Direct Support Professional Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or suitable equivalent.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, climb stairs, and/or kneel.
• For DSP Driver assignments, a valid state driver’s license and a safe driving record meeting agency standards.
• For DSP Driver assignments, two years of driving experience.
• DSP Floater assignments require flexibility to cover day service locations in Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., depending on location schedule.
• DSP Driver is a full-time Monday-through-Friday daytime position; schedule may change based on site operational needs.
• Daily travel on public transportation is required.
• Location assignments may change with advance notice based on coverage needs.

Nice To Haves

• At least six months of social service or life experience with people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• For DSP Driver assignments, one year of institutional driving experience.

Responsibilities

• Uphold Goodwill and OPWDD values, policies, procedures, safety requirements, documentation standards, and regular training requirements.
• Follow the NYS Direct Support Professional Code of Ethics and Core Competencies.
• Support participants in achieving individualized goals according to their Staff Action Plans and Life Plans.
• Assist with preparing Life Plans and Staff Action Plans and attend team meetings as needed.
• Monitor and document services and progress accurately and promptly during the shift.
• Coordinate with the team to provide seamless services and person-centered activities throughout the day.
• Provide person-centered opportunities, daily choices, community exploration, and inclusion.
• Plan and lead group activities that meet funding-source requirements.
• Accompany participants to volunteer sites and community activities and support them in completing tasks at volunteer and internship sites.
• Help participants obtain MetroCards and travel safely on public transportation.
• Monitor participant safety upon arrival and while participants wait for transportation at the end of the day.
• Follow Medicaid, state funding-source, and agency requirements when providing and documenting services.
• Provide brief wheelchair assistance when needed, such as navigating a curb or train platform gap or taking a short break.
• Follow safety protocols, report unsafe conditions or equipment, observe participants for injuries or changes in physical or emotional status, and complete applicable incident reports.
• Support participants in managing behavior, intervene appropriately, and inform a supervisor.
• Advocate for participants and protect their rights.
• Document program data, including participant services, behavior-plan data, community-integration logs, assessments, petty cash, MetroCard distribution, maintenance requests, and supply requests.
• Represent Goodwill professionally to families, community partners, and others.
• Work assigned schedules, arrive and depart on time, request time off in advance, and notify a supervisor of schedule or location changes.
• Perform other related duties as requested.
• For floater assignments, provide coverage at multiple locations according to program needs and the assigned location schedule.
• For driver assignments, safely drive and escort participants in an accessible 12-passenger van to and from home and program, transport groups to activities, and deliver supplies between program sites.
• For driver assignments, communicate with participants, families, and program staff about pickup and drop-off times, route updates, and concerns.
• For driver assignments, transport groups to and from activity locations in the five boroughs and ensure timely arrival.
• For driver assignments, assist riders when entering and exiting the vehicle.
• For driver assignments, comply with agency safety rules, OSHA and OPWDD requirements, and applicable local, state, and federal laws.
• For driver assignments, perform daily safety checks and pre- and post-trip inspections and complete required driving records, logs, and route sheets.

Benefits

• Generous time-off policy.
• Health, wellness, and financial resources.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Parental leaves.
• Company-sponsored life insurance.
• Retirement matching programs and contributions.
• Transit and commuter benefits.