Direct Support Professional

Jay Nolan Community Services•Sunnyvale, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Jay Nolan Community Services is hiring a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide individualized, one-to-one support to people with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. The role helps individuals live with dignity, independence, and choice, build relationships, stay safe in their homes, and pursue personal, educational, and career goals. DSPs encourage people to do things for themselves and support them in developing independence. The work takes place in individuals’ homes and communities and may involve supporting behavioral, physical, or communication needs. Typical activities include accompanying clients to hobbies, classes, or the gym; helping with household chores, errands, and medical appointments; planning and keeping to schedules; taking neighborhood walks; offering companionship and emotional support; and helping clients connect with friends and loved ones. Wheelchair transfers and personal hygiene assistance may be required when applicable. The position is listed in Sunnyvale, California, with a schedule of four hours per week.

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 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

Personal or professional experience working with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities; preferred but not required.
A bachelor’s degree in a listed or comparable human services field.
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 developed Individual Support Plan (ISP).
Assist individuals in maintaining personal safety and well-being.
Support individuals in establishing daily or weekly activity schedules to maximize independence.
Stay up to date 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 plan and stay on schedule.
Provide companionship and emotional support and help clients connect with friends and loved ones.
Provide wheelchair transfers and personal hygiene assistance when applicable.