DSP OPWDD - Housing Services

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises•Coram, NY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) works alongside people receiving support to help them achieve personal outcomes. The role supports the development of daily living, decision-making, and life skills while promoting health and safety. It requires English proficiency sufficient to complete training, understand and follow support plans, communicate with care teams and providers, document services and patient information, and comply with health and safety standards. In the residential setting, the DSP may provide personal care and hygiene assistance, companionship and support during periods of incapacitation or transition, housekeeping, errands, and help planning, shopping for, or preparing nutritious meals. Agency drivers transport people supported to locations outside the home, such as medical appointments and outings. The position is performed in person, and travel in an agency vehicle is required for agency drivers.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 18 years of age.
Functional proficiency in spoken and written English.
Valid driver’s license and ability to satisfy the agency’s criteria for drivers.
Ability to sit, walk, and stand for prolonged periods (at least 8 hours).
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to reach with hands and arms.
Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or stand on a stool as needed.
Ability to lift 50 pounds at a time.
Ability to work as part of a team with flexibility, keep others informed, and anticipate needs.
Efficiency, organization, and excellent communication skills.
Proficient writing skills, including basic grammar and spelling.
Meet required safety training and other job-related training requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience performing related job duties.
Proficient computer skills.

Responsibilities

Help people supported identify and pursue personal life goals.
Advocate with people supported in a variety of situations.
Teach people supported new life skills.
Promote the health and safety of people supported in partnership with them.
Help people supported overcome barriers to building and maintaining relationships and valued social roles.
Work with people supported and the interdisciplinary team to develop service plans aligned with personal life goals.
Provide positive behavior support as necessary.
Prevent, recognize, and report abuse toward people supported.
Accurately document service provision, daily notes, and other required information.
Promote and support community involvement.
Transport clients outside the home, such as to medical appointments or outings, using a motor vehicle when serving as an agency driver.
Perform other healthcare-related tasks as needed.
Complete and process required paper and electronic documentation in a timely manner and in accordance with quality and compliance standards.
In residential settings, administer bedside or personal care and assist with personal care and hygiene as needed.
Provide companionship, personal care, or assistance adjusting to new lifestyles during incapacitation, family disruption, or convalescence.
Perform housekeeping duties, including cooking, cleaning, laundry, dishwashing, and errands.
Plan, shop for, or prepare nutritious meals, or assist individuals with these activities.
Communicate respectfully with people supported, supervisors, team members, and community members.
Protect confidential information in accordance with agency policies.
Meet safety training requirements, follow safety policies, report unsafe conditions, and help prevent accidents and health or safety risks.
Meet job requirements for participating in or delivering training and follow the agency’s ethical standards, applicable laws, and regulations.