Direct Support Specialist: Empower Adults with Disabilities

Brooklyn Community Services; New York (NY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Brooklyn Community Services is seeking a Direct Support Professional to assist adults with intellectual disabilities in a Day Habilitation program located at 691 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217. This full-time role (35 hours/week) runs Monday–Friday 8:30–4:30, offering a hourly wage of $17.00–$18.00.

The position emphasizes fostering independence through proactive training, life and job skills, and community integration, with responsibility for daily records and safety procedures.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent; Associate degrees preferred in Human services, psychology or sociology.
• Experience or knowledge in the I/DD field is a plus.
• Work or life experience with intellectual/developmental disabilities is a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills including ability to problem-solve.
• Must respond well to supervision and be a team player; computer literate.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a group of Day Habilitation participants as they engage in activities on and off site.
• Ensure the group’s weekly activity sheet is adhered to and participants exhibit appropriate behavior.
• Incorporate life and job skills, money management, and travel skills into activities.
• Engage in person-centered planning and create an empowering environment.
• Attend to participants’ personal care.
• Complete daily checklists, monthly summary notes, and staff action plans on time.
• Maintain contact with families as necessary.
• Teach and reinforce fire and safety procedures.
• Encourage and motivate daily attendance.
• Act as a role model by displaying appropriate behavior.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Verbal communication

Problem solving

Computer literacy

Bilingual Spanish

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in Human services

Associate degree in Psychology

Associate degree in Sociology

Job description

Brooklyn Community Services is seeking a Direct Support Professional to assist adults with intellectual disabilities in a Day Habilitation program located at 691 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217. This full-time role (35 hours/week) runs Monday–Friday 8:30–4:30, offering a hourly wage of $17.00–$18.00.

The position emphasizes fostering independence through proactive training, life and job skills, and community integration, with responsibility for daily records and safety procedures.