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.

Compensation: $23/hour

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)

Tuition/Professional development assistance

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Employee discounts

Job Summary:

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.

Position Type & Expected Hours of Work

• Full-time: 36 hours per week

• Flexible four-day work week

• Weekday shifts are 8 hours, weekend shifts are 12 hours, up to 15 hours as agreed upon with management.

  Essential Functions & 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.

  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

• Minimum 1-year relevant experience; residential school/program experience preferred.

• Experience in crisis intervention and working with adolescents/young adults on the autism spectrum preferred.

• Experience with personal care, hygiene support, and activities of daily living (ADLs) preferred.

• High school diploma/GED required; bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field preferred.

  Skills & Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including documentation and reporting.

• Ability to build relationships with students and peers in a collaborative environment.

• Critical thinking, multitasking, and problem-solving skills in fast-paced situations.

• Capacity to manage challenging behaviors, including aggressive situations.

• Ability to obtain TCIS training and remain current on required trainings.

  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/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.

   

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