Direct Support Professional

About the role

At Helen Keller Services, employees work in a community‑focused environment. Since 1967, Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) has been committed to improving the lives of individuals who are DeafBlind or have combined hearing and vision loss, supporting each person’s goals toward independence, employment, and quality of life. HKS strives to provide a healthy work‑life balance for its employees, and HKNC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with a disability to complete the essential functions of their job. Two part‑time Direct Support Professional positions are available in the group home located in Port Washington, NY.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent instruction in personal grooming, communication, home management, wardrobe management, community skills, vocation, leisure and behavior support, under guidance of the Program Advisor and Assistant Program Advisor.
• Participate in programming that promotes an atmosphere conducive to growth and encourages maximum independence and interdependence.
• Conduct regular checks on all consumers during the shift to ensure safety and well‑being.
• Assist consumers with safe evacuation during emergencies at the home, work site or in the community; participate in regularly scheduled drills.
• Accompany and serve as a guide and/or facilitator of communication for consumers and professional staff when assigned; may require occasional use of personal vehicle.
• Obtain CPR and First Aid certification.
• Dispense consumer medications after passing the AMAP course; must become and maintain AMAP certification.
• Sleep‑in as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• Four years of paid experience as a residence/group home aide working with individuals who have intellectual disabilities (preferred).
• One year of experience working with individuals who are DeafBlind, blind, deaf or individuals with multiple disabilities (preferred).
• Valid New York State Driver’s license.
• Familiarity with American Sign Language highly preferred.

Benefits

• Paid Vacation
• Paid Sick Time
• Personal Days
• Paid Holidays
• Fully‑Paid Medical Insurance*
• Short Term Disability / Life Insurance
• Voluntary Ancillary plans
• 403b Program with Employer Match
• Tuition Assistance
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• *Note: Candidates may elect a “No‑Frills” position, which receives an additional 10% premium on the hourly rate but does not participate in the Union Health Insurance Plan; alternative insurance must be shown for eligibility.

Pay

$22.9440 per hour.

Schedule

16 hours per week, Sunday‑Monday, 4 pm – 12 am.