Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Job Title: Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Reports to: Residential Managers/Residential Director
Department: Residential
Compensation: $20- $23 per hour

Company Overview:
Shrub Oak International School () is a therapeutic day and residential school for autistic children, adolescents, and young adults with complex co-occurring conditions. Located in northern Westchester County, Shrub Oak offers unparalleled educational opportunities for autistic students in a family-centric, supportive environment. We offer a variety of programs to meet the needs of students across the spectrum, and our curriculum is based on the most advanced and successful evidence-based clinical and academic approaches in ASD education.

Essential Functions:
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a year-round position. In collaboration with the other departments, the DSP provides front line direct care for students and administrative support for daily operations. The DSP is responsible for guiding and mentoring students, assisting with emergency response procedures, and collaborating with all members of the Shrub Oak staff. As a coach and mentor, the DSP works closely with colleagues to create and maintain an inclusive community and foster specific skill development to meet the individualized needs of Shrub Oak’s student population. Having access to confidential information regarding Shrub Oak and its students, discretion and independent judgement is required. The DSP also actively assists with other programs, events, and services administered through Campus Life or Education, and can be involved in a wide range of responsibilities.

• Manage daily care needs, operations, and programs for students.
• Act as a liaison between departments to support day-to-day operations.
• Build trusting relationships with students, understanding their unique needs and promoting a positive, inclusive environment.
• Enforce policies to foster self-advocacy, collaboration, and independence in students.
• Complete administrative tasks, including shift logs, maintenance requests, incident reports, and progress tracking.
• De-escalate crises using SOIS protocols and report emergencies promptly per policies.
• Facilitate on- and off-campus programming tailored to student ITEPs and developmental goals.
• Mentor and support students in life skills, collaborating with faculty and clinicians, and tracking progress.
• Serve as a resource for students and staff, guiding programs, activities, and academic support.
• Plan, evaluate, and oversee educational programs and daily living activities for students.
• Attend required meetings, trainings, and seminars as scheduled.

Please note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Requirements:
Experience & Education:

• 1 year of work experience in a high-volume/demanding customer service or human service position required
• Customer service experience required
• High school diploma/GED or equivalent required
• At least 3 years of experience in a high-volume/demanding customer service or human service position; special consideration given to those with EMT/EMS, CNA/HHA/PCA, or similar experience preferred
• Crisis management and de-escalation experience preferred
• Experience handling aggressive clients/customers preferred
• Experience assisting with hygiene and personal care activities preferred

Skills & Abilities:

• Exceptional written communication skills, specifically involving documentation, progress notes, incident reports, and other related administrative tasks
• Exceptional verbal communication skills
• Skilled in managing challenging behaviors and executing de-escalation techniques
• Ability and willingness to learn new skills
• Ability to display grit and resilience and maintain composure
• Strong ability to build relationships with students and peers
• Strong ability to process and retain information and to think critically and analytically during crisis
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and manage competing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to succeed in a fast-paced, unpredictable environment
• Ability to handle highly challenging behaviors, including those aggressive in nature
• Ability to get TCIS trained and complete/maintain all required trainings

Benefits:
Available for full-time employees. An overview of our benefits:

• Insurance coverage: Health, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Flexible spending account (FSA)
• Paid time off (PTO)
• 401k w/ company match
• Tuition/Professional development assistance
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Employee discounts

Physical Requirements/Demands:
A workday regularly includes multiple or conflicting demands, deadlines and time pressures; work regularly requires sustained concentration. Standing for sustained periods of time, bending, stretching, walking up and down stairs (building has 6 floors), around a hilly campus as needed, may also require walking between floors or between buildings at a moment’s notice. May need to lift/move boxes up to 25 pounds and move or rearrange furniture.

Work Environment:
We are a boarding school located on a 127-acre campus. The work environment will include both indoor and outdoor spaces, mostly inside the classroom or educational environment. May include work within the residential setting. The building has 6 floors accessible by staircases and elevators.

EEO Statement:
Shrub Oak is an equal employment opportunity employer. Shrub Oak International School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to apply for a job or to perform the essentials functions of their job. Please advise us if you require a reasonable accommodation.

Please note:
SOIS maintains a smoke-free environment to ensure the health and safety of our students, employees, and community. Smoking or vaping of any kind is strictly prohibited indoors, outdoors, and during off-campus activities, with enforcement measures in place including smoke/vape detectors. Non-compliance will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.