DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Jay Nolan Community Services•San Jose, CA

4d•$20 - $23

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 developmental disabilities, helping them live with dignity, independence, and choice. The role focuses on empowering individuals to do things for themselves and achieve personal, educational, and career goals while building relationships and living safely in their own homes and communities. DSPs support individuals with a range of behavioral, physical, and communication challenges in home and community settings. They implement each person’s Individual Support Plan, promote personal safety and well-being, help establish daily and weekly activity schedules, and participate hands-on in activities. Typical activities may include community outings, household chores and errands, medical appointments, planning and scheduling, walks, companionship, and connection with friends and loved ones. Wheelchair transfers and personal hygiene assistance may be required when applicable. This position is with Jay Nolan Community Services, a nonprofit providing 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 role is based in San Jose, California, in the Supported Living Skills program. The listed schedule is Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The pay range is $20.25–$23.00.

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 required on a case-by-case basis.

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 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 individuals in maintaining personal safety and well-being.
Help individuals establish daily and 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.
Assist with wheelchair transfers and personal hygiene when applicable.