Direct Support Professional

Join The Nicholas Center, the #1 nonprofit on Long Island as awarded by Long Island Business News, as a Direct Support Professional. In this role, you will support individuals with Autism and similar intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving social, communication, vocational, and community-based goals. You will report to a Program Manager and work Monday through Friday from 9:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., with opportunities for additional hours and no weekends. The Nicholas Center offers a meaningful, supportive workplace with professional development, additional certification opportunities, and a Job Coach pathway.

Responsibilities

• Support participants in multiple community workplaces and help them have productive, meaningful experiences.
• Assist participants with workplace protocols, peer and supervisor interactions, self-advocacy, job acquisition, and job retention.
• Promote community integration and support participants in reaching individualized social, communication, and vocational goals.
• Monitor and promote participant health and safety, including preventing, recognizing, and reporting abuse.
• Drive organization vehicles as needed to support community-based activities.
• Complete accurate service documentation, daily notes, and other required records.
• Provide coverage when a Job Coach or 1:1 Direct Support Professional is absent.
• Complete required training, maintain confidentiality, and follow organizational values, ethics, and performance standards.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Ability to bend and lift items weighing 30 pounds or less.
• Ability to multitask and stand for most of the workday.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work respectfully with participants, coworkers, and community members.

Preferred Qualifications

• Entry-level experience in direct support services.
• Valid, clean driver’s license with no infractions that preclude working with a vulnerable population.
• Knowledge of behavioral support, documentation, community-based instruction, person-centered planning, or safety awareness.

The Nicholas Center supports individuals with Autism to learn critical life skills, improve social and communication abilities, gain vocational training & jobs, and engage in meaningful community projects. With a focus on creating inclusive employment opportunities, The Nicholas Center offers a Supported Employment Program, supporting individuals on the job and has been instrumental in the creation and success of micro-businesses.