Direct Support Professional - NeuSpark PDS

Job Description

Job Description

Introduction to Company:

NeuSpark PDS provides person-centered, community-based supports for individuals with developmental disabilities. Through a range of residential, day, and community services, we empower people to lead meaningful, self-directed lives with dignity and purpose. Our programs are built around each person’s unique strengths, goals, and needs promoting independence, inclusion, and active participation in community life. NeuSpark PDS’s supports foster choice, connection, and personal growth, while also addressing physical and medical needs with care and respect. At NeuSpark PDS, we don’t just support individuals, we amplify their voices, celebrate their potential, and help spark brighter futures.

Position Summary:

The primary role of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) is to work alongside the people we support in order to help them to achieve their Personal Outcomes. This includes working with them to develop daily living, professional and informed decision-making skills while also supporting their health and safety. 

Duties, Responsibilities, and Essential Functions:

• Provide basic training in Activities for Daily Living, including toileting, bathing, and eating skills, while ensuring a supportive and conducive learning environment.
• Make suggestions for further training.  
• Ensures all aspects of the individual’s developmental needs are addressed including behavior management, communication, nutritional well-being, medical care and socialization.
• Ensure the cleanliness of the residence and program areas as they are used throughout the day.
• Prepare, along with engaging individuals in the preparation of meals, serving and clean up after meals.
• Encourage positive interactions and community integration by fostering relationships with housemates, staff, neighbors, and participating in neighborhood activities that promote learning and social engagement."
• Take individuals to various recreational and community inclusive activities throughout the day.
• Administers and documents medication administration as per AMAP training and Doctor’s orders.
• Notifies site nurse/management of any changes in medication, consumer condition or health.   
• Handle emergencies as they occur and notify appropriate supervisor/management and staff.
• Reports all consumer injuries, incidents, concerns and events to management immediately.   
• Intervenes when needed to protect individuals.
• In absence of Program Director, uses Agency/Program protocol to notify next appropriate Administrator.
• Attend all staff meetings.
• Maintains all required certifications and licensure – AMAP, SCIP-R, CPR, First Aid, NYS Driver’s License.
• Transports clients to locations outside the home, such as to physicians' offices or on outings, using a motor vehicle operated by a PDS approved driver.
• Accurate and timely documentation across all forms of record-keeping, such as communication logs, daily notes, and compliance-related documents.

Residential Setting Essential Functions (additional):  

• Performs housekeeping duties, such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes or dishes, or running errands. 
• Plans, shops for, or prepares nutritious meals or assists individuals in planning, shopping for, or preparing nutritious meals.

Responsibilities of All NeuSpark PDS Employees: 

• Always communicate in a respectful manner with all people including the people we support, supervisors, other valued team members, and members of the community.  
• Complies fully with NeuSpark PDS’s confidentiality policies by holding in strictest confidence all information pertaining to members, residents, the people we support and their families, clients, providers, contractors, and employees.  
• Meets all safety training requirements; adheres to all safety policies and reports any and all unsafe conditions; takes measures to prevent accidents and/or eliminate conditions that pose a safety or health risk.  
• Meets all job requirements for participating in or delivering training.  
• Adheres to NeuSpark PDS’s standard of ethical behavior as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct as well as applicable laws and regulations.  

Please note the above duties, responsibilities, and essential functions are a non-exhaustive list, and may be changed by NeuSpark PDS at any time, with or without notice to the employee. 

Qualifications:

• Education:  High School Diploma or equivalent is required  
• Experience:  Experience performing related job duties preferred 
• Specialized Training, Licenses, Certifications:  Not required, training will be provided upon hire as needed 
• Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities: 
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Proficient computer skills preferred  
  • Proficient writing skills with grasp of basic grammar and spelling 
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment with flexibility, keeping others informed and anticipating needs is essential 
  • Must be efficient, well organized, and have excellent communication skills  
  • Valid NYS Driver’s License and satisfy criteria to be a driver for the agency is required for some positions

Work Environment:

This role is performed in-person, some travel in an agency vehicle is required from agency drivers. 

Physical Requirements:

• Employee is required to sit, walk and stand for prolonged period of time (at least 8 hours) 
• Employee is required to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing 
• Employee is required to reach with hands and arms 
• Employee is required to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch or stand on a stool as needed 
• Employee is required to be able to lift 50 pounds at a time 

Notwithstanding the above listed physical requirements of this position, NeuSpark PDS will provide reasonable accommodations to allow employees to perform the essential functions of the position, provided such reasonable accommodations do not cause undue hardship on NeuSpark PDS.  

Job Availability: Full-time, Part-time, Per Diem

Shifts Available: Daytime, Evening and Overnight

Residential Locations: Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Brighton Beach, Canarsie, Dyker Heights, Flatbush, Hamilton Heights, Red Hook, Riverdale, Sheepshead Bay, Washington Heights, Williamsburg

Day Habilitation and Programs Without Walls: Sunset Park

Please note: The neighborhoods listed are where we currently have residential and day habilitation sites located.  Specific areas may or may not have openings at this time.

The Pay Range for this job is $18.57 to $21.22. This range is based on what NeuSpark PDS reasonably believes it will pay an employee as for said position at the time of the posting. Individual compensation will ultimately be determined based on a variety of relevant factors, including, but not limited to, an individual’s experience, qualifications, longevity at PDS, geographic location, relevant skills, and other factors permitted under federal, state, and local laws.  

NeuSpark PDS offers comprehensive benefits coverage, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Additional benefits include transit, parking, health and dependent care flexible spending accounts and a 403(b) plan. Generous PTO policy includes vacation, sick and personal leave time, as well as 13 paid holidays. NeuSpark PDS offers comprehensive benefits coverage, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Additional benefits include transit, parking, health and dependent care flexible spending accounts and a 403(b) plan. Generous PTO policy includes vacation, sick and personal leave time, as well as 13 paid holidays.

NeuSpark PDS is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for our employees, contractors, and the diverse individuals and families we serve. We value diversity in our workplace because teams are stronger when people bring different perspectives and experiences. NeuSpark PDS does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. All employees and contractors are responsible for maintaining a culture free from discrimination and harassment by treating others with empathy, kindness, and respect.