DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Jay Nolan Community Services•Salinas, CA

5d•$20 - $23

About The Position

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Jay Nolan Community Services, you provide individualized support to people with autism and other developmental disabilities, helping them live with dignity, independence, and choice. DSPs encourage individuals to do things for themselves and empower them to build relationships, live safely in their own homes, and pursue personal, educational, and career goals. The role is with the Independent Living Skills program in Salinas, California, and is scheduled Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. English is specified as the language for the position. The pay range is $20.25–$23.00. The role involves one-to-one support in individuals’ homes and communities, helping with independence, personal safety, daily activities, and implementation of each person’s Individual Support Plan. Typical activities may include accompanying clients to classes, hobby groups, the gym, errands, and medical appointments; helping them plan and follow schedules; providing companionship and emotional support; and assisting with personal hygiene or wheelchair transfers when applicable.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, counseling, nursing, social work, applied behavior analysis, behavioral medicine, speech and language, rehabilitation, marriage and family therapy, or a comparable human services field is listed under preferred qualifications.
A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and current auto insurance may be needed on a case-by-case basis.
English language ability is specified.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, either personally or professionally; preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Provide one-to-one direct support to people with autism and intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to help them achieve the highest possible level of independence.
Act as a mentor and role model for socially acceptable and culturally valued ways to interact and support one another.
Support individuals with behavioral, physical, communication, and other challenges in their homes and communities.
Implement the individual’s Individual Support Plan (ISP) as developed.
Assist individuals in maintaining personal safety and well-being.
Support individuals in establishing daily and weekly activity schedules to maximize independence.
Stay current with required training and certifications.
Participate hands-on in activities.
Accompany clients to activities such as hobby groups, classes, or the gym.
Support clients with household chores, errands, and medical appointments.
Help clients with planning and staying on schedule.
Accompany clients on neighborhood walks.
Provide companionship and emotional support.
Help clients connect with friends and loved ones virtually or in person.
Assist with wheelchair transfers and personal hygiene when applicable.