Direct Support Professional (CLS)

AHRC Nassau • East Meadow, NY

5d

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional supports people living in the Community Living Services program and promotes the agency’s mission and guiding principles. The role provides individualized assistance with daily routines and wellbeing while offering only the level of support needed to encourage independence and engagement. Support may include self-care, health and safety, household chores, socialization, community participation, relationships, meal preparation, and transportation.

The position follows individual treatment plans and agency procedures, uses required adaptive and safety equipment, assists with medication administration, and implements and documents goals and other agency materials. It also involves participation in interdisciplinary and house meetings, mentoring new direct support staff, and maintaining required certifications and training. The role requires regular and substantial unsupervised or unrestricted physical contact with people receiving services and successful completion of a fingerprint and criminal background check. Training on Personal Outcome Measures (POM) is required before completing evaluations and assessments.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Submit a valid New York State driver’s license and maintain qualified driver status throughout employment.
• Ability to communicate and understand written and oral directives and information.
• Ability to meet physical demands that may include lifting and transferring children and/or adults; inability to meet these demands may affect employment.
• Successfully complete a fingerprint and criminal background check.
• Complete Personal Outcome Measures (POM) training before conducting evaluations and assessments.

Responsibilities

• Provide ongoing guidance and support to individuals with intellectual and other disabilities to encourage participation in all aspects of their lives, including self-care, health, safety, household chores, socialization, and wellbeing.
• Provide only the level of support necessary to promote each individual’s independence and engagement in daily routines.
• Support individuals in becoming active members of the community and in maintaining and building natural supports and relationships.
• Help individuals maintain a safe and clean home by supporting and participating in household chores as needed.
• Follow treatment plans and use corresponding adaptive and safety equipment to promote independence and protect individuals’ health, safety, and wellbeing.
• Support meal preparation and teach diet adherence, portion control, and cooking skills.
• Assist with medication administration according to AMAP policies and procedures.
• Implement and document treatment plans and agency materials, including residential habilitation goals, medical case notes, and communication logs.
• Follow overtime, scheduling, and minimum staffing policies and procedures.
• Attend and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss progress and goal achievement and exchange information and ideas.
• Provide transportation for medical appointments, shopping, recreational outings, and other needs.
• Mentor new Direct Support Staff by demonstrating support routines and reviewing training manuals.
• Participate in House Meetings and maintain required certifications and training.
• Perform other duties as requested by the supervisor.

What This Job Offers

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