DSP Trainer

Goodwill Greater New York and Northern New Jersey (GWNYNJ) believes that the power of work and sustainable fashion is how we unlock the good in our communities. For over 100 years, we have helped people get jobs, stay employed, and progress in careers across New York and Northern New Jersey. We believe that diversity drives innovation and strengthens our workplace. We are committed to fostering our inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, experiences, and abilities.

Goodwill NYNJ
Direct Support Professional (DSP) Trainer
Position: DSP Trainer (1.0 FTE)
Program: Workforce Development / Human Services
Reports To: Manager of Occupational Initiatives
Location: New York, NY (hybrid; field-based as required)
Salary Range: $50,000 – $60,000 annually, commensurate with experience

About Goodwill NYNJ
Goodwill NYNJ helps people with disabilities and other barriers to employment build independence through the power of work. Our workforce development programs connect New Yorkers to training, credentials, and meaningful careers.

Position Summary
The DSP Trainer designs, coordinates, and delivers competency-based training that prepares workforce program participants for careers as Direct Support Professionals in New York’s intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) field. The Trainer ensures curricula meet OPWDD requirements and human services best practices, and that graduates are equipped to deliver high-quality, person-centered support. The role partners closely with program and employer-partner staff to move participants from training to employment.
Key Responsibilities
• Curriculum Design & Development: Develop, adapt, and update training curricula, lesson plans, and materials aligned with OPWDD requirements, NADSP competencies, and adult learning principles.
• Instruction & Facilitation: Deliver engaging classroom, hands-on, and virtual training on core DSP topics, including person-centered planning, positive behavior supports, health and safety, daily living assistance, rights and dignity, and regulatory compliance.
• Competency Assessment: Evaluate participant performance through practical and written assessments; provide supportive feedback and individualized remediation plans to ensure readiness for employment.
• Participant Support: Foster an inclusive, encouraging learning environment; identify participants who need additional support and coordinate with case management and career services staff.
• Program Coordination: Manage training schedules and cohorts, track attendance and progress, and ensure training milestones align with grant deliverables and deadlines.
• Employer Partnership & Placement: Collaborate with employer partners and job developers to align training with workforce needs and support participants’ transition into DSP roles.
• Quality Improvement: Gather feedback from participants, employer partners, and program staff to identify training gaps and continuously improve program outcomes.
• Compliance & Documentation: Maintain accurate records of training activities, certifications, and compliance logs in accordance with agency policy and grant requirements; contribute to grant reporting.
Success Measures
Success in this role will be measured by grant-aligned outcomes, including:
• Participant enrollment, attendance, and training completion rates
• Certification and credential attainment
• Job placement and retention in DSP roles
• Participant and employer-partner satisfaction
• Timely, accurate documentation and grant reporting

Qualifications
Required:
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Human Services, Social Work, Organizational Development, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience may be substituted.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in human services, direct support, staff training, or adult education.
• Knowledge: Working knowledge of human services regulations, curriculum design, and adult learning and instructional techniques.
• Skills: Excellent public speaking, facilitation, organizational, and interpersonal skills; proficiency with Microsoft Office and virtual training platforms.
Preferred:
• Experience in New York’s I/DD or workforce development sectors, including knowledge of OPWDD requirements.
• OPWDD PROMOTE Instructor certification, or willingness to obtain it within a defined period after hire.
• CPR/First Aid Instructor certification (e.g., American Heart Association or American Red Cross).
• Familiarity with the NADSP Code of Ethics, competency areas, and DSP credentialing framework.
• Experience training adult learners from diverse backgrounds, including people with barriers to employment.

What We Offer

• Generous time-off policy to use when you need it.
• Health, wellness, and financial resources to help you achieve your personal goals.
• Robust health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, parental leave, and company-sponsored life insurance.
• Retirement matching programs and contributions.
• Transit and commuter benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Goodwill NYNJ is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified applicants upon request.

#IND1

We believe in creating space for everyone to do their best work and have individual and collective impact. We believe in challenging the status quo and setting ambitious goals in the name of doing more good. We believe that being your best self and helping others do the same is how we bring our mission alive. Even if you don’t think you meet all the qualifications listed for the job, we would love to hear from you!

If you require a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, or if you are unable to apply through our recruitment portal, please contact us at humanresources@goodwillny.org. We are happy to assist and ensure you have an equal opportunity to apply.