Direct Support Professional - Brooklyn based

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. Direct Support Professionals who work in the Community Connections program are part of a team that works with people with a multitude of interests and with varying support needs.

We are looking for someone who is able to provide support to a young man who lives in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Some of the characteristics that are a must for this role are:

• Being a kind, caring, and patient person
• Should be able to find, create and plan stimulating daily activities
• Plan out engaging outdoor and indoor activities, such as parks and museums
• Able to assist with and troubleshoot challenging behaviors
• Use good judgement regarding safety protocols
• Loves to read stories
• Be understanding and flexible with the family
• Able to travel citywide

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
• 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
• Putting aside personal beliefs to ensure that the person you are supporting has the opportunity to have the life they want for themselves

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, such as pushing a wheelchair or helping a person to eat, in a dignifying and respectful matter

Documentation/Communication

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

In order to succeed in this position, applicants must be dynamic and flexible in order to go with the flow of people's ever changing lives. Some of the people we support use wheelchairs or require other physical supports. In order to ensure that all people in the Community Connections program have an equal opportunity to have a full life, applicants must be open to providing physical supports if necessary.

Qualifications: High school diploma or GED. Prior experience a plus, but not essential. 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. This position would be one-to-one through the Community Connections department.

Rate of Pay: $18.65 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.

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

Or, send via fax to 212-921-5342 or mail to:

Job Path 
Attn: Hiring Manager
256 West 38th Street 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10018

*Please note: Only applicants we feel meet requirements of the position will be contacted for an interview. No calls please. Please choose one method of submission.

**Job Path is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on races, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, employment, or citizenship status.**

Whistleblower policy: https://www.jobpathnyc.org/code-of-conduct/#whistleblower