We are seeking a compassionate, patient, and enthusiastic Direct Support Professional to support a young man with Autism and Apraxia who lives in Sykesville, Maryland. This position focuses heavily on communication, community engagement, relationship-building, and supporting the individual in pursuing an active and meaningful life based on his interests and goals. The individual communicates using the Spelling to Communicate (S2C) method and is looking for staff who are willing to learn, listen, and support his ability to express himself. Previous experience with alternative communication methods is helpful but not required. Training and ongoing guidance will be provided. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys meaningful conversation, values neurodiversity, and believes every person deserves the opportunity to communicate, build relationships, make choices, and participate fully in their community. The right candidate will be emotionally aware, patient, flexible, and comfortable supporting someone through moments of frustration, anxiety, or dysregulation while maintaining a calm and supportive approach. Most importantly, we are looking for someone who can build a trusting relationship while helping the individual develop confidence, communication skills, self-advocacy skills, and greater independence in community settings.

Primary Areas of Support:

Communication Support A significant portion of this role involves supporting communication and self-expression.

Responsibilities may include:

Supporting the individual with the Spelling to Communicate method Encouraging self-advocacy and expression of wants, needs, thoughts, and preferences Providing verbal prompts and communication support throughout daily activities Helping facilitate meaningful conversations and social interactions Supporting participation in decision-making and personal goal setting Assisting the individual in communicating with family members, peers, community members, and service providers Behavioral and Emotional Support The individual occasionally experiences challenges related to emotional regulation and behavioral responses.

Staff will be expected to:

Build rapport and establish a trusting relationship Recognize signs of anxiety, frustration, or dysregulation Utilize proactive support strategies to reduce stress and promote success Remain calm and supportive during challenging situations Follow behavioral support recommendations and team guidance Support development of coping skills, problem-solving skills, and self-regulation strategies Help create positive experiences that build confidence and independence Previous experience with autism, positive behavior support, ABA principles, or trauma-informed approaches is beneficial but not required. Community Integration and Relationship Building A primary goal of this position is supporting active participation in community life.

Staff may assist with:

Exploring community activities and recreational opportunities Attending social events, classes, volunteer opportunities, and community programs Building confidence in community settings Developing friendships and meaningful social connections Practicing communication skills in real-life situations Supporting participation in activities based on the individual's interests and preferences Encouraging independence while ensuring health and safety This role is best suited for someone who enjoys being active in the community and helping others build meaningful experiences and connections. Ideal Qualifications We are looking for someone who: Is patient, compassionate, and emotionally aware Enjoys building meaningful relationships Has strong communication and listening skills Is comfortable providing ongoing verbal prompting and encouragement Understands that communication can take many different forms Believes in supporting independence and self-determination Is flexible, creative, and willing to learn new support strategies Can remain calm and positive during challenging situations Enjoys community involvement and helping others pursue their interests

Schedule:

The individual and his family want to start slow with only about 10 hours per week at first and then expand to more hours once a relationship is established. They are open to a flexible schedule with the ideal employee being available to work at least 3 weekday afternoons per week or more. The schedule will remain flexible based on the individual's needs and preferences but will become more regular as he becomes comfortable. The ability to fill in on days when he doesn't attend his day program, or when his family or other staff are unavailable is ideal, but not required. (Weekend support is not needed at this time) Preferred experience includes: Autism support Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) Spelling to Communicate (S2C) Positive Behavior Support Special education Psychology, social work, speech-language pathology, or related fields Direct support or disability services

Requirements:

CPR & First Aid Certification Valid License & Auto insurance Reliable Transportation Ability to pass a background check Experience working with individuals who communicate differently

Pay:

$28.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

Flexible schedule Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Application Question(s): Do you have any experience with Spelling to Communicate? Please indicate your understanding that this position is a part-time position with a flexible schedule. Full-time, overnight and weekend shifts are NOT available. Ability to

Commute:

Sykesville, MD 21784 (Required)

Work Location:

In person