Independent Contractor, Direct Support Worker (DSW)

Independent Contractor, Direct Support Worker (DSW)

Pay Rate: $25-29.71/hour

Part Time: Est. 6 hours/week per client.

Location: Norfolk County (Braintree, Foxboro, Newton, Norwood, Randolph, Walpole), Metro Boston (Allston, Brighton, Brookline), and surrounding towns.

Description

This is a role working as an Independent Contractor with children who are enrolled in the Massachusetts Autism Waiver Program. The Autism Division of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) administers the Children's Autism Waiver Program (AWP) which provides one-to-one interventions to help children with autism who exhibit severe behavioral, social and communication challenges through a service called Expanded Habilitation, Education (intensive in-home services and supports). This service occurs in the child's home or other natural settings under the supervision of trained clinical staff and is available for a total of three years. AWP also provides related support services such as community integration activities and respite. At the conclusion of the three years of intensive services, a child may access supplemental services that meet the child's needs and help with the transition out of the intensive AWP until the child's 10th birthday.

Roles & Responsibilities

• The role of the therapist and direct support provider is to work directly with the child and implement programs written by the senior therapist for the entire scheduled session.
• Providers are required to take adequate data during all sessions based on the programs written by the senior therapist.
• Providers are required to meet with the senior therapist for trainings and ongoing training on the programs at least once a month.
• Providers should feel free to contact the senior therapist with any questions regarding programs they have developed.
• Least restrictive method should always be used. Restraints are prohibited except in an emergency situation. All restraints must be reported to an Autism Support Broker and Clinical Manager within 24 hours.
• All hours must occur within the family's home unless prior approval has been given by an autism clinic manager.
• Program books should be kept in the family's home at all times.

Requirements

Option 1 Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field (Education, Psychology, ABA, Human Services, etc.) from an accredited school

120 hours of supervised training by a licensed professional in the field of autism. 30 hours of this supervised training must be direct supervision in the implementation of positive behavior supports for children with ASD.

Two sessions of initial home visits by Direct Support Professionals must occur under the direct supervision of the Senior Level Therapist, with monthly supervision by a Senior Therapist thereafter.

Option 2 Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field (Education, Psychology, ABA, Human Services, etc.) from an accredited school

160 hours of supervised training by a licensed professional in the field of autism

Two sessions of initial home visits by Direct Support Professionals must occur under the direct supervision of the Senior Level Therapist, with monthly supervision by a Senior Therapist thereafter.

Option 3 Requirements

Associate's degree in a related field (Education, Psychology, ABA, Human Services, etc.) from an accredited school

A minimum of 160 hours of Supervised training by a licensed professional in the field of autism

A minimum of 2 years of fulltime experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, either individually or in small groups, implementing positive behavioral supports or another evidence-based approach

Four sessions of initial home visits by Direct Support Professionals must occur under the direct supervision of the Senior Level Therapist, with monthly supervision by a Senior Therapist thereafter.

Option 4 Requirements

High school diploma, GED or relevant equivalencies or competencies

A minimum of 160 hours of Supervised training by a licensed professional in the field of autism

A minimum of 3 years of fulltime experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, either individually or in small groups, implementing positive behavioral supports or another evidence-based approach

Four sessions of initial home visits by Direct Support Professionals must occur under the direct supervision of the Senior Level Therapist, with monthly supervision by a Senior Therapist thereafter.