Direct Support Professional, Residential Services

People•Lackawanna, NY

About The Position

Direct Support Professionals support the character, choices, strengths, interests, and needs of the people served while helping maintain a safe, healthy, and clean environment. They plan, coordinate, and implement meaningful daily activities that promote independence, inclusion, and productivity, including support with daily living, personal care, and activities such as games, music, and art. The role includes following each person's service plan, completing tasks related to health and safety, and providing support with social and recreational activities, homework, meals, cleaning, and laundry as applicable. Staff document services, attend required meetings and trainings, maintain compliance with agency and OPWDD requirements, and may transport people when approved to drive. The position may also involve administering medications and performing CPR and SCIP-R duties in accordance with required procedures.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or GED.
Valid driver's license that meets agency policy.
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Ability to read, write, and comprehend plans and documentation.
Basic computer skills for communication and documentation.
Ability to meet physical requirements including standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, and climbing.
Ability to lift 35 pounds.
Ability to support people with repositioning, lifting, and transferring as required by their person-centered plans.
Physical agility and ability to react to emergency situations.
CPR certification.
SCIP-R certification as per regulatory guidelines.

Responsibilities

Respect and maintain the confidentiality of the people served.
Demonstrate a positive and caring attitude toward people served, families, and staff.
Plan, coordinate, and implement daily activities related to daily living, personal care, and person-centered goals that promote independence, inclusion, and productivity.
Ensure each individual's entire service plan is followed.
Complete tasks necessary to ensure the health and safety of each person receiving services.
Safely transport people when approved to drive and following proper procedures.
Perform daily site cleaning, food preparation, and laundry as needed.
In site-based settings, assist people with social and recreational activities, monthly activity calendars, and homework assignments as needed.
Complete daily documentation and other paperwork promptly and accurately in accordance with OPWDD and agency standards.
Attend and participate in staff meetings, in-service training, and other pertinent agency meetings and trainings.
Maintain compliance with required agency and OPWDD trainings.
Work assignments as needed within the agency, shift, and other availability.
Perform CPR and Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention (SCIP-R).
Record time worked at the start and end of each shift and work the minimum number of accepted hours hired for.
Administer medications and follow proper procedures as required.
Adhere to the DSP manual and comply with all agency policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.