Direct Support Professional

St Catherine s Center for Children•Albany, NY

3d•$20 - $23

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for the children in the Residential Program, helping to manage their physical, emotional, and treatment needs. Candidates with relatable life experience are encouraged to apply!

Requirements

A High School diploma or equivalency is required;
Associate’s degree or higher in Human Services or related field is preferred.
In lieu of a college degree; a combination of relevant professional experience and relatable life experience will be considered.
Formal crisis intervention training is preferred (TCI, SCIP, etc.).
A current Clean and Valid New York State Driver’s License (actively licensed at least one year) is required.
Staff in driving positions must be able to meet agency’s minimum requirements of our insurance policy for authorized drivers; including, but not limited to the minimum age of 21 at time of hire.
Completion of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) training (must be completed within 90 days from date of hire).
Certification to administer medication is required (must complete St. Catherine Center for Children’s Med Certification course within 90 days from date of hire).
Van certification through Agency training (must complete St. Catherine’s Center for Children’s Van Certification within 90 days from date hire).
Professional experience working with Children who exhibit significant emotional, behavioral & interpersonal challenges as well as mental health diagnoses and trauma history.
Proficiency in computer applications: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), Google Business Workspace Suite (Gmail, Google Docs, Meet, Sheets, etc.), and secure Internet practices.
Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills; Capable of building strong working relationships with regulatory bodies.
Self-motivated and engaged, with a strong attention to detail; Excellent writing aptitude.
A compassionate, warm and caring mindset; Capable of exhibiting empathy for those in crisis.
Capacity and openness to work with populations from culturally diverse and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, including but not limited to a broad range of people with various developmental and functional levels.
Qualities of positivity, flexibility and adaptability; A professional record of integrity, proven reliability and dependability.
Capable of exercising ethical, independent judgment and discretion, handle sensitive data with strict confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working in a human services agency is a plus!

Responsibilities

Under the oversight of the Program Manager, implement the standards developed to maintain a therapeutic, child centered treatment environment.
Remain in sight and sound of the clients of the residential program.
Implement children’s treatment plans as directed by the Treatment Team.
Attend, successfully complete, and maintain Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training Certification.
Properly exercise TCI techniques, which may include physical restraints, when necessary.
Complete all forms required to document treatment services on a timely basis, according to departmental or agency requirements.
Participate in the daily routines and activities of the children in accordance with current standards of therapeutic treatment of children and the philosophy and mission of St. Catherine’s Center for Children.
Responsible for reviewing all pertinent documentation and emails at the start of each shift.
Attend, as an active participant, all treatment meetings, staff meetings and mandated trainings.
Participate in the general upkeep of the physical environment. Everyone is responsible for housekeeping tasks.
Receive and maintain van certification; complete required van inspections and check the log and report the vehicle maintenance needs to the Transportation Supervisor, and the Program Manager, including the monitoring of fuel for assigned Agency vehicles.
Attend and successfully complete the Medication Administration Certification Course, and maintain medication certification. When assigned, administer medication as assigned, according to agency protocols.
Maintain a good attendance record, in keeping with Agency and departmental policies and procedures.
Lead daily group and individual activities with clients that are actively engaging and therapeutic.
Carry out other directives as requested by the Program Manager, Treatment Team and the Director, Residential Services.
Attend all required Agency trainings, (e.g., New Employee Orientation, TCI, First Aid/CPR, etc.)
Additional position-related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Program Manager, or the Director, Residential Services.

Benefits

Competitive Pay with an Excellent Benefits Package
Health Insurance options: Medical, Dental and Vision
$600 Well-being Reimbursement Benefit
Generous Combined Leave Time (CLT) and Paid Holidays!
$500 Employee Referral Bonus
We are a 501(c) (3) agency, which is a qualifying employer for eligible staff under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Pension Plan with Aggressive Agency contribution
Life Insurance – Automatic Benefit at no cost to employee
Paid Training, including TCI and CPR/AED/First Aid Certification & Update courses, if role appropriate
Tuition Reimbursement and Travel & Mileage Reimbursement
Professional Development and Career & Growth Opportunities
The Comfort of a Business Casual Environment
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging.