Direct Support Professional

Agency: HASC Center
Location: Home- and community-based (NYC)
Schedule: After school and/or weekends

Position Overview

We are seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide individualized, relationship-based support to a teenage boy (15) with mild Autism (level 1) in his home and community. Services are delivered after school and/or on weekends and are guided by an approved Staff Action Plan (SAP).

This role is ideal for someone who values mentorship, patience, and person-centered support, and who enjoys working with teens in a way that builds confidence, independence, and meaningful community participation.

About the Individual Supported

The individual is a verbal ambulatory teenage boy with mild Autism (level 1) who:

• Learns best through hands-on and experiential activities
• Enjoys gaming, creative projects, animals, and community outings
• Benefits from calm, emotionally attuned support
• Thrives with predictable routines, encouragement, and respectful guidance
• Prefers relationship-based support over compliance-driven approaches

Support focuses on skill-building, confidence, social engagement, and independence, rather than hands-on medical or custodial care.

Responsibilities and Duties

Direct Support & Mentorship

• Provide active supports as outlined in the Staff Action Plan (SAP)
• Build a positive, trusting mentoring relationship
• Support emotional regulation, self-advocacy, and confidence

Daily Living & Skill Development

• Support, coach, and encourage Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) as appropriate when needed

• Focus on skill development, autonomy, and independence, not full physical care

Community & Social Engagement

• Facilitate opportunities for socialization, leisure activities and recreation
• Support participation in community outings aligned with the individual's interests
• Foster community inclusion and integration at a comfortable, individualized pace

General Responsibilities

• Maintain professionalism and follow HASC Center policies
• Perform other related duties consistent with the role

Qualifications and Skills

Required

• New York City resident
• Ability to follow a Staff Action Plan and collaborate with family and agency staff
• Reliable, patient, and respectful demeanor

Preferred

• One (1) year experience working with children or adolescents with Autism and/or I/DD
• Bachelor's or Masters degree in one of the following fields or a related discipline:
• Special Education
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Human Services
• Social Sciences or Behavioral Sciences
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or Autism Studies
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Therapy or Speech-Language Pathology
• Social Work
• Child Development
• Mental Health or Counseling
• Humanities
• Therapeutic Recreation
• Nursing

Equivalent experience will be considered.

This Role Is a Good Fit If You:

• Enjoy mentoring and working with teenagers
• Are calm, patient, and emotionally aware
• Can follow the individual's lead while gently expanding skills
• Value dignity, autonomy, and relationship-based support
• Are comfortable supporting community activities and shared interests

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit/ complete:

• A resume (please attach)
• A brief note or cover letter that includes:
• After-school and/or weekend availability
• A short introduction about yourself
• Your interests, hobbies, talents, and languages spoken
• Indeed Phone screening

Important Notice

**Please do not apply if you do not meet the minimum qualifications.**
Applications that do not meet the stated requirements will not be considered.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $35.00 per hour

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Autism: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)
• Other languages (specify in cover letter) (Preferred)
• English (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person