Direct Support Professional (Part-Time Community Mentor) - Syracuse, NY

ADVOCATES INCORPORATED • Town of Geddes, NY

2d • $16 - $34

About The Position

Advocates is seeking a part-time Direct Support Professional (DSP), also described as a one-to-one community Mentor, to support people with developmental disabilities in the Syracuse, New York area and surrounding communities. The Mentor works individually with a person to assist with day-to-day tasks, hobbies, and interests, and to support the development and achievement of greater independence. Support needs vary by person and may include teaching independent living and communication skills, supporting social, recreational, and physical fitness activities in the community, and helping with cooking and baking.

Part-time positions are available for up to 20 hours per week. Shifts vary across the week and typically fall between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Pay is $19.30–$34.00 per hour for direct support and $16.00 per hour for indirect work or training. Direct-support pay typically reflects the level of support required by the individual. The Mentor does not set the staff salary; pay is based on the provider's rate for the service and an assessment of the individual's behavioral, communication, and physical support needs.

The role calls for a patient, compassionate, flexible, punctual, organized person with effective communication and leadership skills, sound judgment, and attention to detail when recording time, mileage, and service documentation electronically. A valid email address is required. A valid driver's license and auto insurance are required if needed for the assigned job. Background checks are required.

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's 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 be able to tolerate moderate noise and handle distractions.
• Must be able to perform physical aspects of the job, including sitting, standing, using hands to reach, walking, pushing, and lifting up to 50 pounds; reasonable accommodations may be made.
• Must complete required background checks.

Nice To Haves

• GED or high school diploma preferred.
• Applicable job experience preferred.
• Previous personal or professional experience with people with disabilities is a plus but is not required.
• Experience or education in caregiving, human services, special education, CNA work, psychology, social work, education, behavioral health, or a related field is encouraged.
• Previous experience working one-to-one in a related service environment preferred.
• Knowledge of disability-related issues preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist the person supported with day-to-day tasks, hobbies, and interests.
• Support the person in building and achieving independence.
• Help implement independent living skills.
• Teach skills for communicating and interacting with others.
• Assist the person in accessing social, recreational, and physical fitness opportunities in the community.
• Teach skills such as cooking and baking.
• Electronically document daily time, mileage, and services.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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