Direct Support Professional - Syracuse

Advocates is seeking a compassionate and experienced DSP to provide one-on-one support to an outgoing gentleman with a developmental disability. This position focuses on delivering Community Habilitation services that empower and encourage personal growth, independence, and meaningful connections.


Key Responsibilities:

• Support the development of daily living skills (ADLs) to foster greater independence.

• Promote active participation in community life through recreational and social activities.

• Encourage and support the formation of meaningful relationships with peers and community members.

• Assist in working toward and achieving personal goals.

If you're enthusiastic about making a positive impact and enjoy supporting others in living full, inclusive lives, we'd love to hear from you!

Available Shifts (can be flexible):

This is a part-time position for 12 hours a week supporting this individual. Schedule [days and times] is semi-flexible. Two days a week during the mornings/afternoons for 12 hours a week with this individual. Along with flexibility on the weekends for additional hours. Additional staffing opportunities for a Part-time or Full-time positions may also be available within the agency.


Pay Rate: $21.71 per hour when providing direct support. The hourly rate for indirect/training is $16 per hour.


Location: Syracuse, NY


In addition to the hourly wage, Advocates provides the following benefits to its employees:

• Mileage (reimbursed at the IRS standard mileage reimbursement rate when providing transportation to the individual)

• Life and Long-Term Disability insurance at no cost to the employee

• Health, dental, vision, and supplemental life insurance

• Employee Assistance Program

• 401k with up to a 2% match

Candidates must possess a keen sense of attention to detail, especially when electronically logging each day's time, mileage, and service documentation. Internet access and a valid email address are required.


Reliable transportation is required. Background check, fingerprinting, and DMV record check will be conducted prior to hire by non-profit agency.


Advocates is a leading human services organization with over 1,300 dedicated team members serving people throughout Central New York. Advocates is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requisition ID# 50619

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must have a valid email address.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and auto insurance if required for the job assigned.
• Must demonstrate sound decision-making skills.
• Must demonstrate understanding for the Agency mission. People working in this position must believe in the philosophy of person-centered services, self-advocacy, and the right and ability of people we serve to self-direct their supports and services.
• Must demonstrate patience and compassion.
• Must have the ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and have the ability to write correspondence.
• Must have basic reasoning skills including the ability to analyze and problem solve.
• Must be able to tolerate a moderate noise level in the work environment and must be able to handle distractions.
• Ability to handle physical aspects of the job, including sitting, standing, using hands to reach, walk, push, or lift up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Background checks required
• Education & Experience: GED or High School Diploma preferred. Applicable job experience preferred.
• Desired Skills and Abilities: previous experience working 1:1 in a related service environment preferred. Knowledge of disability related issues preferred.
• Other: The individual does not have the authority to set the staff salary in this model. The Mentor is paid at the provider's rate for the service based on an assessment of the specific support needs of the individual in the areas of behavioral support, communication support, and physical support needs.