Direct Support Professional - Adult Program

Anderson Center for Autism; New York (NY); On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 6 weeks paid time off

403(b) retirement plan with employer 匹

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Wellness program

Professional development

Tuition discounts

Scholarship program

Staff appreciation events

Job summary

Anderson Center for Autism is seeking a Direct Support Professional in Adult Services to provide compassionate, person‑centered support to individuals with autism. The role involves safety, daily living activities, and data tracking to promote growth and autonomy in a structured setting.

Pay ranges from $21.00 to $26.45 per hour, based on education, experience, and certifications; benefits include PTO, retirement plan, comprehensive insurance, and ongoing development opportunities.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License and ability to obtain agency driving privileges.
• 21 years of age or older.
• Availability for 2nd or 3rd shifts and weekend hours.
• Pass background checks and meet all employment requirements.
• Ability to initiate or assist in crisis intervention when needed.
• Obtain and maintain health, safety and crisis intervention certifications (First Aid, CPR, SCIP‑R, medication administration).
• Complete agency training and adhere to reporting requirements.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, nurturing, professional environment while supporting individuals with autism in daily activities including personal care, meal preparation, and recreation.
• Help cultivate belonging, social growth, and autonomy.
• Attend to educational, physical, social, and emotional needs and assist with structured daily programming and data collection.
• Help implement individualized support plans and behavioral strategies under supervision.
• Maintain accurate progress and incident records per policies.
• Help participants develop social, daily living, and self-advocacy skills to thrive.
• Daily, meaningful work impacting the lives of those in care.

Skills

Dependability

Integrity

Compassion

Patience

Team‑oriented

Empathy

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Are you a caring person who leads with heart and integrity?

Do you envision yourself doing MORE to make valuable, lasting contributions in the world?

Would you like to work for an organization that provides team members with clear career tracks and pathways to professional success?

As a Direct Support Professional in our Adult Services Program , you can do the important work of helping individuals with autism enjoy more fulfilling, productive, joyful lives. By developing a safe environment, facilitating skill development, and offering unconditional support, you will help them feel right at home, build stronger social connections, and experience the sense of self that we all deserve to have in life.

What’s more is that we have clearly defined career tracks, so this could be the first step on a path with extraordinary potential for YOU as well. And we’ll provide the comprehensive training you need to get you going as a Direct Support Professional - even if you have no experience. Opportunities abound!

What You Will Do as a Direct Support Professional:

• You will create a safe, nurturing, professional environment as you offer support and assistance to individuals with autism as they engage in various daily activities, including personal care, meal preparation, and recreational experiences.
• You will help cultivate a sense of belonging and spirit of acceptance that will promote personal growth, socialization, and autonomy.
• You will attend to the educational, physical, social, and emotional needs of residents, while assisting the team with goal-oriented and structured daily programming and data collection in an assigned service delivery area.
• You will help implement individualized support plans and behavioral strategies under the guidance of supervisors and experienced professionals.
• You will maintain accurate records/documentation of progress (and any incidents) in accordance with all organizational policies and procedures.
• You will help program participants gain an understanding of social, daily living, and self-advocacy skills that help them more fully thrive.
• You will have a chance - every single day - to make life richer and more meaningful for the people in your care.

Where You May Work as a Direct Support Professional

Anderson has locations in Dutchess, Ulster and Orange Counties (New York):

Northern Dutchess County:

• Clinton Corners
• Milan
• Pine Plains
• Rhinebeck
• Staatsburg
• Stanfordville

Southern Dutchess County:

• Hyde Park
• Poughkeepsie

Northern Ulster County:

• Kingston
• Saugerties
• Stone Ridge
• Ulster Park

Southern Ulster County:

• Highland
• Marlboro
• New Paltz

Orange County:

• Newburgh

What You Can Bring to the Team (No Experience Necessary):

• Dependability, integrity, compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to protect the safety and well‑being of individuals with autism.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work cooperatively and effectively as part of a team.
• The ability to adapt to changing situations, and to handle challenging circumstances with empathy, unconditional positive regard for individuals you serve, and unwavering professionalism.
• Alignment with our mission and values.
• An openness to mentorship and ongoing guidance as you navigate your role.
• Dedication to optimizing the quality of life for everyone who is part of our Anderson Center for Autism community.

