Direct Support Professional DSP Caregiver Companion

Direct Support Professional (DSP)Location: Santa Cruz, CASchedule: Tuesdays 12:30pm - 4:30pm & Saturdays 12:30pm - 4:30pmLanguage: English & SpanishProgram: Independent LivingPay Range: $20.25 - $23.00As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at JNCS: You help individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities live quality lives with dignity, independence and choice. On an average day, DSPs support people to build relationships, live safely in their own homes, and accomplish their personal, educational, and career goals.DSPs are more than just caregivers: Unlike a caregiver, DSPs encourage people to do things themselves, not do things for them. Providing one-to-one direct support services to people with Autism and intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to help them achieve their highest possible level of independence.• Act as a mentor and role model for socially acceptable and culturally valued ways to interact and support each other to be successful.• Support an individual with various challenges (behavioral, physical, communication, etc.) within their home and community.• Implement the Individual's Support Plan (ISP) as developed• Assist and support the person to maintain their own personal safety and well-being• Support the individual to establish a daily/weekly schedule of activities in order to maximize their independence.• Stay up to date with all training and certifications.• What does a typical workday for a DSP look like?• Accompanying clients to activities such as hobby groups, classes, or the gym• Supporting clients to accomplish daily chores such as household chores, errands, and medical appointments• Help with planning and staying on schedule• Going for walks around the neighborhood• Providing companionship and emotional support• Connecting with friends and loved ones (virtually or in person)• Wheelchair transfers (if applicable)• Assistance with personal hygiene (if applicable)Preferred Qualifications:• Direct Support Professionals must have a bachelor's degree in education, psychology, counseling, nursing, social work, applied behavior analysis, behavioral medicine, speech and language, rehabilitation, marriage and family therapy, or a comparable degree in a human services field• Experience working with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities (personal or professional) preferred but not required.• A valid driver's license, reliable transportation & current auto insurance (case by case basis)Benefits:Health InsuranceDental insuranceLife InsuranceTuition reimbursementRetirement plan with company matchingPaid CPR & First Aid trainingChildcare Assistance ReimbursementPet insuranceMuch moreAbout us: Jay Nolan Community Services is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to provide individualized support to children, teens, and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities so that they may live, work and thrive in their own homes and in their community. We are an inclusive, supportive, and community-oriented workplace.Jay Nolan Community Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.