Day Hab Direct Support Professional - Bridges Program

The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence; Town of Potsdam (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence is seeking a flexible, dedicated individual to assist in coordinating the day program for people we support.

The role focuses on promoting independence, inclusion, and person-centered planning, with responsibilities for documentation and communication with the Habilitation Program Coordinator. Candidates should have a high school diploma or equivalent, experience with individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities, strong communication skills, and a

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalency required.
• Experience working with people diagnosed with a developmental and/or intellectual disability preferred.
• Good oral and written communication skills required.
• Valid New York State Driver’s License; work authorization in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the coordination of the total day program for the people we support, focusing on independence, inclusion, and individualization.
• Complete required documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Communicate needs to the Habilitation Program Coordinator and participate in program meetings.
• Support transportation arrangements and community activities while ensuring safety and adherence to policies.

Skills

Oral & written communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalency

Job description

The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence’s next New Hire Orientation session will start on September 14, 2026. New hires will not be able to start until this date.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

Flexible to the needs of the program – minimum 37.5 - 40 hours a week.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalency required. Experience working with people diagnosed with a developmental and/or intellectual disability preferred. Good oral and written communication skills required. Valid New York State Driver’s License Work Authorization/Security Clearance – Authorized to work in the United States.

Summary / Objective

Assist in the coordination of the total day program for the people we support stressing independence, inclusion and individualization with emphasis on the person’s choice. A person centered philosophy will be maintained. Must be progressive and proactive in providing for, arranging for, supervising and documenting services to people we support to assist with promoting growth toward increasing levels of independence. Complete all required documentation in a timely fashion and in accordance with established agency guidelines and procedures.

Essential Functions

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions: Complete all required documentation in a timely fashion. Ensure that all services are documented and that all documentation is consistent with Waiver requirements and JRC policy and procedure.
• Assist the people we support in achieving their valued outcomes and life goals. Promote the development of functional skills.
• Provide guidance to people we support with community activities; assist in arranging or providing transportation. All support staff shall be cleared by the transportation department to drive an agency vehicle and maintain their driving certification. If hired as non-driver or certification is lost, there will be a reduction in pay.
• Shall communicate all needs of people we support to the Habilitation Program Coordinator.
• Shall participate in support staff meetings and other discussions regarding program needs and needs of people we support.
• Promote community inclusion and relationships with non-disabled people as the focus of the program.
• Provide adequate protective oversight at all times.
• Maintain a safe, comfortable and appropriate learning environment.
• Assist people we support when crisis intervention may be necessary. Responsible for the implementation and follow through of all ADL, interpersonal skill training and/or support programs for people in the Bridges program, as directed by the QIDP and outlined in each person’s service plans.
• Shall attend, and demonstrate proficiency by written examination on all required in-services by achieving 80% competency on the exams.
• Shall report any illness or accident, or changes, or problems in a person’s medical status to the nurse and shall use the appropriate documentation procedure and follow instructions as given.
• Shall write incident reports as defined by Incident Review Procedures.
• Communicate all matters concerning physical plant to the Habilitation Program Coordinator.
• Support staff will be required to accept temporary or permanent transfers within the department as necessary, in order to meet the needs of people we support.
• Remain aware of and follow policies and procedures as outlined in the Functional Plan pertinent to the assigned work site.
• Shall perform cleaning duties on a daily basis as required on the cleaning schedule and any other work responsibilities as assigned by Habilitation Program Coordinator.
• If designated by the Habilitation Program Coordinator, shall be required to act as designated in charge.
• Shall be aware of and follow correct procedures for the use of personal money for people we support and program funds for the Bridges program. Ensure proper purchasing of items and correct documentation on all ledgers.
• Participate with bus aide duty, as assigned. Provide assistance and behavioral support to ensure safe transport of all people we support.
• Assist people we support on and off the vehicle if required.
• Assist people we support with seat belts when applicable.
• If negative behavioral situations occur during transport, monitor safety in accordance with SCIP-R procedures.
• Assist driver during an emergency as per established emergency guidelines.
• Perform a walk-through of the vehicle at completion of each run to establish all persons and their belongings are off the vehicle.
• When using Agency vehicles to transport people to and from day program or any community activity, support staff will ensure vehicle is clean, wheelchair straps have been placed in proper area and the vehicle is in good repair and operational order. All concerns will be reported to supervisor/administrator and Transportation Department immediately. Attend and satisfactorily complete all required in-services, including van certification.

Competencies

• Ethical Conduct.
• Time Management.
• Organizational Skills.
• Personal Effectiveness/Credibility.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Travel

None.

Work Environment

The work environment is a professional clinic where the people we support attend our program services on a daily basis.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; lift; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Work may require lifting, pushing, or pulling in excess of 30 pounds.

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

I have read and received a copy of the above job description and understand the responsibilities fully. I understand that the preceding job description will be reviewed/updated at least annually; more frequent updates will depend on contract needs.

AAP/EEO Statement

The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence has and will continue to provide all employees and applicants’ equal opportunity in the manner provided by law in all aspects of employment regardless of their age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, genetic predisposition, or carrier status, or marital status. These individuals will be recruited, referred for hiring consideration, and employed with regard to the positive and appropriate utilization of their skills and capabilities. Qualified employees will be afforded non-discriminatory consideration for promotion and job advancement, and there will be no discrimination with regard to assignments, rates of pay, promotions, transfers, training, termination, accessibility, working conditions, and benefits.