Direct Support Professional - Community/Respite - Monroe County

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Day/Community provides structured programming within a Sycamore Services facility and facilitates community integration through educational programs, recreational activities, and life skills training. Unlike residential DSPs who provide in-home support, this role focuses on engaging individuals in a dynamic day program environment, helping them develop independence, build social connections, and access community resources. Responsibilities include assisting with daily living skills, leading group activities, and ensuring a safe, supportive setting where individuals can achieve their personal goals. Through effective communication, positive reinforcement, and individualized support, Day/Community DSPs empower individuals with disabilities to enhance their quality of life and participate fully in their communities. This position requires patience, creativity, and a strong commitment to supporting and uplifting others in a structured and community-centered setting.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Consumer Focus

1. Assist and support consumers to develop strategies, make informed choices and follow through on responsibilities.
2. Promote consumer partnership in the design of support services.
3. Provide opportunities for consumers to be self-advocates by encouraging and assisting the consumer to speak on his or her own behalf.
4. Honor the choices and preferences of consumers.
5. Observing and reporting on consumers health, behavioral changes, ensuring medical needs are met.
6. Safeguard and respect the confidentiality and privacy of individuals supported.
7. Promote human, legal and civil rights of all people and assist others to understand these rights.
8. Assist individuals served with navigating life transitions, whether into employment, further education, etc.

Communication

1. Use effective communication skills to build rapport and channels of communication by recognizing and adapting to the range of consumer communication styles.
2. Maintain knowledge of and use modes of communication appropriate to the communication needs of consumers.
3. Collaborate with other Direct Support Professionals, therapists, social workers, and families to provide cohesive support.
4. Use terminology appropriately, explaining as necessary to ensure consumer understanding.

Facilitation

1. Maintain collaborative professional relationships with the consumer and all support team members (including family/friends) and follow ethical standards of practice.
2. Assist in the development of an individualized plan based on participant preferences, needs and interests.
3. Plan and lead various activities that promote skill development and social interaction.
4. Assist in the implementation of an individualized plan to achieve specific outcomes derived from consumers’ specific preferences, needs and interests.
5. Assist in the review of the achievement of individualized consumer outcomes.

Supports & Instruction

1. Assist the consumer to meet his or her physical and personal management needs by teaching skills, providing support, and building on individual strengths and capabilities.
2. Assist consumers with household management and transportation needs to maximize his or her skills, abilities and independence.
3. Support consumers in the development of friendships and other relationships.

Sycamore Services Team

1. Promote and uphold the agency’s mission statement.
2. Promote a sense of team through mutual respect and assisting co-workers as needed.
3. Work with a variety of individuals in different settings.
4. Maintain all required documentation and needed data.
5. Maintain accurate time/billing records and submit as supervisor requests.
6. Perform other duties as needed.

1. 18 Years of age or older.
2. Excellent people and communication skills required.
3. Ability to work flexible/non-standard hours.
4. Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation.
5. Ability to keep accurate documentation.
6. Ability to manage multiple individuals served while simultaneously, ensuring that each individual receives appropriate attention.
7. Ability to effectively communicate with consumers, families, and team members as needed.

Education and Experience:

1. High school diploma or demonstrated equivalent competency required.
2. Experience working with persons with disabilities in the community preferred.
3. Knowledge of community and community activities preferred.

Physical Requirements:

1. Ability to lift a minimum of 35 pounds; upper body leverage strength required.
2. Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time.
3. Ability to travel to Sycamore Services locations, events, and into the community as needed.