0036 Kern County ILS- DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Jay Nolan Community Services•Tehachapi, CA

28d•$20 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Jay Nolan Community Services, you support people with autism and other developmental disabilities to live quality lives with dignity, independence, and choice. DSPs help individuals build relationships, live safely in their own homes, and accomplish personal, educational, and career goals. The role emphasizes empowering people to do things themselves and supporting independent living rather than doing tasks for them. The position provides one-to-one support in a person’s home and community. Daily activities may include accompanying clients to hobbies, classes, the gym, errands, and medical appointments; helping with household chores and schedules; taking walks; providing companionship and emotional support; helping clients connect with friends and loved ones; and, when applicable, assisting with wheelchair transfers and personal hygiene. Jay Nolan Community Services is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides individualized support to people 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

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.

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.
Serve 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).
Help individuals maintain 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, and 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.
Assist with wheelchair transfers and personal hygiene when applicable.