Job Description
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: $20/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 1 st shift Direct Support Professional (DSP) 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. They provide front line direct care to either a group of students or as a one-to-one in the educational environment. The education DSP is 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 a coach and mentor, they work 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.
Position Type & Expected Hours of Work - Full-time
- Monday-Thursday, 7:45am – 3:45pm; Friday 7:45am – 3:15pm
- Please note: Holidays/school breaks may fall during regularly scheduled shifts. They are still workdays unless approved off by supervisor.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities - Support students under the guidance of a Special Education Teacher.
- Prepare and adapt materials, equipment, and assistive devices as directed.
- Facilitate students’ progress toward independence and assist with personal care tasks when necessary.
- Monitor and assist students during educational, recreational activities, and in achieving IEP goals.
- Maintain confidentiality of student information and ensure safety protocols are followed.
- Assist with administering and recording assessments and participate in professional development.
- Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support using SOIS protocols.
- Attend IEP team meetings, staff meetings, and report emergencies in line with Shrub Oak policies.
- Collaborate effectively in a team environment.
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 - Experience with special needs populations as a 1:1, paraprofessional, or in a related role.
- Background working with adolescents/young adults on the autism spectrum or with developmental disabilities.
- Experience managing challenging behaviors and applying crisis prevention/intervention strategies.
- High school diploma or GED required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred.
Skills & Abilities - Passionate about mentoring students to empower self-determination and growth.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with an ability to complete documentation accurately.
- Excellent organizational, facilitation, and multitasking abilities.
- Professional, collaborative, and courteous in interactions with students, staff, and parents.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Willingness to undergo TCIS training and maintain all required certifications.
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: Located in Mohegan Lake, NY. 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.
Job Tags
Holiday work, Full time, Outdoor, Flexible hours, Shift work, Day shift,