What are the responsibilities and job description for the Direct Support Staff - Inclusive Preschool Program position at E. John Gavras Center?
Position: Support Specialist – Inclusive Education Program
School Year: 2025–2026
Overview
The E. John Gavras Center is hiring a full-time Support Specialist to assist participants in our daytime learning and enrichment programs. This role focuses on helping individuals build daily living skills, supporting their personal goals, and promoting independence in both classroom and community settings.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide skill-building support across daily routines, both onsite and during community-based activities.
- Encourage independence while ensuring safety and appropriate supervision.
- Assist individuals in meeting goals outlined in their personalized support plans.
- Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment, especially in urgent or unexpected situations.
- Serve as a positive and professional representative of E. John Gavras Center.
- Support participants with:
- Health-related routines and awareness of medical needs
- Personal care and hygiene
- Household and organizational skills
- Budgeting and basic money-handling
- Meal planning and food preparation
- Social engagement and community involvement
- Recreation and leisure activities
- Safety awareness and general life-skills education
- Travel and transportation practice
- Use of behavior-support techniques as trained
- Attend team meetings to discuss progress, strategies, and programming updates.
- Complete required documentation accurately and on schedule.
- Follow all program guidelines, agency policies, and applicable regulations.
- Maintain required trainings (e.g., First Aid, CPR, crisis-intervention training, exposure control).
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Valid NYS driver’s license with acceptable record.
- Ability to meet all background clearance requirements.
- Experience supporting individuals with disabilities is a plus but not required.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- May assist with personal care tasks.
- Must be able to lift up to 75 lbs when needed.
- Duties may involve outdoor activities or varying weather conditions.
- May involve responding to behavioral situations using trained methods.
- Occasional travel between program sites.
Equal Opportunity Statement
E. John Gavras Center is committed to equal employment opportunity and encourages all qualified applicants to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. If you require an accommodation during the application process, please contact Human Resources at robynwalsh@gavrascenter.com.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $16.26 - $18.24 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $16 - $18