Direct Support Professional

Seeking energetic, supportive candidate to provide Direct Support Services and companionship to a young autistic woman with apraxia of speech in the Larchmont, NY area.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the individual to promote their development, health, safety, community integration & personal care, achieving outcomes defined in their Community Habilitation and Life Plans
• Provide companionship and mentorship while supporting freedom and independence in home and community settings
• Provide one-on-one assistance in the home and in the community to enhance a variety of life skills, including social, educational, recreational and any other activities of daily living
• Assist in identifying social and recreation community resources the individual may wish to access to increase skills and independence
• Encourage activities of daily living by the individual. This may include, but is not limited to, personal hygiene tasks such as bathing/showering, tooth brushing, dressing, cooking, shopping, housekeeping, and laundry skills.
• Promote use of necessary techniques/materials in order to teach the individual all aspects of daily skills that pertain to the individual’s valued outcomes in their Life Plan and Community Habilitation Plan
• In cooperation with the individual, family, and their circle of support, assist in the identification and development of valued outcomes
• Provide transportation for the individual to and from community activities as needed. (Public transportation or family vehicle available)
• Adhere to a work schedule based on the individual’s needs, alerting the family, agency, and broker concerning any changes in work schedule
• Complete mandated agency and OPWDD training (paid), in-service workshops and re-certification training in a timely manner.
• Ensure the regular, timely submission of timesheets, mileage sheets, monthly expense reports, and service notes/documentation of the services provided
• Alert the family, agency and circle of care to any situations, crises or incidents that may affect the individual

Qualifications:

• Eighteen years or older
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Background check required
• Up-to-date vaccinations
• Valid driver's license required
• Ability to navigate stairs
• Comfort with pets (we have an eager and very friendly dog)
• CPR / first aid certification preferred
• Excellent organizational, verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills (ability to communicate with someone with speech challenges)
• Some post-secondary education / advance coursework preferred particularly in Education, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, or Community Habilitation. If the Candidate is a student, the family will try to work around course commitments.
• Working knowledge of OPWDD services and supports is ideal
• A neurodiversity-positive attitude towards autism
• A recognition that behavior is communication
• Non-smoking applicants only

Location:

• Larchmont, NY 10538: Reliably commute or ability to relocate before starting work

Working Hours / Compensation:

• Per-diem compensation model
• Regular working hours, roughly 30 hours per week, some flexibility required
• Day shift, with occasional evenings and weekends possible

Benefits:

• Sick time accrues at a rate of 1-hour for every 30 hours worked, up to 56 hours per year
• Health insurance available after six months of continuous employment at 30+ hours per week
• 401k opt-in available after six months of continuous employment of 30+ hours per week

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $30.00 - $33.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Flexible schedule
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid orientation
• Paid training
• Professional development assistance

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)
• CPR Certification (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Larchmont, NY: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person