Self-Directed Services: Direct Support Professionals

Self-Directed Services

Direct Support Professional

What is a Direct Support Professional?

Direct Support Professionals-also known as DSPs-are people who work to support those with intellectual/developmental disabilities. DSPs help those with disabilities to perform tasks but focus on teaching how to perform those tasks on their own as well. In this way, DSPs differ from caregivers who do all tasks for the person. DSPs are more focused on helping people learn how to do things independently.

Non-Exempt positions

Pay Rates : Pay rates vary based on the client budget allowance.

Hours : Vary depending on needs of person/family.

Join our Team and you will be amazed at the relationships you create.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF JOB

Support the emotional, physical and personal well-being of the individuals assigned; encourage growth by recognizing their autonomy and being proactive with them in reducing their risk of harm; foster a spirit of partnership with each individual and with their "Circle of Support" members; always affirm the human rights, civil rights and responsibilities of each individual as well as justice, inclusion and full community participation; perform in a manner consistent with the NADSP Code of Ethics.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop a shared relationship with the individuals that supports the unique personal desires and needs of each individual served; provide assistance to the individual with decision-making, problem-solving and providing encouragement to become as much of a self-advocate as possible.
• Assist the individuals served to know their own personal strengths and worth; assist the individual in sharing those personal traits with others in a variety of community settings; support the individual in making friends within their natural community settings.
• Work in a professional and ethical manner; establish a trusting relationship with the individuals served by being reliable and on time when providing supports and/or activities based on the individuals stated valued outcomes and goals; always work towards assisting the individual to achieve maximum success by developing a mutually respectful relationship with the individual and their "Circle of Supports".
• Support healthy living practices, inclusive of diet, exercise, stress reduction and emotional support, medical and dental health practices as needed or requested by the individuals served.
• Understand and report all instances of physical or emotional harm to the individual by others in accordance with Agency policies and procedures relative to OPWDD Part 624 regulations; ensure the safety and well-being of the individual immediately following any incidents of physical or emotional harm.
• Be familiar with all safety measures and procedures for on-site and off-site activities, including requirements for using kitchen equipment, use of bathrooms/public restrooms and use of vehicles; assist the individuals served to learn basic responses to fire emergencies, environmental emergencies and medical emergencies; provide support to the individual via their Behavior Plan (as applicable).
• Assist the individuals served in maintaining a comfortable, orderly and clean day and/or home environment; support the individuals in enjoying life by teaching them to care for their environment, inclusive of cleaning activities, care for clothing and minor repairs (within the scope of each individual's skills and abilities).
• Encourage and support the individuals to take part in volunteer, educational, recreational and work activities in their community.
• As needed, provide medication administration support to each individual based on their skills and abilities as defined in their Plan(s); comply with all Agency policies and procedures relative to the administration of medications to individuals served.
• Participate in the development and review of each individual's service planning meetings; know and understand the unique aspects of each individual's Plan(s); document all services delivered in the mode and manner prescribed by Agency policies and procedures; advocate for changes on each individual's behalf when necessary or requested by the individual; participate in any other Team meetings with or for the individual necessary to ensuring each individual's needs and wants are being addressed and that each individual is successfully supported towards meeting their stated outcomes/goals.
• Safely operate Agency vehicles per policy and per NYS Traffic Laws.
• Attend all required trainings and maintain all required trainings per Agency policies and procedures; maintain all required certifications necessary to support the individuals.

Generous Benefits offered (For full time positions only)

We have excellent benefits (health, dental vision), paid training and plenty of paid time off.

Do you have outstanding student loans, and are you interested in student loan forgiveness? Coarc is considered a qualified employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Please visit our website at for The Arc Columbia-Saratoga, formerly known as Coarc/Columbia County Arc, job openings and to complete an application online.

For more information, feel free to contact:

Jamie Budai at: View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io

Equal Opportunity Employer