DSP SR 2 (KC)

Access: Supports for Living•Newburgh, NY

About The Position

Direct Support Professional Seniors 2 work as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide person-centered services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Under the direction of a Supervisor, they support individuals in living happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives through assistance with activities of daily living, health maintenance, personal care, medication administration, meal preparation, and independent living skills. They also encourage advocacy, community integration, and appropriate social skills. The role provides Residential Habilitation and Day Habilitation in a variety of settings, including individuals’ homes and the community as appropriate. DSP Seniors 2 support the DSP Supervisor by mentoring and training Direct Support Professionals, and are responsible for the health and safety of the people they support. Maintaining staffing ratios may require flexibility to work across shifts, programs, and sites, including continuous coverage, weekends, and holidays. The position follows the NADSP Code of Ethics and uses the NYS DSP Core Competencies as a foundation for person-centered support.

Requirements

Demonstrate the skills and attributes outlined in the NYS DSP Core Competencies.
Ability to work in a diverse and inclusive environment with individuals of varying abilities.
Complete mandatory trainings within the first 90 days and maintain ongoing recertifications.
Communicate professionally and effectively in verbal and written forms.
Understand regulations and document services in real time using electronic technology.
Ability to multitask and prioritize job responsibilities.
Respond timely and effectively to emergencies and crisis situations.
Proactively identify, report, and resolve safety or medical concerns.
Ability to accurately count money and complete basic math and banking transactions.
Complete training to become an approved medication administration professional (AMAP), administer medications accurately, and maintain certification without lapse.
Provide person-centered, culturally competent services, which may include celebrating holidays and attending religious services.
Provide leadership and mentorship to a team of DSPs in a residential setting.
Ability to access reliable transportation.
Maintain a valid, unrestricted, insurable driver’s license.
One of the following education and experience pathways: a bachelor’s degree in a related field; an associate degree in any field plus two years of experience; four years of experience; or, for an internal candidate, at least two years of experience with demonstrated capacity for increased responsibility.
DSP Senior 2 assignment is at a Level 2 site with five or more beds, a Level 3 site, or any-level site with a shared DSP Supervisor or shared DSP Senior.
Capable of performing all SCIP interventions.
Able to provide hands-on care to individuals with various physical disabilities, including showering, feeding, and physical assistance.
Ability to perform household cleaning tasks using cleaning supplies.
Able to ascend and descend stairs and participate in light to moderate physical activities.
Ability to use various electronic devices.
Able to provide transportation in vehicles ranging in size from sedans to large passenger vans.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English and Spanish speaking.
Fluency in American Sign Language.

Responsibilities

Advocate for individuals and assist them in achieving desired personal outcomes.
Support individuals in maintaining optimal health, including medical appointments, medication administration, and healthy meal planning and preparation.
Provide continuous care to ensure the safety of individuals, colleagues, and self.
Complete routine household maintenance as needed, including meal preparation, cleaning, and laundry.
Provide personal care, including hands-on assistance when needed.
Help individuals develop independent living skills.
Model appropriate social interactions and use approved crisis intervention techniques and strategies as needed.
Complete documentation and safety checks in accordance with regulations and policies using computer applications and paper records.
Assist with scheduling direct care staff.
Transport individuals to community sites using an agency vehicle.
Mentor, train, oversee, and provide feedback to Direct Support Professionals.
Provide continuous staffing coverage to maintain approved staffing ratios, including flexibility across shifts, programs, and sites.
Provide on-call coverage for the primary site and assigned cluster of sites.
Participate in team and service plan meetings as necessary.
Ensure service plans are written accurately and on time following life plan meetings.
Perform other duties as needed or assigned.