Direct Support Professional - Utica, NY
About The Position
Advocates is seeking a creative and compassionate Mentor (DSP/1:1 support staff) to work with a gifted young woman with a developmental disability. This position will be available beginning in late December 2026. In this meaningful role, you will support her in developing independent living skills, building effective communication and social skills, and participating in social, recreational, and fitness opportunities within the community. This individual does experience behavioral challenges at times that may require a high level of patience, understanding, flexibility, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. The mentor should be comfortable using positive redirection techniques, helping her regulate emotions, and providing support during moments of frustration or anxiety while maintaining a supportive and encouraging approach. The ideal candidate will be patient, dependable, and skilled at building positive relationships while providing person-centered support. Candidate must possess a keen sense of attention to detail, especially when electronically logging each day's time, mileage, and service documentation. DSP must have a valid email address. Hours and days of work Monday through Thursday (9 AM - 1 PM), beginning at the end of December. Shadowing opportunities will be available prior to the start date to support a smooth transition and provide the new mentor with an opportunity to get to know the individual and her support needs.
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.
- 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 and correspondence.
- Must 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 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.
- Background checks required.
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.
- Assist in building effective communication and social skills.
- Facilitate participation in social, recreational, and fitness opportunities within the community.
- Utilize positive redirection techniques to manage behavioral challenges.
- Help the individual regulate emotions during moments of frustration or anxiety.
- Maintain a supportive and encouraging approach.
- Electronically log daily time, mileage, and service documentation with attention to detail.
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
