Direct Support Professional (CLS)

AHRC Nassau • Valley Stream, NY

5d

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional supports people living in the Community Living Services program and promotes the agency’s mission and guiding principles. The role helps individuals maintain a high quality of life by providing only the level of assistance needed to encourage independence and engagement in daily routines, including self-care, health, safety, household chores, socialization, and overall well-being.

The position supports individuals in participating in community life, developing and maintaining relationships, managing household tasks, preparing meals, and following treatment plans. It also includes medication administration, transportation, documentation, participation in interdisciplinary and house meetings, and mentoring new Direct Support Staff. The role requires regular and substantial unsupervised or unrestricted physical contact with people receiving services and successful completion of a fingerprint and criminal background check. Training on Personal Outcome Measures (POM) is required before completing evaluations and assessments.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Submit a valid New York State driver’s license and maintain qualified driver status throughout employment.
• Ability to communicate and understand written and oral directives and information.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, which may include lifting and transferring children and/or adults.
• Successful completion of a fingerprint and criminal background check.
• Complete Personal Outcome Measures (POM) training before conducting evaluations and assessments.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Practice and promote the agency’s mission statement and guiding principles in every interaction.
• Provide ongoing guidance and support to individuals with intellectual and other disabilities, enabling active participation in all aspects of their lives.
• Provide only the level of support necessary to encourage individuals’ independence and engagement in daily routines.
• Support individuals in becoming active community members and in maintaining and building natural supports and relationships.
• Help ensure a safe and clean home by supporting individuals with household chores and participating in chores as needed.
• Follow treatment plans and use corresponding adaptive and safety equipment to promote independence and protect individuals’ health, safety, and well-being.
• Support meal preparation by teaching diet adherence, portion control, and cooking skills.
• Assist with medication administration according to AMAP policies and procedures.
• Implement and document treatment plans and agency materials, including residential habilitation goals, medical case notes, and communication logs.
• Follow overtime, scheduling, and minimum staffing policies and procedures.
• Attend and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss progress and goal achievements and to share and gather information and ideas.
• Transport individuals to medical appointments, shopping, recreational outings, and other destinations as needed.
• Mentor new Direct Support Staff by demonstrating supportive routines and reviewing training manuals.
• Participate in House Meetings and maintain required certifications and training.
• Perform other duties as requested by the supervisor.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED