Direct Support Professional- Low Vision & Assistive Technology Experience

Gateway Counseling Center, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit that provides services to adults with developmental disabilities, as well as adults with mental illness. Gateway’s mission is to enhance the lives of others through our program services, which are designed to increase independence and functioning through person-centered and goal-based care. Our programs operate 7-days a week and the agency provides to-and-from transportation to our service recipients, at no cost to them so that services are accessible for those who may benefit from our care.

Gateway is seeking a Training Specialist, also known as Direct Support Professional, to join our team, who will be assigned to our programs providing services to those with developmental disabilities at our Bronx facility.

Some of your specific responsibilities will include:

• Conduct groups/activities in a group setting for individuals with Developmental Disabilities at Gateway and in the field.
• Supervise individuals at all times/report all untoward events/incidents to supervisor in a timely manner and to the Justice Center as well.
• Sign checklists to attest to groups conducted and individuals who attended. Ensure that Sign-In sheets are properly completed and stored.
• Assist with serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack
• Provide needed programmatic information at all program meetings, both in and out of the Group Day Habilitation Program.
• Provide hand-on programming for the individuals in the Group Day Habilitation Program with full understanding that it is a dually diagnosed population which is prone to extreme behavioral problems and outbursts.
• Responsible for creating group activities and assisting with lesson plans.
• Serve as transporter/ escort for individuals/clients being transported when called upon to do so.

Requirements/Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent. Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Valid Drivers License Required.
• Ability to follow trainings related to the service recipient population required. Previous experience working with adults with disabilities preferred.
• Must demonstrate a caring, courteous, and compassionate attitude while working with integrity serving those who may be ill, disabled, and/or emotionally upset.
• Ability to work the schedule offered at the time of hire and be reasonably flexible and responsive to changes. Open availability preferred.
• Ability to lift and move heavy objects and/or assist service recipients as well as sitting, bending, turning, stretching, or standing for prolonged periods of time.
• Fluent in English. Bilingual capabilities preferred.
• Familiarity with Low Vision care.
• Tactile learning materials (touch‑based object, manipulatives and hands-on activity) and Braille experience, preferred.
• Comfortable with Assistive technology, including talking devices, large-button devices, and audio-based learning tools.

Benefits

• 403(b) Retirement Plans available
• Medical, Vision, and Dental
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental Leave
• Tuition and continuing education assistance
• Hours worked count towards Federal Loan Forgiveness

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid orientation
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience supporting individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or have low vision?
• Do you have experience using assistive technology for individuals with visual impairments, such as talking devices, large-button devices, screen readers, or audio-based learning tools?
• Do you have experience using tactile or hands-on learning materials to support individuals with visual impairments?
• Do you have experience with Braille or supporting an individual who uses Braille?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• working with individuals with developmental disabilities: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: In person