DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
About The Position
As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Jay Nolan Community Services, you provide individualized, one-to-one support to people with autism and other intellectual or developmental disabilities. You help individuals live with dignity, independence, and choice by supporting them in building relationships, living safely in their own homes, and pursuing personal, educational, and career goals. The role focuses on empowering people to do things for themselves rather than doing things for them. DSPs support individuals at home and in the community, implement each person's Individual Support Plan, promote safety and well-being, and help establish schedules that maximize independence. A typical workday may include accompanying clients to activities, helping with chores, errands, or medical appointments, supporting planning and scheduling, going for walks, providing 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 part of the Independent Living Services program in Santa Cruz, California, with a stated schedule of Monday through Friday for 6 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; experience is preferred but not required.
- 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.
- 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 Individual Support Plan (ISP).
- Assist and support individuals in maintaining their 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.
- Help clients connect with friends and loved ones virtually or in person.
- Provide wheelchair transfers and personal hygiene assistance 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
