DSP Trainer

Goodwill NYNJ•New York, NY

13d•$50,000 - $60,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The DSP Trainer designs, coordinates, and delivers competency-based training that prepares workforce program participants for careers as Direct Support Professionals in New York’s intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) field. The Trainer ensures curricula meet OPWDD requirements and human services best practices, and that graduates are equipped to deliver high-quality, person-centered support. The role partners closely with program and employer-partner staff to move participants from training to employment. The position is part of Workforce Development / Human Services, is listed as 1.0 FTE, and is based in New York, NY, with hybrid work and field-based work as required. It reports to the Manager of Occupational Initiatives. The salary range is $50,000–$60,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Human Services, Social Work, Organizational Development, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be substituted.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in human services, direct support, staff training, or adult education.
Working knowledge of human services regulations, curriculum design, and adult learning and instructional techniques.
Excellent public speaking, facilitation, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and virtual training platforms.

Nice To Haves

Experience in New York’s I/DD or workforce development sectors, including knowledge of OPWDD requirements.
OPWDD PROMOTE Instructor certification, or willingness to obtain it within a defined period after hire.
CPR/First Aid Instructor certification, such as American Heart Association or American Red Cross certification.
Familiarity with the NADSP Code of Ethics, competency areas, and DSP credentialing framework.
Experience training adult learners from diverse backgrounds, including people with barriers to employment.

Responsibilities

Develop, adapt, and update training curricula, lesson plans, and materials aligned with OPWDD requirements, NADSP competencies, and adult learning principles.
Deliver classroom, hands-on, and virtual training on person-centered planning, positive behavior supports, health and safety, daily living assistance, rights and dignity, and regulatory compliance.
Evaluate participant performance through practical and written assessments; provide supportive feedback and individualized remediation plans to ensure employment readiness.
Foster an inclusive, encouraging learning environment; identify participants who need additional support and coordinate with case management and career services staff.
Manage training schedules and cohorts, track attendance and progress, and ensure training milestones align with grant deliverables and deadlines.
Collaborate with employer partners and job developers to align training with workforce needs and support participants’ transition into DSP roles.
Gather feedback from participants, employer partners, and program staff to identify training gaps and continuously improve program outcomes.
Maintain accurate records of training activities, certifications, and compliance logs in accordance with agency policy and grant requirements; contribute to grant reporting.