Direct Support Professional - New Transitional Home for Young Adults

Coarc•Chatham, NY

41d

About The Position

Are you passionate about helping young adults build the skills they need to live independently? COARC is launching an exciting new residential program designed to support young adults as they transition toward living independently in their own communities. We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Direct Support Professionals who will empower individuals through hands-on skill development and consistent, person-centered support. As a Direct Support Professional, you'll play a vital, hands-on role in helping young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain the confidence and skills needed to live as independently as possible. In this new home, you will support individuals in daily routines and teach essential life skills such as: Cooking, meal planning, and nutrition Budgeting, banking, and financial decision-making Personal care and hygiene Household responsibilities and organization Employment readiness and community involvement Safe decision-making, communication, and problem-solving In this role, you will encourage choice, dignity, self-direction, and personal growth while helping individuals build the foundation for a successful transition to independent living.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED (TASC) preferred.
Exceptional communication and computer skills.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to be certified in all required trainings.
Occasionally required to lift up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

One-year experience working with people with disabilities (preferred).

Responsibilities

Develop a shared relationship with the person that supports the unique personal desires and needs of each person supported; provide assistance to the person with decision-making, problem-solving and providing encouragement to become as much of a self-advocate as possible.
Assist the person to know their own personal strengths and worth; assist the person in sharing those personal traits with others in a variety of community settings; support the person in making friends within their natural community settings.
Work in a professional and ethical manner; establish a trusting relationship with the people supported by being reliable and on time when providing supports and/or activities based on the person's stated valued outcomes and goals; always work towards assisting the person to achieve maximum success by developing a mutually respectful relationship with the person and their "Circle of Supports".
Support healthy living practices, inclusive of diet, exercise, stress reduction and emotional support, medical and dental health practices as needed or requested by the people supported.
As needed, provide assistance based on the person's plan of care, including but not limited to assistance with hygiene, dressing, using the bathroom, and/or showering.
Understand and report all instances of physical or emotional harm to the person by others in accordance with Agency policies and procedures relative to OPWDD Part 624 and 625 regulations; ensure the safety and well-being of the person immediately following any incidents of physical or emotional harm.
Be familiar with all safety measures and procedures for on-site and off-site activities, including requirements for using kitchen equipment, use of bathrooms/public restrooms and use of vehicles; assist the person supported to learn basic responses to fire emergencies, environmental emergencies and medical emergencies; provide support to the person via their Behavior Plan or Monitoring Plan (as applicable).
Assist the person supported in maintaining a comfortable, orderly and clean environment; support the person in enjoying life by teaching them to care for their surroundings, inclusive of cleaning activities, care for clothing and minor repairs (within the scope of each person's skills and abilities).
Encourage and support the person to take part in volunteer, educational, recreational and work activities in their community.
As needed, provide medication administration support to each person based on their skills and abilities as defined in their plan(s); comply with all Agency policies and procedures relative to the administration of medications to people supported.
Participate in the development and review of each person's service planning meetings; know and understand the unique aspects of each person's plan(s); document all services delivered in the mode and manner prescribed by agency policies and procedures; advocate for changes on each person's behalf when necessary or requested by the person; participate in any other team meetings with or for the person necessary to ensure each person's needs and wants are being addressed and that each person is successfully supported towards meeting their stated outcomes/goals.
Safely operate Agency vehicles per policy and per NYS Traffic Laws, and whenever transporting people supported.
Attend all required trainings and maintain all required trainings per Agency policies and procedures; maintain all required certifications necessary for the people we support.
May be required to work beyond scheduled hours when mandated to ensure adequate staff coverage.
May be required to provide coverage for alternate people, and/or at another location, when requested by Management or Administrator on Duty.
Required to attend staff meetings and trainings that may fall outside of regular schedule.