Overview:
Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC) is a 50 year old multi-service not-for-profit organization based on the settlement house model and located in the Bronx. We provide resources for Bronx residents from cradle to career to advance education and well-being for a vibrant community. KHCC serves over 5,000 families annually with an inclusive environment for children with special needs, low-income families, recent immigrants, survivors of sexual and domestic abuse, and at-risk teens. KHCC helps participants overcome adversity and develop the skills they need to build bright futures.
Position Overview
Specific Duties and Responsibilities as a DSP:
- Create and lead simple recreational activities including adapted physical education, arts and crafts, STEM, CookShop and other recreational activities for participants as needed;
- Assist Program Direct Support Professionals and participants in various activities;
- Assist participants with homework;
- Assist with daily living of participants (escorting participants from bus/van to center; bathroom assistance; serving snacks and dinner; escorting and supervising participants at various field trip sites; etc.) and provide hands-on support and supervision;
- Work together with other DSPs as a team to provide constant positive and active engagement with participants;
- Follow dietary guidelines as directed in participants plans;
- Engage participants, encourage participation and lead participant discussions to keep them active and engaged in learning;
- Assess and monitor individual participant's performance to ensure participants are keeping up with their assigned individual goals;
- Work with supervisors and co-workers to meet program needs;
- Participate in regular staff meetings and required trainings;
- Take attendance, complete the Respite Documentation Records, submit Activity Plans and case notes;
- Accompany participants to various field trips during their full-day camp times;
- Make sure that all participants are safe and spend as useful and pleasant time in the program as possible;
- Excellent physical condition to be able to be hands-on and engaged with participants;
- Patience and caring attitude toward participants;
- Report to Program Director in case of suspecting child/adult abuse and/or neglect.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities as a Driver/Matron:
- Drive the agency's 15-passenger van to transport After School Respite participants from the center to home when needed;
- Drive the agency's 15- passenger van during full day camps to various field trips when needed;
- Communicate with both parents and the Director/Assistant Director of Special Needs Program when drop off gets delayed, or regarding any issues/concerns happening in the van during the route;
- Design new route if drop off is needed for new Respite Program participant(s);
- Keep daily pick up log; keep van clean; take pictures of the van and send them to the dedicated google drive folder before and after using the van; and follow all tasks/instructions stated in the "Kingsbridge Heights Community Center's Driver Policy";
- Comply with all performance standards guidelines;
- Any other duties as assigned by the Buildings and Grounds and Special Needs Program Director.
Qualifications:
- Must be authorized to work for any employer in the US
- Valid and clean NYS Driver's License
- Experience driving a 15-passenger van
- Willing to undergo fingerprinting and background checks in accordance with federal, state and local laws
- HS Degree/GED (Associate or Bachelor's Degree in Education/Special Education or Social Work is preferred but not required)
- Some experience working with I/DD school-aged children and teens
- Good judgment skill
- Creativity
- Patience
- Enthusiasm, lots of energy
- Caring attitude towards I/DD teens and adults
Physical Demands:
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; handle, or feel; talk, hear, smell or taste. On rare occasions it may be necessary to move quickly, run, etc. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Schedule:
- 50 hours bi-weekly + as needed. If available, employee will be required to work full-time during our full-day camps (1 week in February; 1 week in April, 2 weeks in August).
Benefits:
- Paid Safe and Sick Leave
- NYS Disability
- NYS Paid Family Leave
- Birthday Time Off
- 403(b) Retirement Plan
- FSA, DCA, Transit and Parking