Direct Support Professional - Syracuse, NY
About The Position
Are you looking for a rewarding way to make a difference while making a living? Advocates is seeking a creative, compassionate, and motivated Mentor (Direct Support Professional) to provide 1:1 support to a gifted young man with a developmental disability. This is a meaningful, hands-on role for someone who enjoys building genuine connections and encouraging personal growth. In this role, you will support the individual in developing independent living skills, strengthening communication and social interaction, and participating in social, recreational, and physical fitness activities in the community. You will play an important part in helping him build confidence, explore new interests, and comfortably step outside his routine. He is an adventurous, creative, and artistic individual with a vivid imagination and a quirky sense of humor. He enjoys building and creating, including spending time playing Minecraft on PlayStation. He is a natural storyteller and can be delightfully silly. At times, he may be hesitant or resistant to trying new activities, so patience, creativity, and gentle encouragement are essential. We are seeking a mentor who is enthusiastic, self-motivated, and brings fresh ideas and positive energy. The ideal candidate is active and enjoys community-based activities such as Frisbee golf, bowling, walking on nature trails, and other outdoor adventures. Support may also include encouraging basic cooking skills, library visits, and reading practice. Above all, the mentor will appreciate his unique personality while motivating him to explore his community, try new experiences, and have fun.
Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age.
- Must have a valid email address.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and auto insurance if required for the job assigned.
- Must demonstrate sound decision-making skills.
- Must demonstrate understanding for the Agency mission. People working in this position must believe in the philosophy of person-centered services, self-advocacy, and the right and ability of people we serve to self-direct their supports and services.
- Must demonstrate patience and compassion.
- Must have the ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and have the ability to write correspondence.
- Must have basic reasoning skills including the ability to analyze and problem solve.
- Must be able to tolerate a moderate noise level in the work environment and must be able to handle distractions.
- Ability to handle physical aspects of the job, including sitting, standing, using hands to reach, walk, push, or lift up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Background checks required
- GED or High School Diploma preferred.
Nice To Haves
- previous experience working 1:1 in a related service environment preferred
- Knowledge of disability related issues preferred.
Responsibilities
- support the individual in developing independent living skills
- strengthening communication and social interaction
- participating in social, recreational, and physical fitness activities in the community
- helping him build confidence
- explore new interests
- comfortably step outside his routine
- electronically logging each day's time, mileage, and service documentation
Benefits
- Mileage (reimbursed at the IRS standard mileage reimbursement rate when providing transportation to the individual)
- Life and Long-Term Disability insurance at no cost to the employee
- Health, dental, vision, and supplemental life insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- 401k with up to a 2% match
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
