Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Brooklyn

Shema Kolainu-Hear Our Voices; New York (NY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Shema Kolainu-Hear Our Voices in Brooklyn, NY is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide individualized services to individuals with developmental disabilities in homes and communities under OPWDD Community Habilitation and Respite programs.

The DSP will support daily living skills, promote community integration, implement ISPs, and document progress while encouraging self-advocacy and independence. Flexible hours include weekdays, evenings and weekends with an hourly rate of $20.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to travel within NYC to various settings.
• Reliable, patient and able to work independently.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must pass background checks and agency training.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Reliability

Independent work

Patience

Travel within NYC

Education

High school diploma or GED

College coursework in Human Services

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.