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UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTH COUNTRY•Town of Oswegatchie, NY

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional partners with adults with developmental disabilities to build meaningful, person-centered lives defined by their own choices and goals. Through collaboration, advocacy, and teaching, the role supports independence, daily living skills, and community connections while fostering dignity, respect, and inclusion. The position is part-time, 30 hours per week, and primarily follows a Monday-through-Friday daytime schedule, with one weekend day per month required. Some flexibility across hours and days is required based on organizational and individual needs. The position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime after 40 hours worked. Starting pay is $18.90 per hour, paid biweekly. Eligible new hires may receive a $750 sign-on bonus under the terms described in the posting. The role provides support to adults with developmental disabilities in day and community habilitation services. Duties include ensuring health, safety, and well-being; promoting self-advocacy, independence, community participation, and positive relationships; teaching daily living and self-care skills; collaborating with team members and families; completing required documentation; and transporting individuals to activities and appointments. The Direct Support Professional may work varied hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet individual needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Successful completion of the Agency orientation and training program.
New York State driver’s license and two years of driving experience.
Acceptable motor vehicle abstract meeting Agency insurability standards.
Reliable personal vehicle available for business use.
Ability to frequently lift 25–50 pounds and transfer and support individuals, with or without assistance.
Physical strength to respond safely to a behavioral crisis.
Ability to operate personal and Agency vehicles.
Ability to walk and stand for extended periods.
Ability to tolerate some exposure to infectious diseases, hygiene issues, food, and other odors.
Ability to tolerate atmospheric conditions during regular outdoor seasonal activities.
Ability to operate mechanical devices used by individuals.

Responsibilities

Ensure individuals’ health, safety, and overall well-being through attentive care and supervision.
Support self-advocacy, choice-making, problem-solving, and coping skills; respond appropriately to medical, behavioral, or safety concerns.
Accompany and support individuals in accessing social, educational, vocational, and recreational opportunities in the community.
Teach skills that promote independence, including transportation use, accessing community resources, and interacting with others.
Help individuals build and maintain respectful, supportive relationships with peers, family members, and community partners.
Model effective communication, cooperation, and conflict-resolution strategies, and coach individuals in social interactions.
Participate in staff meetings and collaborate with colleagues on person-centered approaches and best practices.
Teach and reinforce daily living and self-care skills, including personal hygiene, nutrition, budgeting, and home management.
Complete timely, thorough documentation of services, progress, and outcomes, including notes for billing and program reporting.
Maintain confidentiality and comply with regulatory, agency, and professional standards.
Transport individuals to scheduled activities, appointments, and community events, following safety standards and individual needs.
Support individuals in developing travel skills to increase independence.
Communicate with families, advocates, and other support networks about progress, concerns, and successes, and collaborate on person-centered goals.
Work a varied schedule and adjust supports to meet changing individual needs and priorities.
Perform other duties assigned by supervisors and contribute to a positive, respectful workplace culture.