DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
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 quality lives with dignity, independence, and choice. DSPs encourage individuals to do things for themselves and work to empower them to live independently and achieve personal, educational, and career goals. The role provides one-to-one support in people’s homes and communities, including assistance with safety, routines, relationships, and participation in activities. The position is in the Independent Living Skills program in Santa Cruz, California, and is scheduled Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The listed pay range is $20.25–$23.00. English is the listed language. Jay Nolan Community Services is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides individualized support to children, teens, and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities so they can live, work, and thrive in their homes and communities. The organization describes its workplace as inclusive, supportive, and community-oriented and states that it is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
Requirements
- English language.
- 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 as a preferred qualification.
- A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and current auto insurance may be needed, on a case-by-case basis.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, personally or professionally; preferred but not required.
- A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and current auto insurance, depending on the case.
Responsibilities
- Provide one-to-one direct support to people with autism and intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to help them achieve their 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 Support Plan (ISP) as developed.
- Help individuals maintain 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 hobby groups, classes, the gym, and other activities.
- Support clients with household chores, errands, and medical appointments.
- Help clients plan and stay on schedule.
- Go for walks with clients around their neighborhoods.
- Provide companionship and emotional support.
- Help clients connect with friends and loved ones virtually or in person.
- Assist with wheelchair transfers when applicable.
- Assist with personal hygiene when applicable.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Retirement plan with company matching
- Paid CPR and First Aid training
- Childcare assistance reimbursement
- Pet insurance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
