement: This individual requires continuous, close supervision.

He is an elopement risk and will run if given the opportunity. Staff must remain within arm's reach of him at all times when he is not safely secured in an appropriate environment or equipment.

This position is best suited for someone who is:

• Extremely attentive and safety-conscious
• Comfortable providing continuous supervision
• Able to remain engaged and alert throughout the shift
• Patient and calm
• Comfortable working with a child who is non-verbal
• Willing to provide hands-on assistance with daily care
• Energetic and willing to participate in play and community activities
• Dependable and consistent

Responsibilities

The DSP will provide support with activities of daily living, personal care, safety, skill development, and community activities.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing continuous supervision to prevent elopement and maintain safety
• Remaining within arm's reach when required for safety
• Assisting with changing briefs/diapers
• Providing assistance with toileting and personal hygiene
• Assisting with bathing and other hygiene needs as needed
• Helping with dressing and other activities of daily living
• Assisting with eating and meals while encouraging independence
• Supporting attempts at self-feeding
• Helping develop and practice daily living skills
• Engaging him in age-appropriate play and activities
• Playing with Magna-Tiles, balls, and other preferred activities
• Taking him on walks using his adaptive stroller
• Supporting safe outings to parks and other community locations
• Following his individualized support needs and safety procedures
• Communicating appropriately with parents and the Better Together team
• Completing required documentation regarding services provided
• Maintaining a safe, clean, and supportive environment

Schedule

Monday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Sunday: Approximately 4–6 hours

• 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM or
• 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Sunday hours may have some flexibility.

There may also be occasional Friday and Saturday hours when the parents have plans. These hours will be scheduled in advance. Hours may also be available for when school is not in session - typically 8:00am-4:00pm.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who sees this as more than just a job. The right person will be someone who enjoys building relationships, celebrating small accomplishments, encouraging independence, and making everyday experiences meaningful.

Because of the child's elopement risk and hands-on care needs, reliability is extremely important. The family needs someone they can count on to arrive on time and consistently work their scheduled shifts.

Previous experience working with children with autism or developmental disabilities is preferred, but we are willing to consider individuals who demonstrate the right attitude, patience, dependability, and willingness to learn.

This Position May Be a Great Fit If You:

• Love working with children
• Have experience with autism or developmental disabilities
• Are patient, compassionate, and nurturing
• Are comfortable with diaper/brief changes and personal care
• Are comfortable providing hands-on assistance
• Can handle an active child and remain alert throughout the shift
• Understand the seriousness of elopement and safety supervision
• Enjoy playing, going on walks, and participating in community activities
• Want a meaningful position where you can make a difference in a child's life

Why Work With Better Together Companion Services?

At Better Together, we believe that every individual deserves compassionate, respectful, and individualized support. Our goal is to help the people we serve experience meaningful relationships, greater independence, and opportunities to participate in their homes and communities.

If you are someone who is kind, dependable, patient, energetic, and genuinely enjoys helping children thrive, we would love to hear from you!

Pay: $18.00 - $19.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20.0 – 30.0 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Paid training

Work Location: In person