What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Habilitation / Respite DSP – Starting at $23/hour – Albany, NY [SJ] position at NY Support Broker?
About the Role
We are seeking a patient, energetic, and dependable Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide 1:1 Community Habilitation / respite support for a friendly teenage boy with autism.
He is active, affectionate, and proud of doing well in school. He enjoys basketball, soccer, swimming, music, Legos, video games, and spending time in the community. This position is an excellent fit for someone who enjoys working with teenagers and can combine positive mentorship with calm, consistent guidance.
Schedule
This position offers a flexible seasonal schedule:
- Part-time hours during the school year
- Full-time hours during summer vacation
- Additional full-time availability during school holidays and extended school breaks
- Scheduling coordinated with the family
Pay and Reimbursement
Starting Pay Rate: $23.00 per hour
Approved mileage and staff activity expenses may be reimbursed for community-based activities in accordance with the participant’s Self-Direction budget and Fiscal Intermediary policies.
Key Responsibilities
Community Participation: Plan and support recreational outings, enrichment activities, exercise, and opportunities to become more involved in community life.
Social Development: Help strengthen communication, turn-taking, patience, and appropriate social interaction while encouraging opportunities to form friendships.
Recreation and Mentorship: Engage him through interests such as basketball, soccer, swimming, music, Legos, gaming, and other age-appropriate activities.
Safety Skills: Reinforce traffic awareness, safe community navigation, emergency procedures, and how to seek assistance when needed.
Independent Living Skills: Provide encouragement and verbal prompting with household routines, personal hygiene, setting the table, washing dishes, and using money during community activities.
Emotional Regulation: Use calm, respectful redirection and reinforce strategies such as counting, breathing, taking space, and maintaining a calm voice and body when he becomes impatient or upset.
Sensory Support: Recognize that he can be sensitive to loud alarms, beeping, loud music, and highly stimulating environments, and help him participate successfully with appropriate preparation and support.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is patient, active, encouraging, and comfortable serving as a positive role model for a teenager. The DSP should be able to provide structure without being overly rigid, respond calmly to frustration, and balance safety supervision with opportunities for growing independence.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid New York State driver’s license
- Reliable transportation for home and community-based activities
- Ability to work independently and follow an individualized support plan
- Dependability and consistent attendance
- Clear communication with the participant, family, and support team
Previous experience supporting individuals with autism or working with teenagers is preferred, but candidates with the right temperament, reliability, and willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.
Pay: From $23.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Benefits:
Health Insurance, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Pension PlanSalary : $23