Direct Support Professional
About The Position
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) supports people receiving services and promotes their personal, physical, and emotional well-being. The DSP works alongside individuals to help them achieve personal goals, delivers Habilitation services and other OPWDD supports, implements service plans, and documents and verifies daily data collection. The position requires following applicable regulations and agency policies, maintaining professional relationships with individuals, colleagues, management, families, and other professionals, and demonstrating the skills in the DSP Code of Ethics and DSP Core Competencies. The DSP may assist with personal care, administer prescribed medication after completing the required AMAP course, support community participation, and drive agency vehicles. The role also includes maintaining a clean and safe residence, responding to problems and incidents, attending meetings and training, and providing coverage in other areas when needed. The DSP is contracted for 40 hours per week. Additional time after some shifts may be required if relief staff have not arrived. The role involves physical activity and lifting, using a computer and office equipment, communicating fluently in English, and driving agency vehicles. The work environment is usually moderately noisy, with occasional increases in noise due to participants yelling or screaming.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Valid driver's license and willingness to drive agency vehicles.
- Complete state- and agency-mandated training.
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Represent yourself and the agency professionally and courteously.
- Know, understand, and continually practice the agency's Standards of Conduct.
- Speak, read, and write fluently in English.
- Ability to use a computer and learn software programs.
- Ability to operate a fax machine, copier, scanner, and other office equipment.
Nice To Haves
- One year of experience working with people with developmental disabilities.
Responsibilities
- Follow regulations, policies, procedures, and protocols established by NY OPWDD, the NY Justice Center, Centers for Medicare/Medicaid, and Abbott House.
- Establish positive working relationships with people receiving services, coworkers, management, and the public.
- Maintain a professional demeanor when interacting 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 them accordingly.
- Assist with personal care as needed.
- Attend and successfully complete required training in accordance with the SPDD Training Policy.
- Administer prescribed medications after successfully completing the AMAP medication administration course; complete certification before the end of the probation period and maintain it according to 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 occur.
- Report incidents in a timely manner as required.
- Participate in scheduled program meetings, including 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
