Purpose: 

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides care and support to people of diverse abilities. The DSP will assist each individual in reaching his/her maximum level of independence and power of potential by promoting a sense of self-worth, acceptance, achievement, citizenship, personal growth and personal choice. The DSP will implement each person’s personal plan of care, which may include activities of daily living, such as bathing, toileting, dressing, feeding and assisting with transportation. The DSP will possess a professional, patient (tolerant) understanding manner and work to maintain a calm, kind, caring and safe environment for the people we serve in their home and the community.

What we offer:

• Flexible Schedules 
• A diverse and inclusive team that will support and appreciate you.
• Excellent Benefits that include medical, dental, wellness and 403B Retirement
• Paid Time off (40 hours after 90 days and 160 hours after your first year for Full-Time Employees).
• Employee Assistance Program
• Weekend and Overnight Differentials.
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Company Paid Training
• Opportunities to earn more based on experience.

Essential Functions:

• To implement, and document each person’s total plan of care encouraging maximum independence and self-worth.
• To provide, encourage, assist, and supervise the persons served in personal care and activities of daily living, while respecting the privacy and dignity of each person.
• To perform, and / or assist in the day-to-day operation of the people’s home including meal preparation, inventory, laundry, housekeeping duties, infection control, and purchase of supplies, etc. while actively involving the people served to the greatest degree possible.
• To perform medical/health related functions while adhering to AMAP policy, including working with the Health Coordinator and the administration of medications and treatment upon satisfactory completion of the AMAP course. Implements  and carries out prescribed therapies or treatments as ordered by licensed Physicians, nursing staff, and/or therapists. 
• To transport and/or escort people to program, medical, dental, and other appointments as needed.
• To accompany people and assist them in participating in the community and enjoy community activities.
• To comply with all state, federal and agency policies, procedures, regulations as indicated by OPWDD.
• To maintain all records of people served, ensuring filing, accuracy, compliance, updating.
• To operate agency vehicles in compliance with agency policies/procedures, and traffic laws, ensuring, documenting vehicle maintenance/condition.
• Responsible for individual funds and petty cash. To provide for the appropriate use of individual/agency property/equipment.
• To assist in the coordination/participation/communication, documentation of a person’s meeting.
• To maintain a calm, tolerant, kind, courteous, accepting environment in compliance with the person’s service plan and plan of protective oversight, while in the person’s home and community.
• To provide, ensure a safe work/living environment including compliance with all safety policies/procedures and regulations.
• To attend any trainings, meetings, updates medical requirements necessary/required. To acquire and maintain all required certifications in accordance with agency policy. Attend and participate in staff meetings on a regular basis and assure attendance at all mandatory meetings.
• To perform behavior management (SCIP) when necessary, using appropriate techniques and in compliance with policy and behavior plans.
• To foster community inclusion by involving the individual(s) in the planning and implementation of recreational and leisure activities.
• Remain aware/respectful of the individuals’ rights and responsibilities; immediately reporting any concerns or issues of potential harm, mistreatment or rights restriction.
• Work at any/all residences, upon request, throughout the agency to assure appropriate coverage and assist when the need arises.

Other Duties:

• Participate as an active member of the individuals’ program team.
• Flexibility of schedule to ensure individual care and program implementation.
• Any and all other related duties as requested by supervisor.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED preferred; background experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• CPR/First Aid Certification (training provided)
• AMAP Certification (training provided)
• SCIP Certification (training provided)
• Program specific training (provided)
• Valid NYS Drivers License acceptable to Agency Insurance standards/depending on program needs. Maintain valid insurance and provide insurance card if using your own vehicle.
• Ability to exhibit/maintain a professional, kind, courteous and patient manner at all times

Physical / Cognitive Requirements:

• Lifting/transferring – individuals/items of various weights – must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Bending/Reaching/Pushing/Pulling
• Ability to perform SCIP techniques and maintain certification at all times
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Reading / Math skills at a level to perform job duties (read-implement physician orders, give medications as ordered, prepare recipes, read program documentation, etc.)
• Demonstrated interest and ability to make possible the personal outcomes of individuals receiving services
• Exposure/ability to safely use household chemicals
• Adherence to Agency policies, including Attendance Policy

Responsible to: Residential Managers/Designee

Status: Non-exempt