Direct Support Professional
About The Position
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) implements person-centered services for each individual, ensuring that services, goals, and outcomes are carried out through program-based and community inclusion activities. The DSP is directly responsible for supporting each individual’s overall physical and emotional well-being. The role includes supporting and teaching individuals according to their plans; engaging them in skills development, socialization, and tasks; supporting community participation and relationships; assisting with transportation and recreational activities; and contributing to program planning. The DSP also maintains accurate, timely documentation, provides individualized supervision, supports daily program services, protects privacy, reports incidents and hazards, and helps maintain safe, clean spaces and equipment. Required certifications must be maintained as applicable, and the DSP is expected to meet or exceed DSP Core Competencies Standards by the end of the first year.
Requirements
- High School Diploma, GED, or CNA is strongly preferred but not required.
- Maintain AMAP, CPR/First Aid, and SCIP certifications as required.
- Meet or exceed DSP Core Competencies Standards by the end of the first year of employment.
Nice To Haves
- One year or more of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Valid New York State driver’s license.
Responsibilities
- Implement individuals’ plans in alignment with their specific services, goals, and outcomes.
- Participate in planning and implementing program and community activities that address individuals’ goals and outcomes.
- Support and teach individuals according to their services, goals, and outcomes.
- Engage individuals in skills development, socialization, and task participation across settings.
- Provide support that accounts for each person’s individualized needs and routines.
- Promote community inclusion according to individuals’ needs, interests, and desires, and model interaction with community members.
- Support individuals in forming and maintaining friendships with neighbors, co-workers, and peers.
- Help maintain positive communication with family members, advocates, and service providers as program needs require.
- Transport individuals or assist them with public transportation as required.
- Participate in planning recreational activities and outings and, when requested, in Program Planning Team meetings.
- Complete accurate and timely documentation, including medical, behavioral, services, goals and outcomes, fire safety, community inclusion, and communication records.
- Provide individualized supervision and ensure staff are trained on each person’s Level of Supervision (LOS).
- Participate in program services as needed, including personal care, behavioral interventions, community inclusion, emergency response, meal preparation, and maintaining cleanliness.
- Safeguard the confidentiality and privacy of staff and individuals.
- Report incidents to program management immediately upon discovery.
- Ensure equipment and supplies are stored safely and appropriately; clean as needed to meet program standards; and promptly report hazards or unsafe conditions to a supervisor.
- Maintain AMAP, CPR/First Aid, and SCIP certifications as required.
- Undertake other role-related tasks and initiatives as assigned by a supervisor, consistent with the position’s scope.
- Meet or exceed DSP Core Competencies Standards by the end of the first year of employment.
Benefits
- Paid vacation, sick, and personal days, and holidays.
- 403(B) retirement plan with employer contribution.
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Flexible spending accounts for dependent care, medical, parking, and transit.
- Employee appreciation programs and events.
- Tuition assistance program.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Gympass discount.
- Verizon Wireless discount.
- BJ’s Membership discount.
- Discounts on Broadway tickets, movie tickets, theme parks, sporting events, gift certificates, and more.
- A bi-annual discretionary bonus may be included in the total compensation package.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
