Direct Support Professional - (Mornings 7.45am to 3.30pm) at Shrub Oak International School

We are a private day and boarding school in northern Westchester County, serving the needs of an international coed population of children, adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Connect to a career, where passion & purpose combine...

If you’re passionate about working with and mentoring students on the Autism Spectrum --- Come join our team!

What are we looking for?

The Direct Support Professional position is a year-round position reporting to the Director of Education, and working directly with Classroom Teachers over the course of the academic day. Provides front line direct care to one specific student. Responsible for guiding and mentoring a student, providing academic support, handling crisis management, assisting with emergency response procedures, and collaborating with all members of the Shrub Oak staff. As an educator and mentor, works closely with colleagues to create/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 1:1 also actively assists with other programs, events, and services administered through Education/Campus Life, and have the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of Education and Campus Life responsibilities.

Essential Functions – Primary duties of the position

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Working directly with the head classroom teachers, supports student under the direction of a Certificated Special Education Teacher
• Sets up and adapts materials, equipment, and assistive devices for use by student(s) as directed
• Facilitates and supports student progress toward independence
• Monitors and assists students during educational and recreational activities
• Assists student with routine physical and/or personal care not required to be performed by a nurse
• Monitors and assists student in meeting IEP goals and objectives
• Prioritizes work assignments appropriately
• Completes appropriate amount of work in an efficient manner; seeks out additional assignments as time permits
• Maintains confidentiality of student information
• Participates in professional development meetings as needed and required
• Assists with administering, scoring, and recording of assessments
• Participates in crisis intervention as needed and appropriate, and proactively works with students in crisis to de-escalate situations as needed and required using SOIS protocol
• Attends to and reports all emergencies and/or other situations requiring immediate attention in a timely manner to the appropriate staff member(s) in accordance with Shrub Oak policies/procedures
• Works effectively in a team environment
• Attends IEP team meetings and staff meetings as directed and/or scheduled
• Ensures safety procedures are followed
• Performs other duties as assigned .

Required skills, qualifications and competencies

• 48 college credits, AA degree or passing of the Para Assessment Test or relevant combination of post-secondary education and/or experience working with special needs populations as a 1:1, DPS, Social Worker, Recreational Therapist, Registered Behavioral Technician, Behavioral Specialist, paraprofessional, assistant teacher or a related position
• Experience working with adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum and/or students with developmental disabilities
• Passionate about working with and mentoring students (adolescents and young adults) within area of responsibilities, all to empower their self-determination, self-advocacy and development
• Knowledge of and experience with crisis prevention and intervention strategies and practices, and behavior intervention plans
• Demonstrates ability to communicate clearly, concisely in both oral and written form
• Experience working with students on the autism spectrum or with developmental disabilities
• Ability to use Shrub Oak’s technology system
• Accepts feedback for continuous improvement
• Reports promptly for work, utilizes time wisely and maintains an acceptable attendance pattern
• Demonstrates working knowledge of English, spelling, vocabulary and mathematics
• Knowledge of administrative operations, processes, techniques and procedures
• Excellent organizational, communication and group facilitation skills
• Ability to work effectively, professionally and courteously with internal and external contacts, including all Shrub Oak staff, parents, and community constituents
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle multiple tasks with frequent interruptions
• Ability to work well within a team, as well as collaborate with colleagues, and others across disciplines within Shrub Oak staff
• Ability to work flexible hours is required
• Excellent computer skills including but not limited to Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, etc.)

Education and Experience

• Relevant combination of post-secondary education and/or experience working with special needs populations as an Educational Assistant, Paraprofessional, Teacher Assistant, DSP, Social Worker, Recreational Therapist, Registered Behavioral Technician, Behavioral Specialist or a related position
• Experience working with adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum
• 1-year minimum of relevant professional experience required; previous experience working in a school and particularly a boarding program a plus
• Experience working with individuals exhibiting challenging behaviors
• Experience working cross-functionally in a transdisciplinary program to consistently support our students
• Ability to speak multiple languages is a plus
• Valid drivers license preferred

Location: Mohegan Lake, NY 10547

Pay: $20/hour

Perks: Benefits package including health*, vision, dental, and life insurance, tuition assistance, Paid Time Off (PTO), and more!

EEO Statement

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.

Shrub Oak International School 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 disciplinary action including termination.