Direct Support Assistant – Office for People With Developmental Disabilities
The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities prioritizes the health and safety of the statewide 128,000 individuals with developmental disabilities receiving agency’s support. As a Direct Support Assistant, you will help individuals with developmental disabilities lead richer lives under supervision.
Responsibilities
- Provide supports and services.
- Advocate, encourage, guide and teach individuals in expressing personal choice.
- Ensure community integration.
- Assist individuals with personal hygiene care, toileting, dining, dressing, meal preparation, lifts and transfers.
- Help individuals to participate in games and recreational programs.
- Coach and encourage individuals to develop daily living skills.
- Provide a clean, safe, and comfortable environment.
- Work with other staff to carry out care plans and to record care plans.
- Administer medication in accordance with special instructions.
Minimum Qualifications
- You must have a high school diploma or an equivalency, such as a GED or a Direct Support Professional (DSP) Certificate from an accredited public or private organization.
- You must have a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State. You will be required to maintain a valid driver's license throughout your employment as a DSA.
- You must meet physical and agility standards.
Benefits
- Paid Holidays and Leave:
- Thirteen (13) paid holidays each year.
- Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave initially.
- Five (5) days paid personal leave each year.
- Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave each year (PEF/CSEA), which may carry over from year to year.
- Up to three (3) days professional leave each year to participate in professional development events.
- Health Care Coverage: Employees and their eligible dependents can choose from a variety of affordable health insurance programs. Employees are provided family dental and vision plans at no extra cost.
- Paid Parental Leave: Paid Parental Leave allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave at full pay for each qualifying event.
- Retirement Program: Participate in the NYS Employees’ Retirement System (ERS), which is recognized as one of the best-managed and best-funded public retirement systems in the nation.
- Professional Development and Education and Training: NYS offers training programs and tuition assistance to eligible employees to maintain and increase their professional skills and prepare them for promotional opportunities.
- Public Service Workshops Program (PSWP): Offers certain professional training opportunities for PEF represented and M/C designated employees that may grant continuing education credits toward maintaining professional licensure.
- Benefits include: Savings programs such as the U.S. Savings Bond and the College Savings Plan; Voluntary pre-tax savings programs such as Health Care Spending Account and the Dependent Care Advantage Account; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); Life insurance and Disability insurance; New York State Deferred Compensation Plan.
All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
OPWDD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to creating and sustaining a culture of inclusion. We are committed to diversity in all aspects of our workforce and encourage applicants to bring their education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, languages spoken, veteran status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.