Do you believe that children are best able to thrive when you meet them where they are, inspire them to learn, and make them feel seen, valued, and respected?
Do you envision yourself as the steady, caring presence who can help autistic youth enjoy a real sense of belonging in a safe, nurturing environment where they can flourish?
Would you like to work for an organization that likewise helps YOU grow, by offering clearly defined career tracks and pathways to success?
As a Direct Support Professional in our Children’s Services Program, you can do the profoundly impactful work of helping young people with autism experience an optimal quality of life as they build their social, daily living, and communication skills. By organizing enrichment activities, helping children practice what they’re learning, celebrating their successes, and offering direct support, you will provide them with what they most need to feel secure, safe, self-assured - and right at home.
What’s more is that we offer clearly defined career tracks, potentially putting YOU the first step on a path full of opportunity as well. And we’ll provide the comprehensive training needed to get you going as a Direct Support Professional - even if you have no experience.
What You Will Do as a Direct Support Professional:
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You will create a safe, nurturing, professional environment as you assist and support individuals with autism engaging in various daily activities, including personal care, meal preparation, and recreational experiences.
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You will help program participants develop the social, daily living, and self-advocacy skills that help them more fully thrive.
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You will provide appropriate supervision to ensure the health and safety of students.
- You will actively work to ensure preparedness and organization within the residential environment.
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You will participate as an active, respectful member of a residential team representing student progress, challenges, and abilities, demonstrating professionalism at all times.
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You will engage in all tasks required to promote and protect good health with sensitivity and dignity (food prep, toileting, hygiene, etc.) - and you will protect the safety of children in your care at all times.
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You will assist the Residence Manager and Shift Supervisor with implementation of systems within the house in which you work, ever mindful of doing your part to ensure the safety and well-being of all in your care.
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You will connect and collaborate with families, guardians, teachers, and therapists to ensure that there is consistency as you all work toward shared goals; you will also assist with training on formal and informal student learning goals and maintain appropriate student or classroom-related documentation.
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You will use customized interventions as identified in student support and behavior plans, and be open to pivoting if needed based on guidance from our expert professionals.
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You will help cultivate a sense of belonging and spirit of acceptance that will promote personal growth, socialization, and autonomy.
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You will attend to the educational, physical, social, and emotional needs of residents, while assisting the team with goal-oriented and structured daily programming and data collection in an assigned service delivery area.
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You will help implement individualized support plans and behavioral strategies under the guidance of supervisors and experienced professionals.
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You will maintain accurate records/documentation of progress (and any incidents) in accordance with all organizational policies and procedures.
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You will keep the program setting clean, safe, and sensory-friendly.
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You will have a chance - every single day - to make life richer and more meaningful for the people in your care.
What You Can Bring to the Team:
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Dependability, integrity, compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to protect the safety and well-being of individuals with autism.
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Excellent communication skills and ability to work cooperatively and effectively as part of a team.
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The ability to adapt to changing situations, and to handle challenging circumstances with empathy, unconditional positive regard for individuals you serve, and unwavering professionalism.
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Alignment with our mission and values.
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An openness to mentorship and ongoing guidance as you navigate your role.
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Dedication to optimizing the quality of life for everyone who is part of our Anderson Center for Autism community.
In Addition, We Expect That You:
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Have earned a High School Diploma or GED.
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Hold a valid NYS Driver's License, and that you obtain and maintain agency driving privileges.
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Are 21 years of age or older.
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Have availability to work 2nd or 3rd shifts, as well as weekend hours.
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Pass background checks and meet all requirements for employment.
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Are capable at all times of initiating or assisting in all components of crisis intervention, should needs arise.
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Obtain and subsequently maintain qualifications in all health, safety and crisis intervention procedures of the agency, such as First Aid, CPR, SCIP-R and medication administration certification.
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Complete agency training.
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Fulfill all mandated reporting requirements, ensure compliance with agency policies, and adhere to organizational protocols.
Anderson’s QUALITY OF LIFE Expectation:
To actively support Anderson’s mission by promoting and enhancing the quality of life (QofL) of the individuals we serve through thoughtful, comprehensive, and person-centered practices.
A Benefits Package Designed to Optimize YOUR Quality of Life Too:
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Up to 6 weeks of paid time off (starting in your first year!)
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403(b) retirement plan with employer match and annual contribution
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Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
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Wellness program
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Ongoing professional development
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Discounted tuition at select colleges/universities
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Scholarship program for those seeking educational experiences aligned with the role (*restrictions apply)
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Invitations to staff appreciation events and experiences
And much, much more!
To get a better understanding of the benefits that will be available to you, visit andersoncenterforautism.org/benefit.
Pay Range: $21.00 - $26.45 Hourly; Based on education, experience and RBT certification.
Schedules may vary:
Sundays & Saturdays 8:00am - 3:00pm & 2:00pm - 10:00pm
Monday - Friday 2:00pm - 10:00pm
Ready to Bring Your Purpose to Life?
A bright future for you begins here at Anderson Center for Autism.
Open the door to a rewarding career with advancement opportunities; expand possibilities for yourself AND for individuals with autism, their families, your colleagues, our cause, and society as a whole!
Apply today. You’ll contribute to a meaningful mission, now and for years to come!
Life as Part of our Anderson Center for Autism Team
If you are looking to build a career that brings you a deep sense of purpose and a high quality of life, Anderson Center for Autism might be just the landing place you’ve envisioned.
Here you will enjoy a supportive, friendly work environment that values your ideas and insights, provides rewarding mentorship experiences, and opens doors to new professional opportunities that can transform your journey.
And by working at Anderson, you will be part of a movement so much bigger than all of us. Founded over 100 years ago (in 1924), our award-winning, evidence-based educational, vocational, residential, clinical, and consulting/training programs have successfully optimized the quality of life for individuals with autism for decades now. In addition, we work every day to cultivate a broader culture of acceptance in society, further adding to the legacy of compassion for which we have come to be known throughout the country and around the world.
In addition to a rewarding career experience, as part of our team you’ll also enjoy competitive pay, a generous retirement plan (including employer match and annual contribution), abundant vacation time, robust benefits, ongoing opportunities for learning and advancement, wellness programs, staff appreciation events, and a chance to work alongside wonderful professionals in a positive environment.
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This position description in no way states or implies that the responsibilities listed are the only duties to be performed by the person filling this position. The person in the position may be required to perform other duties as necessitated by the situation or requested by his/her supervisor.
Our organization is committed to providing a diverse workforce by ensuring that discrimination barriers to equal employment opportunity and upward mobility do not exist here. Equal opportunity means employment, development, and promotion of individuals without consideration of race, color, disability, religion, age, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, unless there is a bona fide occupational requirement which excludes a person in one of these protected groups. Our organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
EOE
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