Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Community Habilitation - $23/hr - Albany, NY [AC]

We are looking for a dependable, patient, and engaging Direct Support Professional (DSP)/Community Habilitation worker to provide one-on-one support to a 9-year-old girl with autism and ADHD in the Albany area.

She is friendly, energetic, playful, and enjoys being active and spending time with others. She especially loves playing with dolls and Barbies, pretend cooking, watching Bluey and Peppa Pig, playing games, and watching videos on her tablet. She also enjoys outdoor activities, including riding her scooter, running, visiting playgrounds and parks, and spending time with family and friends.

The right person will help her develop independence, strengthen communication and social skills, build positive relationships, and safely participate in recreational and community activities. She does best with predictable routines, consistent expectations, patience, and positive encouragement. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working one-on-one with children and wants to develop a meaningful, consistent relationship with the person they support.

Pay: $23 per hour

Schedule

This is a part-time position, primarily involving after-school hours during the school year. Scheduling and the availability of additional hours can be discussed with the family.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide one-on-one supervision and support at home and in the community
• Help plan and participate in recreational activities, including playground visits, outdoor play, and community outings
• Encourage positive social interactions, friendships, and age-appropriate communication skills
• Support development of independence, daily living skills, and personal care routines, including dressing, hygiene, and toileting as needed
• Help establish and reinforce consistent routines and expectations
• Encourage appropriate ways to express feelings, communicate needs, and manage frustration
• Provide calm, patient support when she becomes upset, anxious, or resistant to changes in routine. She can occasionally become frustrated when told "no," when activities do not go as expected, or when she has difficulty communicating. The right candidate should be comfortable using positive reinforcement, redirection, and consistent behavioral support strategies.
• Help introduce new hobbies, activities, and community experiences appropriate to her age, abilities, and interests
• Reinforce personal and community safety skills, including safe behavior during outings and transportation
• Provide transportation to activities and community outings as needed
• Complete required documentation related to services provided

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Valid New York State driver's license required
• Reliable personal transportation required
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment
• Dependable, patient, energetic, encouraging, and comfortable working one-on-one
• Ability to maintain a calm, consistent approach when responding to behavioral challenges
• Experience working with children, individuals with autism, ADHD, developmental disabilities, special education, childcare, or direct care is preferred but not required

Candidates with backgrounds in childcare, education, special education, behavioral support, recreation, or other helping professions are encouraged to apply. For someone accustomed to a busy group-care environment, this position offers the opportunity to focus on one individual, build a positive relationship, and help a young girl develop greater independence, confidence, and participation in her community.

Pay: From $23.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Benefits:

Salary : $23