DSP Trainer

Goodwill NYNJ•New York, NY

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

The DSP Trainer designs, coordinates, and delivers competency-based training to prepare 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 prepares graduates to provide high-quality, person-centered support. The role partners with program staff and employer partners to help participants move from training to employment. The position is based in New York, NY, with a hybrid arrangement and field-based work as required. It is listed as 1.0 FTE and reports to the Manager of Occupational Initiatives. The annual salary range is $50,000–$60,000, commensurate with experience. Goodwill NYNJ helps people with disabilities and other barriers to employment build independence through work. Its workforce development programs connect New Yorkers to training, credentials, and meaningful careers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Human Services, Social Work, Organizational Development, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be substituted.
At least 3 years of experience in human services, direct support, staff training, or adult education.
Working knowledge of human services regulations, curriculum design, 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 from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
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 DSP topics including 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 feedback, and develop individualized remediation plans to assess readiness for employment.
Foster an inclusive and encouraging learning environment; identify participants needing additional support and coordinate with case management and career services staff.
Manage training schedules and cohorts, track attendance and progress, and align training milestones 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 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.