Direct Support Professional HS-EN

Exceptional Family Resources•Johnson City, NY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Indera is seeking a reliable, patient, creative, and compassionate Direct Support Professional to provide part-time Self-Direction support services to a young adult in the Johnson City, New York area. The individual enjoys art, painting, drawing, crafts, animals, reading, science experiments, and spending time with family and friends. Her goals include becoming more involved in the community, developing independent living skills, improving communication and self-advocacy, learning money management, and exploring educational and employment opportunities. She has a particular interest in art and hopes to pursue a career as an elementary art teacher. The role provides Community Habilitation and Respite services through community outings, recreational and educational activities, and support with daily living skills. The DSP should adapt activities to the individual's interests, preferences, energy level, and physical comfort, providing rest breaks and appropriate support during walking and community activities. Longer distances may be challenging, and fatigue can occur. The DSP will collaborate with the individual's family and support team, maintain accurate documentation, and follow applicable agency and OPWDD guidelines. The position is part-time, with flexible weekday and weekend hours based on the individual's schedule, availability, and planned activities. Pay is $26 per hour. Compensation also includes staff activity fees and mileage reimbursement at the maximum federal rate, subject to applicable budget and program guidelines.

Requirements

Valid driver's license.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Effective communication and organizational skills.
Flexibility with assignments and schedule.
Reliable transportation to arrive at the job site at the scheduled time.
Technology available to download multiple apps for community use and willingness to abide by Indera's technology policy.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with people with developmental disabilities is preferred.
Patient, dependable, compassionate, and encouraging.
Creative and interested in activities such as painting, drawing, crafts, sculpting, reading, or science experiments.
Comfortable around animals and willing to support animal-related activities.
Friendly and supportive in helping an individual build social confidence and communicate with unfamiliar people.
Interested in promoting independence, self-advocacy, decision-making, and practical life skills.
Comfortable supporting community outings and recreational activities while recognizing the importance of pacing, rest breaks, and physical comfort.
Able to encourage independence while providing assistance when needed.
Flexible, organized, and willing to adapt activities based on the individual's interests and goals.
Comfortable communicating and collaborating with family members and the support team.

Responsibilities

Provide Community Habilitation and Respite services focused on independent living, communication, social, and community integration skills.
Support participation in recreational, educational, creative, and community activities, including art classes, museums, animal attractions, parks, and other activities of interest.
Encourage communication skills, confidence when meeting new people, self-advocacy, and asking for help when needed.
Assist with independent living skills, including meal preparation, household chores, laundry, and money management.
Support exploration of educational and employment opportunities related to the individual's interests and long-term goals.
Encourage meaningful social connections and participation in activities with peers and the broader community.
Provide transportation to approved community activities and outings, as appropriate, and accompany the individual to community locations.
Adapt activities to the individual's interests, preferences, energy level, and physical comfort; allow rest breaks and avoid pushing activities beyond her comfort level.
Provide appropriate support and awareness during walking and community activities, recognizing that longer distances may be challenging and fatigue can occur.
Collaborate with the individual's family and support team to promote consistent services and progress toward person-centered goals.
Maintain accurate documentation and follow applicable agency and OPWDD guidelines.