Direct Support Professional- Respite (Buffalo)

Buffalo•Buffalo, NY

About The Position

Direct Support Professionals support the character, choices, strengths, interests, and needs of people served while maintaining a safe, healthy, and clean environment. They plan, coordinate, and carry out meaningful daily activities that promote independence, inclusion, and productivity, including daily living and personal care activities, games, music, and art. In site-based or recreational respite settings, they assist with social and recreational activities and monthly activity calendars, and may help with homework. The position also involves documentation, training, housekeeping, food preparation, laundry, and medication administration as required. Work functions and hours may vary by department and location. The role is based in Buffalo and lists a Monday–Friday late-afternoon shift. Pay is $19 per hour, increasing to $20 per hour after successful completion of a six-month probationary period.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or GED.
Valid driver's license that meets agency policy.
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Ability to read, write, and understand plans and documentation.
Basic computer skills for communication and documentation.
Ability to meet physical requirements, including standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, and climbing.
Ability to lift 35 pounds.
Ability to support people with repositioning, lifting, and transferring as required by their person-centered plans.
Physical agility and ability to respond to emergencies.
CPR certification.
SCIP-R certification as required by regulatory guidelines.

Responsibilities

Respect and maintain the confidentiality of the person served.
Demonstrate a positive and caring attitude toward people served, families, and staff.
Plan, coordinate, and implement daily living, personal care, and person-centered activities that promote independence, inclusion, and productivity.
Complete tasks necessary to ensure the health and safety of each person receiving services.
Safely transport people according to proper procedures when approved to drive.
Perform daily site cleaning, food preparation, and laundry as needed.
Assist people served with social and recreational activities and implement monthly activity calendars in site-based or recreational respite settings.
Assist with homework assignments as needed.
Complete daily documentation and other paperwork promptly and accurately according to OPWDD and agency standards, as applicable.
Attend and participate in staff meetings, in-service training, and other relevant agency meetings and training.
Maintain compliance with required in-service and online training.
Work assignments as needed within the agency, within the shift and/or other availability; day services assignments may include working at a residential site depending on day-program service delivery.
Perform CPR and Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention (SCIP-R).
Record time worked at the beginning and end of each shift and work the minimum number of accepted hours hired for.
Administer medications and follow required procedures.
Comply with agency policies and procedures and perform other duties as assigned.