Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Direct Support Professional

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

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Position : Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Location: Albany, New York

Program : Residential Program

Type: Full-time; Non-Exempt

Pay Range: $20 – $23.93 (per hour)

Schedule : Various Shifts

Notes : A clean NYS Driver’s License is Required.

Job Ref. # : 0308

Our Mission:

St. Catherine's Center for Children provides a comprehensive range of human services designed to offer hope, foster growth, and improve the lives of the children, families and adults we serve.

Our Vision:

St. Catherine’s willingness to embrace change and develop new services is, and will remain, our guiding philosophy as we support the human service needs of children, families, and adults throughout the region.

Position Overview:

The Direct Support Professional (DSP ) is responsible for the children in the Residential Program, helping to manage their physical, emotional, and treatment needs .

Position Requirements & Specifications :

• A High School diploma or equivalency is required; Associate’s degree or higher in Human Services or related field is preferred;
  • In lieu of a college degree; a combination of relevant professional experience and relatable life experience may be considered.
• Formal crisis intervention training is preferred (TCI, SCIP, etc.);
• A current Clean and Valid New York State Driver’s License (actively licensed at least one year) is required*;
• Completion of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) training (must be completed within 90 days from date of hire);
• Certification to administer medication is required (must complete St. Catherine Center for Children’s Med Certification course within 90 days from date of hire);
• Van certification through Agency training (must complete St. Catherine’s Center for Children’s Van Certification within 90 days from date hire);
• Professional experience working with Children who exhibit significant emotional, behavioral & interpersonal challenges as well as mental health diagnoses and trauma history;
• Previous experience working in a human services agency is a plus!
• Proficiency in computer applications: Microsoft Office Suite & Google Business Workspace Suite, and secure Internet practices;
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills; Capable of building strong working relationships with regulatory bodies;
• Self-motivated and engaged, with a strong attention to detail; Excellent writing aptitude;
• A compassionate, warm and caring mindset; Capable of exhibiting empathy for those in crisis;
• Capacity and openness to work with populations from culturally diverse and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, including but not limited to a broad range of people with various developmental and functional levels;
• Qualities of positivity, flexibility and adaptability; A professional record of integrity, proven reliability and dependability;
• Capable of exercising ethical, independent judgment and discretion, handle sensitive data with strict confidentiality.

*Staff in driving positions must be able to meet agency’s minimum requirements of our insurance policy for authorized drivers; including, but not limited to the minimum age of 21 at time of hire.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include :

• Under the oversight of the Program Manager, implement the standards developed to maintain a therapeutic, child centered treatment environment.
• Remain in sight and sound of the clients of the residential program.
• Implement children’s treatment plans as directed by the Treatment Team.
• Attend, successfully complete, and maintain Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training Certification.
• Properly exercise TCI techniques, which may include physical restraints, when necessary.
• Complete all forms required to document treatment services on a timely basis, according to departmental or agency requirements.
• Participate in the daily routines and activities of the children in accordance with current standards of therapeutic treatment of children and the philosophy and mission of St. Catherine’s Center for Children.
• Responsible for reviewing all pertinent documentation and emails at the start of each shift.
• Attend, as an active participant, all treatment meetings, staff meetings and mandated trainings.
• Participate in the general upkeep of the physical environment. Everyone is responsible for housekeeping tasks.
• Receive and maintain van certification; complete required van inspections and check the log and report the vehicle maintenance needs to the Transportation Supervisor, and the Program Manager, including the monitoring of fuel for assigned Agency vehicles.
• Attend and successfully complete the Medication Administration Certification Course, and maintain medication certification. When assigned, administer medication as assigned, according to agency protocols.
• Maintain a good attendance record, in keeping with Agency and departmental policies and procedures.
• Lead daily group and individual activities with clients that are actively engaging and therapeutic.
• Carry out other directives as requested by the Program Manager, Treatment Team and the Director, Residential Services.
• Attend all required Agency trainings, (e.g., New Employee Orientation, TCI, First Aid/CPR, etc.)
• Additional position-related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Program Manager, or the Director, Residential Services.

What We Offer You**

• Competitive Pay with an Excellent Benefits Package
• Health Insurance options: Medical, Dental and Vision
• $600 Well-being Reimbursement Benefit
• Generous Combined Leave Time (CLT) and Paid Holidays!
• We are a 501(c) (3) agency, which is a qualifying employer for eligible staff under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Pension Plan with Generous Agency Contribution
• 403b Retirement Savings Plan
• Life Insurance – Automatic Benefit at no cost to employee
• Paid Training, including TCI and CPR/AED/First Aid Certification & Update courses, if role appropriate
• Tuition Reimbursement & Travel/ Mileage Reimbursement
• Professional Development & Career Growth Opportunities
• The Comfort of a Business Casual Environment
• Our Commitment to Embrace & Foster Mindfulness, Relevance, Respect and Solidarity.

** To qualify, certain conditions may apply

About Us:

St. Catherine’s Center for Children is a non-profit organization located in the Greater Capital Region of New York. We offer a wide array of human services designed to meet the needs of vulnerable children, families and adults, including residential and therapeutic foster care programs for children and youth, Kinship support, homeless and community-based services for adults and families, a special education elementary school for ages 5-13, and so much more.

St. Catherine’s is committed to cultivating a culture where all employees feel safe to bring their authentic and best selves to the workplace. We are invested in fostering an equitable, inclusive and diversified workplace; collaboratively embracing mindfulness, relevance, respect and solidarity.

If you would like to learn more about our agency or one of our many programs, please visit our website at:

EEO Statement:

St. Catherine’s Center for Children is committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, reproductive health and pregnancy, family history and genetics, disability, age, military status, veteran status, politics, or other beliefs, and any other characteristics protected by law.