Direct Support Specialist: Flexible Hours & Skill Growth

Suffolk Primary Health LLC; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Flexible scheduling

Career growth

Job summary

Suffolk Primary Health LLC is hiring a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to work one-on-one with children in home or community settings. You will help them build independence and life skills based on individual goals, collaborating with their care team for a personalized plan.

The role emphasizes teaching self-care, communication, and decision-making, using positive reinforcement to support progress and independence. English proficiency is required; Spanish is a plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior experience with individuals with disabilities or behavioral health preferred but not required.
• English language proficiency required; Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Work 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 independence in self-care, communication, and decision-making.
• Use positive reinforcement to support behavior and overcome challenges.
• Assist with community outings, social events, and daily tasks to promote inclusion and confidence.
• Ensure safety while respecting choices and encouraging autonomy.
• Keep clear and accurate records of services, progress, and incidents.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

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 like dressing, cooking, or hygiene

• 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 $25.00/hour, up to 55.00/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:

• Education: High school diploma or GED 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.

• Language: English is required for this role, and Spanish is a plus.

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.