Direct Support Professional - Community Pre-Voc

$34,320 - $37,440/Yr

Brooklyn Community Services

Full-time - Entry Level

About the position

The Community Prevocational Trainer (DSP) at Brooklyn Community Service is responsible for empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a person-centered approach. This role focuses on fostering independence by providing proactive training and practical experiences in community settings, including volunteer opportunities. The trainer will schedule individualized activities and ensure that participants engage in integrated community experiences while promoting social skills and personal empowerment.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a group of individuals participating in off-site volunteer opportunities.
• Ensure adherence to the group's weekly activity sheet and appropriate social behavior during community participation.
• Incorporate life skills, job skills, and travel skills during group and volunteer activities to facilitate community integration.
• Engage in person-centered planning with individuals and create an empowering environment.
• Attend to individuals' personal care as needed.
• Complete daily checklists, monthly summary notes, and semi-annual and annual habilitation plans.
• Maintain contact with families as necessary.
• Encourage and motivate individuals to attend the program daily (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.).
• Act as a role model by displaying appropriate work behavior.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required; Associates or Bachelor's degree preferred in Human Services, Psychology, or Sociology.
• Previous experience or knowledge in the I/DD field is a plus.
• Work or life experience with intellectual/developmental disabilities is a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills, including problem-solving ability.
• Ability to respond well to supervision and be a team player.
• Computer literate.
• Excellent judgment and sensitivity to the needs of individuals.
• Willingness to take initiative.
• Bi-Lingual Spanish preferred.
• Must pass OPWDD fingerprinting and background check.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the I/DD field
• Bi-Lingual Spanish