Direct Support Professional - Syracuse NY

ADVOCATES INCORPORATED • Town of Geddes, NY

4d • $16 - $21 • Onsite

About The Position

Advocates is seeking a Mentor (DSP/1:1 support staff) to support a gentleman with a developmental disability in working toward his goals at home and in the community. Support may include health and fitness activities such as using the gym and walking at parks; accessing community activities of his choosing, such as classes and the zoo, and building connections with others; and developing independent living skills such as grocery shopping, cooking, and household tasks. The goal is to help him live as independently as possible.

The Mentor should be reliable, enthusiastic, creative, and active. The role requires attention to detail when electronically recording daily time, mileage, and service documentation. The position is located in Syracuse, New York. Scheduled hours are Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and Wednesday on alternating weeks from 9 AM to 2 or 2:30 PM and 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Full-time opportunities may be available. Direct support is paid at $21 per hour; indirect and training time is paid at $16 per hour. Mileage is reimbursed at the IRS standard rate when transporting the individual.

Advocates is a human services organization with over 1,300 employees serving people throughout Central New York and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Mentor does not set the staff salary in this model; pay is based on the provider’s rate for the service and an assessment of the individual’s behavioral, communication, and physical support needs.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a valid email address.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance if required for the assigned job.
• Must demonstrate sound decision-making skills and understanding of the agency mission.
• Must support person-centered services, self-advocacy, and the right and ability of people served to self-direct their supports and services.
• Must demonstrate patience and compassion.
• Must be able to read and comprehend instructions and correspondence and write correspondence.
• Must have basic reasoning skills, including the ability to analyze and problem solve.
• Must tolerate moderate workplace noise and handle distractions.
• Must be able to handle the physical aspects of the job, including sitting, standing, using hands to reach, walking, pushing, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Background checks are required.

Nice To Haves

• Related experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred but not required.
• GED or high school diploma is preferred.
• Applicable job experience is preferred.
• Previous experience working 1:1 in a related service environment is preferred.
• Knowledge of disability-related issues is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the individual in working toward goals at home and in the community.
• Assist with health and fitness activities, including using the gym and walking at parks.
• Support access to community activities chosen by the individual, including classes and the zoo, and help build connections with others.
• Help develop independent living skills, including grocery shopping, cooking, and household tasks.
• Promote the individual’s ability to live as independently as possible and support person-centered services and self-direction.
• Electronically document daily time, mileage, and services with attention to detail.
• Provide transportation to the individual when required for the job.

Benefits

• Mileage reimbursement at the IRS standard rate when providing transportation to the individual.
• Life and long-term disability insurance at no cost to the employee.
• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Supplemental life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• 401(k) with up to a 2% match.

What This Job Offers

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