In Addition, We Expect That You:

• Have earned a High School Diploma or GED.
• Hold a valid NYS Driver’s License, and that you obtain and maintain agency driving privileges.
• Are 21 years of age or older.
• Have availability to work 2nd or 3rd shifts, as well as weekend hours.
• Pass background checks and meet all requirements for employment.
• Are capable at all times of initiating or assisting in all components of crisis intervention, should needs arise.
• Obtain and subsequently maintain qualifications in all health, safety and crisis intervention procedures of the agency, such as First Aid, CPR, SCIP‑R and medication administration certification.
• Complete agency training.
• Fulfill all mandated reporting requirements, ensure compliance with agency policies, and adhere to organizational protocols.

Anderson’s QUALITY OF LIFE Expectation:

To actively support Anderson’s mission by promoting and enhancing the quality of life (QofL) of the individuals we serve through thoughtful, comprehensive, and person‑centered practices.

A Benefits Package Designed to Optimize YOUR Quality of Life Too:

• Up to 6 weeks of paid time off (starting in your first year!)
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match and annual contribution
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Wellness program
• Ongoing professional development
• Discounted tuition at select colleges/universities
• Scholarship program for those seeking educational experiences aligned with the role (*restrictions apply)
• Invitations to staff appreciation events and experiences

And much, much more!

To get a better understanding of the benefits that will be available to you, visit andersoncenterforautism.org/benefit.

Pay Range: $21.00 - $26.45 Hourly; Based on education, experience and RBT certification.

Ready to Bring Your Purpose to Life?

A bright future for you begins here at Anderson Center for Autism. Open the door to a rewarding career with advancement opportunities; expand possibilities for yourself AND for individuals with autism, their families, your colleagues, our cause, and society as a whole!

Life as Part of our Anderson Center for Autism Team

If you are looking to build a career that brings you a deep sense of purpose and a high quality of life, Anderson Center for Autism might be just the landing place you’ve envisioned.

Here you will enjoy a supportive, friendly work environment that values your ideas and insights, provides rewarding mentorship experiences, and opens doors to new professional opportunities that can transform your journey.

And by working at Anderson, you will be part of a movement so much bigger than all of us. Founded over 100 years ago (in 1924), our award‑winning, evidence‑based educational, vocational, residential, clinical, and consulting/training programs have successfully optimized the quality of life for individuals with autism for decades now. In addition, we work every day to cultivate a broader culture of acceptance in society, further adding to the legacy of compassion for which we have come to be known throughout the country and around the world.

In addition to a rewarding career experience, as part of our team you’ll also enjoy competitive pay, a generous retirement plan (including employer match and annual contribution), abundant vacation time, robust benefits, ongoing opportunities for learning and advancement, wellness programs, staff appreciation events, and a chance to work alongside wonderful professionals in a positive environment.

Keyword Search:

Hudson Valley Jobs, Autism Careers, Careers at Anderson, Leadership Positions, Jobs New York, Nonprofit Leadership, ADD, ADHD, Autism, Cognitive, CNA, Direct Care, Direct Support, Evenings, Human Services, Overnights, Residential Counselor, Special Needs, Treatment Team, Health Care, Home Care, PCA, HHA, Behavioral

This position description in no way states or implies that the responsibilities listed are the only duties to be performed by the person filling this position. The person in the position may be required to perform other duties as necessitated by the situation or requested by his/her supervisor.

Our organization is committed to providing a diverse workforce by ensuring that discrimination barriers to equal employment opportunity and upward mobility do not exist here. Equal opportunity means employment, development, and promotion of individuals without consideration of race, color, disability, religion, age, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, unless there is a bona fide occupational requirement which excludes a person in one of these protected groups. Our organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

EOE