Direct Support Professional
About The Position
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) supports people receiving services and promotes their personal, physical, and emotional wellbeing. The role works alongside individuals to help them achieve personal goals, deliver Habilitation services and other OPWDD supports, and document and verify daily data collection. The DSP implements Habilitation and Behavioral Support plans, provides personal care as needed, supports community participation, and helps maintain a safe, clean residence. The position is contracted for 40 hours a week; additional time after some shifts may be required if relief staff have not arrived.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive agency vehicles.
- Completion of state- and agency-mandated training.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Ability to speak, read, and write fluently in English, including writing with correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
- Ability to use a computer and learn software programs.
- Ability to operate a fax machine, copier, scanner, and other office equipment.
- Ability to represent oneself and the agency professionally and courteously.
- Ability to know, understand, and continually practice the agency’s Standards of Conduct.
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including standing, walking, handling objects, reaching, communicating, and occasionally balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
- May frequently lift 0–25 lbs., occasionally lift 25–50 lbs., and rarely lift over 50 lbs.
- May frequently push or pull 0–25 lbs. of force, occasionally 26–45 lbs., and rarely over 45 lbs.
- One year of experience working with people with developmental disabilities is preferred.
Nice To Haves
- One year of experience working with people with developmental disabilities.
Responsibilities
- Follow regulations, policies, procedures, and protocols established by NY OPWDD, NY Justice Center, Centers for Medicare/Medicaid, and Abbott House.
- Establish positive working relationships with people receiving services, coworkers, management, and the public.
- Interact professionally with parents, guardians, and other professionals.
- Learn and demonstrate the skills outlined in the DSP Code of Ethics and DSP Core Competencies.
- Implement Habilitation and Behavioral Support plans and programs, and document services accordingly.
- Assist with personal care as needed.
- Attend and successfully complete required training in accordance with SPDD Training Policy.
- Administer prescribed medications after successfully completing the AMAP medication administration course; obtain and maintain certification according to applicable protocols.
- Assist individuals with planning and participating in community activities.
- Drive agency vehicles to transport people receiving services and follow vehicle operation policies.
- Maintain a safe and clean environment by following sanitary and infection-control procedures.
- Remain awake and alert throughout each assigned shift.
- Clean and sanitize the residence.
- Intervene and address problems that arise.
- Report incidents in a timely manner as required.
- Participate in scheduled program meetings, staff meetings, in-service trainings, and other required meetings.
- Provide support or coverage outside the assigned area as needed.
- Perform activities assigned to further the agency’s mission.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
