Walk-In Interviews – Residential Direct Support Professionals | Dutchess County | 9/30/26

Abilities First•Poughkeepsie, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Abilities First is seeking full and part time Residential Coach (Direct Support Professionals) to work in our Residential Services Department. The Residential Coach (Direct Support Professionals) performs a variety of tasks and activities in support of the full range of habilitative services provided to developmentally disabled individuals in a residential setting. The Residential Coach (Direct Support Professionals) will be responsible for the provision of individual services as identified in the Individual Service Plan and by the treatment team for individuals who need specific assistance and supports. He/she will be responsible for maintaining current medical services and following up on the medical needs of the individuals within the program. The Residential Coach will be responsible for the supervision of the daily activities/responsibilities of the residents. The Residential Coach helps the resident achieve valued outcomes and promotes individualization (self-determination & choice), independence (self-reliance to the extent possible), integration (involvement with relatives and friends and belonging to a neighborhood community) and productivity (accomplishments that contribute to the person's own life and the lives of those around them).

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent is Required.
Must have a current NYS driver’s license deemed “acceptable” by our insurance carrier.
Possess verbal and written communication skills in English to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.
Have the ability to stand and walk for long periods of time
Have the ability to push and pull individuals in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot, and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques), with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques).
Lift individuals by using appropriate techniques, including but not limited to usage of tools to assist, such as the Hoyer Lift.
Assist individuals in ambulation by providing physical assistance, including use of a gait belt or other equipment where necessary.
Have the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
Have the ability to push, pull, and maneuver adults in wheelchairs.
Possess verbal and written communication skills, in English, to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with disabilities (at least 1 year preferred), but willing to train the right person.

Responsibilities

Establishes a working relationship with all residents and supervises their participation in daily activities as needed.
Ensures the safety and well-being of the residents.
Provides training and assistance to the residents in developing basic skills in appropriate social behaviors and communication, safety, housekeeping, personal care, health care, medication administration, money management, using public transportation, menu & meal preparation, grocery purchasing, and planning recreational activities.
Assists the resident in achieving progress toward their individualized-based outcomes.
Responsible for lifting, transferring and maneuvering adult residents required.
Is an active participant in the service planning process.
Documents attendance, daily community habilitation notes and log entries.
Performs responsibilities that demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively and establish professional relationships with all persons involved with the resident.
Administers medication to those individuals who are not self-medicating.
Monitors and assists with individual and household needs, i.e. maintenance, menu & meal preparation, grocery & household purchasing, cleanliness & chores, resident's personal needs, emergency & safety procedures, etc.
Maintains cleanliness of living spaces by assisting resident and completing task where resident cannot.
Provides coverage in either a sleepover or pager capacity as needed. (Full time positions only)
Prepares meals when necessary.
Successfully completes all required training programs, including a course in certification of medication administration. (Medication administration certification will be required of relief whenever possible.)
Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which require all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.
Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and the safety of others.
Performs other appropriate job related activities as requested by your supervisor or as circumstances warrant.