Direct Support Professional for Employment Skills- Bronx

As a Direct Support Professional for Employment Skills at AHRC New York City, your key responsibilities include assisting participants in developing their social skills and daily living habits, transporting individuals to and from the day program, and documenting daily progress in reports. You will play an essential role in helping individuals navigate daily challenges while advocating for their needs in a supportive environment.

To qualify as a Direct Support Professional for Employment Skills at AHRC NYC, candidates should ideally have personal or professional experience working with individuals with disabilities. A valid NYS Driver's License is required, along with a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, having an understanding of Person Centered Planning and the ability to communicate effectively are crucial assets.

The pay rate for the Direct Support Professional for Employment Skills position at AHRC New York City starts at $17 to $17.82 per hour, depending on your education level. Additionally, there is a pay increase available after six months of employment, rewarding employees who maintain good standing with an increase to $18 to $18.82 per hour.

At AHRC New York City, Direct Support Professionals can enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes full medical insurance paid by the company, paid time off for sick, personal, and vacation days, dental and vision insurance, tuition reimbursement, a generous retirement plan with a company match, life insurance, and even employee discounts. These benefits reflect our commitment to the well-being of our staff.

AHRC New York City provides paid training for Direct Support Professionals, ensuring that all staff are well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to support individuals effectively. This training is a vital part of our commitment to excellence in service delivery, allowing employees to be confident and capable in their roles.

When asked about your experience working with individuals with disabilities, focus on specific roles you've held, the types of disabilities you've encountered, and the skills you've developed. Share anecdotes demonstrating your compassion and the impact you've made, highlighting any relevant training or certifications.

In responding to challenging behaviors, emphasize your understanding of Person Centered Planning and behavioral management strategies. Discuss specific techniques you've used in the past to de-escalate situations and maintain a positive environment, while ensuring the participant's dignity and safety.

To answer this question, explain your approach to building relationships, such as active listening, showing understanding, and engaging in their interests. Provide examples of how these strategies have fostered trust and communication in past roles.

When discussing how to support participants in achieving their employment goals, outline your approach to assessing their skills and interests, creating a personalized plan, and providing ongoing encouragement and assistance. Make sure to mention any relevant experiences where you've successfully guided someone towards employment.

Your answer should convey genuine passion for the position and the mission of AHRC NYC. Discuss personal motivations, such as a desire to empower individuals with disabilities, and what draws you to the unique aspects of the organization, such as their community impact and values.

To demonstrate your organizational skills, discuss methods you use for prioritization, such as creating daily schedules or to-do lists. Highlight your flexibility and ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality support for participants.

When discussing documentation, emphasize its importance in tracking participant progress and ensuring accountability. Create a response that showcases your attention to detail and your systematic approach to completing reports while respecting confidentiality.

Collaboration is key in the role of a Direct Support Professional. Discuss your commitment to open communication and teamwork, giving examples of how you've successfully worked alongside families, therapists, or other professionals to meet the needs of participants.

This is an opportunity to showcase your problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Share a specific example where you faced a challenge, focusing on the steps you took to defuse the situation and the positive outcome that followed.

When asked about essential qualities, highlight traits such as patience, empathy, communication skills, and adaptability. Connect these qualities to your experience, demonstrating how they have helped you succeed in previous roles while providing excellent support to individuals with disabilities.