Direct Support Professional

Overview The Direct Support Professional works with children and adolescents in a residential treatment setting and is responsible for ensuring that those portions of the treatment plan, which deal with day-to-day and independent living skills, are implemented. Acting as a positive role model and providing therapeutic parenting, the Direct Support Professional is charged with the fundamental responsibility of the client's health and safety. DSPs are caring, positive role models who work one-on-one or in small groups to help people of all ages lead safe, full, and independent lives. As a DSP, you’ll be a teacher, a mentor, a role model, and a friend, helping the people you work with achieve a great quality of life. Your client could be anyone from a child in the foster care system to a young adult managing ongoing mental health issues, to an adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You’ll work to support them in a caring manner, in daily routines such as planning with friends, joining community events, grocery shopping and cooking, participating in recreational activities, and building skills around personal care and relationships. Being a DSP is not just a job – it’s an opportunity to help others thrive. Qualifications A High School diploma or GED equivalent. A current, valid driver’s license with a clean driving record is preferred depending on the program. Key Essential Functions Responsible for day-by-day care of the children in the program including supervision of personal hygiene, social guidance, use of leisure time, and food planning and preparation Develop, supervise and run activity sessions Accompany clients on trips and outings and supervise activities May be called upon to work one on one with a client who is displaying significant stress or assist with management issues as they relate to clients If required, perform therapeutic restraint should a child be out of control. All employees are required to attend appropriate restraint training prior to performing such a restraint Drive the child to medical, social or other necessary appointments or assist in returning clients to the campus who are AWOL Shares their experience and observation of the children under care with the treatment team and immediately brings to the attention of the supervisor any unusual issues May be required to cook/prepare meals for residents within their division Other assigned duties as assigned Core Competencies Willingness to work with children/adolescents living with the impact of trauma and experience mental health challenges Compassion and respect for vulnerable individuals Patience and understanding for the sometimes slow process of stabilization and recovery Excellent youth engagement skills Strong verbal and written communication skills Attention to detail Educational / Training Requirements High School diploma or Equivalency is required Driver’s License required to meet all insurance requirements Pay $17.45 per hour Benefits Varied client work across multiple locations with opportunities to find a niche Clients and staff from diverse backgrounds across New York City Over 50 locations to work close to home Generous vacation time and paid holidays for work/life balance Comprehensive health and dental insurance with low co-pays On-the-job training to support growth and success #J-18808-Ljbffr Careers @Evidence-Based Associates