About the Els for Autism FoundationEls for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by Liezl and Ernie Els. The Els' son, Ben, is impacted by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) which affects 1 in 36 children in the U.S. The Foundation serves families throughout the world via telehealth therapeutic and virtual programs and offers in-person programs and services at The Els Center of Excellence® in Jupiter, Florida.Overview of the Position:The Adult Day Training Program Direct Support Professional works with graduate/doctoral level professionals and highly experienced staff in a team atmosphere to facilitate programs, provide direct supervision, support participants, develop Implementation Plans in coordination with the Adult Day Training Program Coordinator, and collect and interpret data for goal attainment. The Direct Support Professional will utilize evidence-based practices for individuals with ASD and related developmental disabilities to assist participants and carry out the goals of the program. The Direct Support Professional will need to be able to actively participate and assist participants during volunteer projects and instructional classes while out in the community and on-site. In addition, the Direct Support Professional will actively participate in a variety of physical activities such as fitness, swimming, and golf. The Direct Support Professional will support programs that take place at The Els Center of Excellence® and in community-based settings.Typical Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide continuous direct support to, and supervision of, program participants through coaching, modeling, and hands-on support.
- Maintain knowledge of all program participants' medical, physical, communication and behavioral needs/concerns.
- Follow behavioral and safety program procedures to ensure participants' safety.
- Provide direct and continuous supervision of program participants during activities, instructional classes, lessons, volunteer projects, transition times to and from locations.
- Actively participate directly with the participants in all program activities during scheduled work hours.
- Assist program volunteers during program activities.
- Report all concerns, accidents, and/or incidents to Adult Day Training Program Coordinator or the Program Director as written in the policies and procedures manual.
- Ability to assume van driver or attendant duties as needed.
- Track and monitors van usage, mileage, preventive maintenance, gas and cleanliness.
- Communicate with participant parents, guardians, and/or caregivers to develop implementation plan.
- Collect, document, and maintain participant data for programs.
- Work directly with the Adult Day Training Coordinator and Instructors to keep up to date with program schedules including off-site trips, structured activities, learning experiences, special guests, and arrangement of activities.
- Provide feedback about activities and outings.
- Maintain physical environment for program activity.
- Ensure a safe physical environment for all.
Required Qualifications/Work Environment:
- High School diploma or equivalent plus some experience as a caregiver.
- Minimum of 1 year experience working with children or adults with ASD or other developmental disabilities.
- Ability to complete and receive certificate in professional crisis management program after hire.
- Work is performed in a classroom setting on the Els for Autism Campus.
- Schedule is Monday-Friday.
- Dress is workplace casual.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 2 years' experience in a similar capacity working with children, youth and/or adults with ASD or other developmental disabilities.
- Bachelor's degree in education, Special Education, Psychology, Social Work or Human Services.
- RBT certification
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) or HeartSaver and CPR certification
- Valid Florida Driver's License, with the ability to drive.
Els for Autism is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Els for Autism is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace, where diversity is valued and all individuals, regardless of background, identity, or ability, are respected and provided equal opportunities for success. To learn more, please visit elsforautism.org.Must successfully complete a Level 2 background check