Direct Support Professional
About The Position
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) implements person-centered services for each individual, ensuring that services, goals, and outcomes are carried out through program-based and community-inclusion activities. The DSP is responsible for supporting individuals’ overall physical and emotional well-being. Under supervision, the DSP advocates for, guides, encourages, and teaches individuals to express personal choices and participate in their communities. The role includes assistance with personal hygiene, toileting, lifts and transfers, dining, dressing, and meal preparation; supporting recreational activities and daily living skills; and maintaining a clean, safe, and comfortable environment. The DSP collaborates with staff to implement and document care plans and may administer medication when directed by special instructions. The position is physically demanding and requires readiness to respond to emergencies to protect individuals’ health and safety. The DSP participates in staff meetings, in-service training, on-site workshops, and external training as directed. Required certifications, including AMAP, CPR, First Aid, and SCIP, must be maintained as applicable. The role also supports individuals’ community inclusion and personal growth, assists with transportation, and maintains positive communication with family members, advocates, and service providers as needed. Other related duties may be assigned in keeping with the position’s scope and organizational requirements.
Requirements
- High school diploma, GED, or CNA is strongly preferred but not required.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and bend, stretch, and lift bedridden and/or incapacitated individuals.
- Maintain AMAP certification if required; failure to do so can result in removal of full-time employee status.
- Maintain CPR, First Aid, and SCIP certifications as required.
Nice To Haves
- One year or more of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Valid New York State driver's license.
- High school diploma, GED, or CNA certification.
Responsibilities
- Implement person-centered services, goals, and outcomes through program-based and community-inclusion activities.
- Advocate for, encourage, guide, and teach individuals in expressing personal choices.
- Assist individuals with personal hygiene, toileting, lifts and transfers, dining, dressing, and meal preparation.
- Support participation in games and recreational programs and encourage development of daily living skills.
- Provide a clean, safe, and comfortable environment and act to protect individuals’ health and safety in emergencies.
- Collaborate with staff to implement and record care plans; administer medication when directed by special instructions.
- Promote community inclusion and model and encourage interaction with community members.
- Assist individuals in developing and maintaining friendships with neighbors, co-workers, and peers.
- Transport individuals or assist them in using public transportation.
- Maintain positive communication with family members, advocates, and service providers as program needs require.
- Attend staff meetings, in-service training, on-site workshops, and external training as directed.
- Maintain AMAP, CPR, First Aid, and SCIP certifications as required.
- Perform other job-related duties consistent with the position and applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
Benefits
- Paid vacation, sick, and personal days, and holidays.
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution.
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Flexible spending accounts for dependent care, medical, parking, and transit.
- Employee appreciation programs and events.
- Tuition assistance program.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Gympass discount.
- Verizon Wireless discount.
- BJ’s membership discount.
- Discounts on Broadway tickets, movie tickets, theme parks, sporting events, gift certificates, and more.
- A bi-annual discretionary bonus may be included in the total compensation package.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
