Direct Support Professional

Job Description:

Direct Care Professionals (DSP) are responsible for direct care, individual specific programming, and supervision of one or more assigned individuals. They shall also ensure that all measures necessary for the safety and well-being of all assigned individual s are maintained at the highest level possible. DSPs may administer medication, if necessary, upon completion of the OPWDD approved Medication Administration Course. DSPs shall be responsible for ADL skills, personal needs, achieving objectives/goals related to individual specific valued outcomes, recreational and other programming for assigned individuals as per their Individual Service Plans.

HOURS PER WEEK: Non-Exempt

• Regular hours entail 40 hours per week, as assigned

FUNCTIONS:

• Shall be primarily responsible for the direct care of assigned individual(s)
• Shall be sensitive to and respect the individual rights and physical and emotional needs of assigned individuals. Shall recognize the importance of communicating these needs both verbally and in writing to the individual appropriate staff, family members and agency personnel
  • Shall be responsible for the planning, implementation, and documentation of, as well as the maintenance of (examples include, but are not limited to): Personal hygiene, Domestic skills, Laundry skills, Medication, Meal Preparation, Money Management, Community Integration, Behavioral Management, Shopping, Recreation, Other needs as dictated by the individual plan
  • Shall document information regarding shift such as maintenance need, supplies needed and all other appropriate information. This includes reviewing and signing off on all logs and documentation as assigned by Supervisor
  • Shall assist in maintaining a clean physical environment and perform related work as necessary
  • Will participate in staff meetings and in-service training modules as scheduled and will be required to remain in compliance with all agency orientation, training and certification within established guidelines
  • Will complete all other tasks as assigned
  • Provide coverage in any of the SPwDD Programs as designated by a Supervisor. Remain on-duty until properly relieved
  • Consults with On-Call Supervisor as needed per program protocol
  • Provides crisis intervention as necessary
  • Maintains an awake, aware presence in the program site throughout their shift
  • Provides direct care, individual-specific programming and supervision to one or more assigned individuals from the DD population
  • Provides direct support means ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals while supporting the individual’s personal needs and recreation and socialization activities to meet the goals and objectives of the Service Plan.
  • Plays a valuable role in establishing and sustaining a individual and family-driven program focus.

Experience and Skills:

• High School Diploma required
• Within a designated period after hiring, must obtain and maintain certification in OPWDD Medication Administration, First Aid, CPR, SCIP-R and other certifications which may be mandated by licensing agencies
• Enjoys working in a life-sharing relationship with other people
• Respects individuals as persons of dignity and worth who are capable of growth and development
• Is flexible and capable of adjusting to different individual needs and styles
• Is able to satisfactorily perform duties without direct supervision
• Valid NYS Driver’s License
• Ability to travel to other agency locations as required
• Vehicle required: Must be safe and dependable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Transports individuals to and from activities as assigned
• Participates in physical activities with the individuals
• Able to stand/walk for a minimum 6 hours on an 8 hour shift and 10 hours on a 12-hour shift
• Walks up and down stairs inside/outside the building
• Lifts up to 50 pounds
• Word processing: Including responding to e-mails, composing letters, completing computerized documentation, transcribing minutes for meetings, etc. This involves sitting at a computer for a minimum of 5 hours and could be up to 7 hours a day depending on program needs
• Lifting of Agency file books - weighing approximately 6-8 lbs. each - 5 inch binders
• Completes paperwork -Such as copying, stapling
• Answers phones, processing mail, filing, lifting packages

Benefits

As a full time benefits position, staff is eligible to enroll in medical, dental, vision, FSA, supplemental life insurance, critical illness, enhanced short-term disability, and 401(k) benefits. 

We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment drug testing.