Direct Support Professional

People's Arc of Suffolk Careers•Westhampton Beach, NY

15d

About The Position

A Direct Support Professional works collaboratively with the Support Team to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by promoting their health, safety, and wellbeing. The role involves serving as a caring and understanding advocate, helping individuals communicate their needs and accomplish their goals. It offers skills and training relevant to various career paths. The position assists individuals with self-care, daily living, household and program-site skills, travel, social support, and personal hygiene. It also supports goal achievement and documentation, recreational activities, transportation, and—within the Residential Department—safe medication administration and medical record maintenance. Other duties may include site maintenance, shopping, facility oversight, lifting or transferring individuals, maintaining confidentiality, and completing other duties requested by a supervisor.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid driver's license and at least one year of driving experience.
Excellent written communication skills for clear and articulate required documentation.
Exceptional communication skills and ability to engage productively with others.
Strong people skills and a passion for helping others.
Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
Computer literacy, including knowledge of Microsoft products and the agency's web-based applications.
Ability to use proper body mechanics and transfer techniques.
Readiness to learn and use relevant agency computer applications.

Responsibilities

Teach and assist individuals with self-care, cooking, household and program-site skills, travel, social support, and personal hygiene.
Complete and remain current on safe-driving courses to provide transportation to activities, appointments, and other destinations.
Provide assistance and oversight while individuals work on goals, and accurately complete related documentation and billing in the electronic health record (EHR).
Plan and participate in recreational activities based on the needs of the program site.
In the Residential Department, complete and remain current on training to administer medication safely and in accordance with state regulations, including training on maintaining medical records.
Perform duties that may include site maintenance, shopping, and facility oversight.
Assist with lifting and/or transferring individuals when required.
Complete and remain current on HIPAA training and maintain confidential information about individuals supported and their families.
Complete and remain current on safety and universal precautions training.
Show care, consideration, and professionalism while encouraging an independent and fulfilling lifestyle.
Perform other duties as requested by the supervisor.