Direct Support Professional (CLS)

AHRC Nassau • Oceanside, NY

2d

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional supports people living in the Community Living Services program and promotes the agency’s mission and guiding principles. The role helps individuals maintain a high quality of life through support with self-care, health, safety, household tasks, socialization, and overall wellbeing. Support is tailored to each person, providing only the assistance needed to encourage independence and participation in daily life.

The position promotes community involvement, natural supports, and relationships, while fostering an inclusive environment grounded in cultural awareness, equity, and respect. It includes following individual treatment plans, documenting services and progress, supporting medication administration and meal preparation, maintaining a safe and clean home, and providing transportation. The Direct Support Professional also participates in team and house meetings, maintains required training and certifications, and mentors new staff. The role involves regular and substantial unsupervised or unrestricted physical contact with people receiving services and requires a successful fingerprint and criminal background check. Personal Outcome Measures (POM) training is required before completing evaluations and assessments. Duties may evolve at the organization’s discretion.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Submit a valid New York State driver’s license and maintain qualified driver status throughout employment.
• Transfer an out-of-state driver’s license to New York State within 30 days of hire, if applicable.
• Ability to communicate and understand written and oral directives and information.
• Ability to meet physical demands that may include lifting and transferring children and/or adults; inability to meet these demands may affect employment.
• Successful completion of a fingerprint and criminal background check.
• Complete Personal Outcome Measures (POM) training before conducting evaluations and assessments.

Responsibilities

• Guide and support individuals with intellectual and other disabilities so they can participate actively in all aspects of their lives, including self-care, health, safety, household chores, socialization, and wellbeing.
• Provide only the level of assistance necessary to support each individual’s independence and engagement in daily routines.
• Support individuals in becoming active community members and in maintaining and building natural supports and relationships.
• Help individuals complete household chores and participate in chores as needed to maintain a safe and clean home.
• Follow treatment plans and use corresponding adaptive and safety equipment to promote independence and protect individuals’ health, safety, and wellbeing.
• Support meal preparation and teach diet adherence, portion control, and cooking skills.
• Assist with medication administration in accordance with AMAP policies and procedures.
• Implement and document treatment plans and agency materials, including residential habilitation goals, medical case notes, and communication logs.
• Follow overtime, scheduling, and minimum staffing policies and procedures.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss progress and goal achievement and to share and gather information and ideas.
• Provide transportation for medical appointments, shopping, recreational outings, and other needs.
• Mentor new Direct Support Staff by demonstrating supportive routines and reviewing training manuals.
• Participate in House Meetings and maintain required certifications and training.
• Perform other duties as requested by the supervisor.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED