DSP - Open House Wednesday November 18, 2026- 11am-1pm

The New York Foundling•New York, NY

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional empowers people with developmental disabilities to live fulfilling lives by providing personalized support, fostering independence, promoting individual growth, and enhancing quality of life in a supportive environment. The role provides direct care, implements and monitors individualized plans of care, and supports people in daily living, community participation, health, and personal goals. The position is with The New York Foundling, a New York-based nonprofit whose programs support children and families, people with developmental disabilities, and individuals seeking health and mental health services. The organization describes its approach as whole-person, whole-family, and whole-life support and is committed to inclusive, equitable, and welcoming working and learning environments. The posting advertises on-site interviews on November 18, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 140 Johnson Ave, Brooklyn, New York 11206. Walk-ins are welcome, and a resume is required. The stated salary is $19.54, plus an education additive of $0.15 per hour for an associate degree or $0.80 per hour for a bachelor's degree or higher.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Valid NY, NJ, CT, or PA driver's license, with at least 6 months of experience and 6 or fewer points.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to support people with developmental disabilities.
Commitment to compassionate care and to promoting dignity and respect.
Ability to respond effectively to changing needs and environments, with flexibility and problem-solving skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards and agency policies.
Demonstrated strong commitment to safety.

Nice To Haves

Experience in direct care or human services.
CPR and First Aid certification.
Additional training in developmental disabilities, behavior management, or healthcare.

Responsibilities

Implement and monitor the varying plans of care for the people supported, including Comprehensive Functional Assessments, Staff Action Plans, Life Plans, treatment plans, and Behavior Support Plans.
Implement and document goals and objectives from person-centered plans, using structured activities and positive reinforcement to support social, vocational, and life skills.
Provide direct care and assistance with daily living activities, including personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication administration, and transportation.
Facilitate community outings, recreational activities, and social events to promote inclusion, independence, and meaningful interaction with peers and the community.
Accompany people supported to appointments and healthcare follow-ups.
Use person-centered approaches and positive behavior support strategies to address challenging behaviors and maintain a safe, nurturing environment.
Provide the level of supervision and support required for each person's medical, developmental, clinical, and emotional needs.
Maintain accurate records, daily progress notes, and incident reports, and comply with agency policies and regulatory requirements.
Collaborate with healthcare professionals, therapists, family members, and interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement comprehensive care plans.
Advocate for the rights, choices, and preferences of people with developmental disabilities, and promote self-advocacy and empowerment in decision-making.
Act as a custodian and mandated reporter in accordance with OPWDD, NYSJC, and organizational policies.
Administer medications as prescribed, document medication administration, and monitor for adverse reactions or side effects.
Uphold confidentiality, ethical standards, and agency policies and procedures.