Direct Support Professional - Crown Heights

Job Title: Direct Support Professional

Job Path supports autistic people and people with developmental disabilities as they make choices about their lives and play valued roles in their communities. We are seeking energetic, responsible, and creative people to provide one-on-one support in various community settings in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx. The mission of the Community Connections program at Job Path is to ensure that people with developmental disabilities are visible in society and are recognized as equal citizens. We work one-on-one with people using a true person centered approach in order to foster relationships between people and their communities.

Job Path is seeking a Direct Support Professional who is able to provide dedicated support five days a week to a young man who lives in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Some of the characteristics that are a must for this role are:

• Being a kind, caring, and patient person
• Punctuality and attendance are very important
• Assistance with ADL skills
• Enjoys long walks
• Able to engage in and encourage conversation
• Able to assist with and troubleshoot challenging behaviors
• Use good judgement regarding safety protocols
• Be understanding and flexible with the family

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 1pm to 6pm

Location: Beginning and ending the day in Crown Heights, Brooklyn

Additionally, any person who will work at Job Path as a Direct Support Professional will be responsible for the following areas:

Direct Support

• Providing individualized supports to connect people to their communities and help them to become contributing community members
• Working with family and community members, develop connections to community organizations
• Providing assistance at volunteer jobs, classes, social events and other community activities
• Helping individuals meet their personal and professional goals
• Building self-esteem by doing things together, rather than doing for
• Providing opportunities for new experiences, especially indoor activities
• Encouraging individuals to make choices and decisions in all areas of their lives, and providing the opportunities to learn how to make decisions
• Supporting people in social situations to learn to feel comfortable and confident with others through appropriate interactions and build positive relationships

Working in a Team

• Ensuring communication with supervisor is clear, concise and honest
• Offering support, respect, and feedback to other team members
• Attending staff meetings and contributing professionally
• Sharing and contributing ideas, knowledge, questions

Health & Safety

• Being aware of and competent in dealing with medical needs eg. seizures, health concerns, allergies etc.
• Providing physical supports and assistance with ADLs (activities of daily living) in a dignified and respectful manner

Documentation/Communication

• Completing case notes, monthly summary notes, and timesheets by assigned deadlines
• Following up with required documentation as detailed by your supervisor

Qualifications and Skills:

• High school diploma or GED, written and spoken English.
• One year of prior experience working with people with disabilities required, residential experience where ADL support was provided a plus.
• We are seeking candidates who enjoy active, "people-oriented" work and are sensitive to the needs and preferences of people with disabilities (this includes applicants who themselves are autistic or have disabilities).
• Must have basic computer skills, such as ability to respond to e-mails, submit electronic timesheets, and complete casenotes through an electronic health record system.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Rate of Pay: $19.44 per hour

Benefits: Work/Life Assistance Program (EAP), ability to contribute to pre-tax commuter and medical FSA plans, 403b pension with employer match after two years of employment Health, dental, and enhanced short term disability insurance available to employees who average 28 hours of work per week after a six month measurement period. If the candidate is scheduled to work more than 28 hours per week and able to maintain those hours, benefit eligibility may be moved up to the first of the month following sixty days of employment.

To Apply: Job Path seriously reviews all application materials. Please submit your resume and thoughtful questionnaire responses via our jobs board.