Community Support Specialist - Direct Care

Independent Living Inc; City of Middletown (NY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

New York State Paid Sick Leave

Job summary

Independent Living, Inc. in Middletown, NY is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to assist individuals with developmental disabilities in community settings. The role emphasizes safe transportation, skill-building, and advocacy to support self-directed, meaningful lives.

You will work with participants, families and teams to implement service plans, ensuring a respectful, empowering environment and alignment with participant goals.

Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Dependability, flexibility, and a positive, person centred approach.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe transportation for participants, including those using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
• Implement each participant’s Staff Action Plan with families and the service team.
• Support participants in achieving valued outcomes through community‑based activities.
• Adapt activities to meet individual needs and abilities.
• Assist participants in building life skills and independence in community settings.
• Document services by entering progress notes in AWARDS in a timely manner.
• Complete required daily and monthly documentation per program regulations.
• Participate in trainings including OPWDD and agency refreshers.

Skills

Developmental disabilities experience

Driver's license

Communication skills

First Aid & CPR

Organizational skills

Dependability

Spanish bilingual (optional)

AWARDS/Foothold

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

AWARDS/Foothold

Job description

Description

Title: Direct Support Professional

Position Type: Part-time, Non-exempt

Reports to: Community Habilitation Coordinator

Base Location: Middletown

Schedule: Varies based on the needs of the program

Pay Rate: $18.47/hr or $21.08/hr

About Independent Living, Inc.

Since 1987, Independent Living, Inc. (ILI) has been increasing access, encouraging self-determination, and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities throughout the Hudson Valley of New York. Following the traditional independent living center (ILC) model, the majority of ILI’s board and staff are individuals with disabilities, bringing valuable peer and life-experience perspectives to the services we provide.

ILI is committed to empowering individuals to live independently and participate fully in their communities.

Interested in learning more about who we are? We encourage applicants to watch our agency video to gain insight into our mission, vision, values, and the impact we make within the community. The video offers a closer look at our culture and the meaningful work our team does every day. Please select the link below for your preferred platform to view the video.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/pc1BlNdilYM

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyIndependentLiving

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myindependentliving/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myindependentlivinginc

Why Work with Us?

• Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to building a barrier-free society and supporting independent living
• Be part of a collaborative workplace that embraces diversity and innovation, where every team member’s voice and lived experience are respected and valued
• Be part of an organization that champions inclusive hiring practices and actively welcomes individuals of all abilities, recognizing the value of both visible and non-visible disabilities
• Be part of a supportive team that values lived experience, empathy, and person-centered care
• Gain hands-on experience helping individuals build independence and meaningful connections in their communities

About the Role

The Direct Support Professional supports individuals with developmental disabilities in achieving greater independence by working toward their personalized goals in community-based settings. This role involves direct engagement, skill-building, and advocacy to help participants live meaningful and self-directed lives.

The Direct Support Professional works closely with participants, families, and interdisciplinary teams to implement individualized service plans while ensuring a safe, respectful, and empowering environment.

What You’ll Do

• Provide safe transportation for participants, including those who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices
• Implement each participant’s Staff Action Plan in collaboration with the individual, their family, and service team
• Support participants in achieving valued outcomes (goals) through structured and community-based activities
• Encourage active participation by adapting activities to meet individual needs and abilities
• Assist participants in building life skills and increasing independence in community settings
• Mediate and resolve issues that arise during daily activities in a professional and diplomatic manner
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of participants and their families, responding appropriately
• Document services by entering progress notes in the AWARDS database in a timely and accurate manner
• Complete all required daily and monthly documentation in compliance with program regulations (OPWDD and HVDDSO)
• Participate in required trainings, including OPWDD and agency-specific training and annual refreshers
• Collaborate with the Community Habilitation Coordinator and team members to ensure services align with participant preferences and goals
• Provide input into the development and modification of participant goals and action plans

Requirements

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities (strongly preferred)
• Valid New York State driver’s license with a clean driving record and proof of auto insurance
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of community resources
• First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Dependability, flexibility, and a positive, person-centered approach

It Would Be a Plus If You Also Have

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Bilingual (Spanish-speaking) skills
• Experience with electronic documentation systems (e.g., AWARDS/Foothold)
• Familiarity with OPWDD services and regulations

Success in This Role Will Be Demonstrated Through

• Consistent progress made by participants toward their individualized goals
• Accurate, timely, and compliant documentation of services
• Positive feedback from participants, families, and team members
• Effective adaptation of activities to meet participant needs and preferences
• Strong collaboration with team members and supervisors
• Reliable and safe transportation and support during community activities
• Demonstrated ability to foster independence and skill development in participants

Benefits available to you include

• New York State Paid Sick Leave

We actively support an inclusive hiring process and encourage people with disabilities, visible and non-visible, to apply. If you require reasonable accommodation to support the application or onboarding process, please contact Latoya Merricks at [phone].

ILI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.

To apply, visit us at https://www.myindependentliving.org/careers/