Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Brooklyn

Shema Kolainu - Hear Our Voices; New York (NY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Shema Kolainu-Hear Our Voices in Brooklyn, NY is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to support children and adults with autism and related developmental disabilities in home and community settings under OPWDD Community Habilitation and Respite programs.

Responsibilities include helping develop daily living skills, promoting community participation, implementing ISPs, and ensuring safety during respite.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; college coursework preferred.
• Experience with individuals with developmental disabilities is a plus.
• Must be at least 18 years old and reliable, patient, able to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals in developing daily living skills in homes and communities.
• Promote community integration through participation in recreational, educational, and vocational activities.
• Implement ISPs and document progress toward personal goals.
• Encourage self-advocacy and independence while respecting preferences.
• Provide supervision and respite to family caregivers.
• Maintain a structured and safe environment during respite periods.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Reliability

Independence

Travel NYC

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Brooklyn, NY

Join our team at Shema Kolainu-Hear Our Voices, a private, nonprofit school and center dedicated to supporting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related developmental disabilities. As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you will play a vital role in providing individualized services to people with developmental disabilities in their homes and communities under the OPWDD Community Habilitation and Respite programs.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals in developing daily living skills, such as cooking, hygiene, money management, and transportation, in their homes and communities.
• Promote community integration by assisting individuals with participation in recreational, educational, and vocational activities.
• Implement individualized service plans (ISPs) and document progress toward personal goals.
• Encourage self-advocacy and independence while respecting the individual's preferences and choices.
• Provide supervision and relief to family caregivers by engaging the individual in safe, supportive, and appropriate activities during respite periods.
• Maintain a structured and safe environment during respite periods, whether in-home or in the community.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; college coursework in Human Services or related field preferred.
• Prior experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is a plus.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Reliable, patient, and able to work independently.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel within NYC and work in various home/community settings.

Requirements

• Ability to pass background checks (fingerprinting, SCR, SEL).
• Completion of required training (agency-provided training).
• Must adhere to OPWDD and agency policies and procedures.

Schedule & Compensation

• Flexible, full-time, and part-time hours – ideal for students or those seeking supplemental income.
• Weekday, evening, and weekend shifts are available.
• Competitive hourly rate: $20 per hour.