DSP - Full time. Howard Beach, Queens, NY

Access: Supports for Living•New York, NY

23h•Onsite

About The Position

Direct Support Professionals provide person-centered supports and services to individuals with developmental disabilities, emphasizing personal choice. The role provides guidance, training, support, and encouragement to promote enriched lives, greater independence, and community integration. DSPs follow each person’s Staff Action Plan and safeguards, support health and safety, document habilitation services and other required information, and assist people served in developing relationships and advocating for their needs and rights. The position also includes transportation duties, required training and meetings, and adherence to agency policies and applicable codes of conduct.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid New York State driver’s license and ability to operate an agency vehicle if needed.
Ability to instruct others in vocational or daily living skills.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
Good oral and written communication, interpersonal, listening, and motivational skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team and independently, manage multiple tasks, and follow up on issues.
Good analytical and problem-solving ability.
Proficiency using a personal computer, appropriate software, email, or a mobile device to access required software.
Ability to maintain composure under pressure, self-initiate projects, and function autonomously as a leader when needed.
Commitment to assisting individuals with disabilities and ability to represent the agency positively in the community.
Ability to perform the essential physical functions of the job, including stooping, lifting, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, standing, walking, hearing, listening, and communicating appropriately.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with the I/DD population.

Responsibilities

Provide services according to each person’s written Staff Action Plan and individual Safeguards.
Document habilitation services contemporaneously in accordance with agency, OPWDD, Medicaid, and other requirements.
Provide input into the development and implementation of the Staff Action Plan and Habilitation Plan in accordance with the person’s Life Plan.
Monitor the safety and welfare of people served, take corrective action as needed, and promptly notify a supervisor of concerns.
Provide the level of supervision specified in the Staff Action Plan and individual Safeguards.
Support people served in building positive community relationships and advocating for their needs and rights.
Provide training and encouragement related to personal health care as needed, and communicate health care concerns to a supervisor or administrator.
Communicate professionally with people receiving services, families, team members, and the community.
Complete required daily paperwork and documentation, including checklists, progress notes, incident reports, seizure reports, attendance records, and monthly summary notes.
Provide safe transportation to people served, follow transportation protocols and vehicle safety checks, complete passenger attendance checks, and maintain certifications and driving authorization.
Encourage community integration, inclusion, access, community awareness, and safety.
Attend staff meetings and participate in supervision for professional growth and development.
Complete required initial, annual, and ongoing training.
Conduct fire drills and document results as directed by a supervisor.
Work overtime as required to maintain appropriate staffing ratios.
Follow the NADSP Code of Ethics, Justice Center Code of Conduct, NYS DSP Core Competencies, and agency and program policies, including HIPAA, confidentiality, and corporate compliance requirements.
Perform other related duties as assigned.