Direct Support Professional (DSP 12) 11787

Suffolk Primary Health; Town of Smithtown (NY); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Suffolk Primary Health is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to work one-on-one with children and youth in home or community settings, helping them build independent living skills and confidence. You will collaborate with families and care teams to implement personalized plans and support meaningful goals.

The role emphasizes teaching and guidance rather than doing tasks for the child, with a focus on safety, progress, and empowerment in daily activities and social participation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or Spanish speaker is required.
• Experience with individuals with disabilities or behavioral health needs preferred but not required.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Working one-on-one with children and youth in home or community settings to build independence and life skills.
• Provide hands-on care and guidance to help the child reach goals.
• Teach self-care, communication, and decision-making using positive reinforcement.

Skills

Communication

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Spanish speaker

Job description

About the Job

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you will provide social, and supportive services to children and youth with functional, developmental, physical, or mental health needs. Your job is to work one-on-one with children in their home or community, helping them build independence and life skills based on their individual goals.

This could include:

• Helping children improve communication and social skills
• Assisting with daily tasks
• Supporting with homework, job readiness, or community activities
• Encouraging healthy habits and self-care

Your role is not to do things for the child, but to teach and guide them so they can become more independent over time. You will work closely with the child and their family, following a personalized plan provided by their care team to provide the best support possible.

Benefits & Compensation:

• Competitive Pay: Starting at $30.00/hour, up to 40.00/hour based on level of education and services provided.
• Flexible Scheduling: Various shifts available to accommodate different schedules. Perfect for a college student or as a part-time job.
• Career Growth: Perfect for anyone seeking a degree in mental health, speech language, OT, PT, nursing, social work.

Key Responsibilities as a Direct Support Professional (DSP):

• Working as a team with the HCBS Coordinator and family.
• Provide hands-on care and guidance to help the child build skills and reach their goals.
• Teach and encourage independence, such as self-care, communication, and decision-making.
• Use positive reinforcement techniques to support behavior and overcome challenges.
• Assist with community outings, social events, and everyday tasks to promote inclusion and confidence.
• Ensure the child’s safety while respecting their choices and encouraging autonomy.
• Keep clear and accurate records of services provided, progress made, and any incidents.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• General: A Bachelor's degree, or a Spanish speaker is required.
• Experience: Prior experience working with individuals with disabilities or behavioral health needs is preferred but not required. For certain services prior experience working with children in any capacity is required.
• Skills: Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Transportation: Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation may be required for certain roles.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Candidates must be able to remain alert and attentive during shift hours.
• Candidates must be comfortable working in a home or community-based setting, with occasional travel required.
• Candidates must be comfortable working with children who have functional, developmental, physical, or mental health needs.

Location:

• All jobs are around a 10- mile radius, up to a 20-mile radius of the zip code on this posting.