DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Support Professional

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and helping individuals achieve greater independence, confidence, and community inclusion?

Who We Are

At Community Mainstreaming Associates (CMA) , our mission is to support individuals with developmental disabilities in living fulfilling, independent lives. Through our comprehensive services, we promote inclusion and empower those we serve to thrive within their communities.

We are driven by compassion, innovation, and a strong commitment to making a difference. As a Direct Support Professional, you will play an important role in helping individuals develop skills, pursue personal goals, and experience meaningful participation in their communities.

Learn more about our impactful work at communitymainstreaming.org .

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

• Meaningful Impact: Every day, you will support individuals in reaching personal goals and building greater independence.

• Rewarding Relationships: Build lasting connections while helping individuals experience meaningful daily activities and accomplishments.

• Collaborative Team Culture: Work alongside a dedicated team committed to providing quality support.

• Professional Development: Receive training and resources to enhance your skills and grow within the human services field.

• Inclusive Environment: Be part of an organization that values diversity, respect, and person-centered support.

• Career Growth: Gain valuable experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

What We Offer

• Full-time and part-time opportunities

• Flexible scheduling options including evening and overnight shifts

• Supportive team environment

• Ongoing training and professional development

• Meaningful work supporting individuals in their homes and communities

• Comprehensive benefits package

• 403(b) retirement plan with organization match of up to 5%

• Tuition assistance

• Paid time off and holidays

What You Will Do

• Support individuals in achieving personal goals, developing independence, and participating in meaningful daily activities.

• Assist individuals with activities of daily living, including personal care, meal preparation, grocery shopping, and light housekeeping.

• Provide transportation to community activities, medical appointments, recreational opportunities, and other important destinations.

• Encourage community inclusion by supporting individuals in accessing resources, activities, and relationships.

• Assist individuals with developing communication, social, and daily living skills.

• Support behavioral strategies and promote positive interactions based on individual needs and service plans.

• Work collaboratively with individuals, families, and support teams to help achieve personal outcomes and goals.

• Promote and support individual health, safety, dignity, and personal choice.

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services provided, including daily progress notes and required agency records.

• Operate agency vehicles safely and responsibly when transporting individuals.

• Participate in required trainings, meetings, and ongoing professional development activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or GED.

• Valid New York State Driver’s License with at least one year of driving experience.

• Ability to operate agency vehicles safely.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

• Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.

• Smartphone required.

Preferred:

• Previous experience as a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Nursing Assistant, Home Health Aide, Companion, or related caregiving role.

• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• Experience providing personal care and community-based support.

Internal Minimum Requirements

• Must have completed the orientation period (3–6 months ).

• Must be in good standing in current position.

• Must be up to date on all mandatory trainings.

• Smartphone required.

Key Success Factors

Success in this position requires the ability to:

• Provide respectful, person-centered support.

• Encourage independence and individual choice.

• Build trusting relationships with individuals and their support teams.

• Communicate effectively with coworkers, families, and professionals.

• Maintain accurate documentation and follow agency procedures.

• Demonstrate patience, reliability, compassion, and professionalism.

• Support individuals in living safe, meaningful, and fulfilling lives.

Work Location

Available locations include:

• Port Washington, NY

• Massapequa, NY

• Glen Cove, NY

• Dix Hills, NY

• Kings Point, NY

• Malverne, NY

Work Hours / Schedule

Full-time and Part-time Opportunities Available

Available shifts include:

• Evening shifts

• Overnight shifts

• Weekend scheduling options

Additional scheduling flexibility may be available based on program needs.

Pay

$20.50 per hour

Generous Benefits

Community Mainstreaming Associates offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees’ health, financial security, and professional development.

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Benefits: Generous employer contribution; eligibility begins the first day of the month following 60 days of employment.

• Employer-paid Dental Benefits

• Vision Plan

• Accident Insurance

• Critical Illness Insurance

• Pet Insurance

• Identity Theft & Fraud Protection

• Legal Services

Financial & Retirement Benefits

• 403(b) Retirement Plan: Organization match of up to 5%.

• Life Insurance: 100% employer-paid coverage of 1x annual salary.

• Voluntary Life Insurance

• Long-Term Disability Benefits

• Section 125 Flexible Spending Program

• Tuition Assistance

Paid Time Off

• Up to 80 hours of vacation during the first calendar year of employment.

• Employees accrue an additional 8 vacation hours each subsequent calendar year , up to a maximum of 120 hours .

• Up to 40 hours of personal time per calendar year.

• 10 paid holidays.

Additional Benefits

• Part-time employees are eligible for:

  • 403(b) retirement plan

  • New York State Sick Leave

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a non-profit organization, Community Mainstreaming Associates offers employees the opportunity to qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) , subject to applicable program eligibility requirements.

Make a Difference Every Day

If you are compassionate, dependable, and committed to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we invite you to join Community Mainstreaming Associates.

As a Direct Support Professional, you will help create opportunities for independence, personal growth, and meaningful community participation.

Community Mainstreaming Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer.