Direct Support Professional (for nonverbal UCLA student)

ETTA•Los Angeles, CA

60d•Onsite

About The Position

ETTA is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to assist with daily living supports for a male individual that will be receiving Supported Living Services in the Los Angeles area. This role involves supporting an honor student who is a non-speaking autistic man. The ideal candidate will possess qualities such as ambition, curiosity, methodical thinking, open-mindedness, intuition, honesty, intellect, humor, and an outgoing nature. This position offers an opportunity to gain interdisciplinary skills for careers in fields such as creative writing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech pathology, education, social work, nursing, or counseling, particularly within the non-speaking and disabilities community. The role requires strong communication skills, patience, compassion, and a commitment to personal growth. Experience or willingness to learn Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is beneficial. The goal is to make a difference by bringing fun and friendship to the individual's life.

Requirements

Strong communicator
Patience
Compassion
Commitment to personal growth
Experience or willingness to learn Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Personality that works well with the individual
Ready to make a difference bringing fun and friendship

Nice To Haves

Student
Artist
Musician
Writer
Poet
Caregiver
Interested in becoming a creative writer, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech pathologist, educator, social worker, nurse, or counselor

Responsibilities

Listening to & honoring nonverbal, verbal, & typing communication
Using AAC tools & strategies to support social interactions
Creating conversational space to include & support communication
Providing verbal &/or physical resistance prompts that help intimate mind-body connection to be self-determined in achieving goals
Supporting in engaging with peers & friends, fostering meaningful connections & promoting social confidence
Facilitating social outings to places like restaurants, classes, & medical appointments
Attending academic, medical, occupational, & personal events
Collaborating with Circle of Support team to support individual self-expression, well-being, & advocacy
Assisting with activities, including academic classes and projects, physical exercise, virtual connections, social media posts & interaction, and social events
Following "best practices" Of communication supports that promote self-advocacy, self-determination, & independence
Learning needs, wants, & feelings
Maintaining safe, supportive environment while respecting boundaries & upholding ETTA's guidelines and policies
Attending monthly staff meetings to learn how to support the disabilities community & connect with fellow disability support staff & leadership