Direct Support Assistant

NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities; New York (NY); On-site; USD 47,171 - 57,654; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care coverage

Paid holidays and leave

Parental leave (12 weeks)

Job summary

NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities is seeking Direct Support Assistants to support individuals with developmental disabilities under the NY HELPS program. Responsibilities include assisting with daily living, advocating for personal choice, and ensuring community integration.

Role requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid NYS driver's license; a focus on safety, mobility, and teamwork is essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency (GED or DSP Certificate) required.
• Valid driver's license in New York State throughout employment.
• Must meet physical and agility standards for the role.

Responsibilities

• Provide supports and services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Advocate and guide individuals in expressing personal choice and goals.
• Ensure community integration and safe, encouraging environments.
• Assist with personal care tasks and daily living activities.
• Administer medications according to specific instructions.
• Collaborate with staff to carry out and record care plans.

Education

High school diploma or equivalency (GED or DSP Certificate)

Job description

Duties

Office for People With Developmental Disabilities prioritizes the health and safety of the statewide community of 128,000 individuals with developmental disabilities receiving agency support. As a Direct Support Assistant, you will help these individuals lead richer lives. Under supervision, these positions will:

• Provide supports and services.
• Advocate, encourage, guide and teach individuals in expressing personal choice.
• Ensure community integration.
• Assist with personal hygiene care, toileting, dining, dressing, meal preparation, lifts and transfers.
• Help individuals participate in games and recreational programs.
• Coach and encourage individuals to develop daily living skills.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable environment.
• Collaborate with other staff to carry out and record care plans.
• Administer medication in accordance with special instructions.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency (GED or DSP Certificate from an accredited public or private organization).
• Valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State, maintained throughout the employment period.
• Meet the physical and agility standards required for the role.

Position Context

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). The role may be filled via a non‑competitive appointment. No exam is required to qualify, but the minimum qualifications must be met.

Within one year of permanent appointment, employees hired under NY HELPS are expected to have their permanent non‑competitive employment status converted to permanent competitive status. No exam will be needed to gain permanent competitive status.

Salary and Benefits

Starting salary reflects the increased hiring salary and geographic pay differential. The posted hiring salary includes the statutory hiring rate for CSEA Grade 9 ($42,641), Increased Hiring Salary ($5,584), and Geographic Pay Differential ($4,000), totaling $52,413.

Benefits include:

• Health Care Coverage for employees and eligible dependents with affordable plans; family dental and vision at no extra cost.
• Paid Holidays and Leave:
  • 13 paid holidays each year.
  • 13 days of paid vacation leave initially.
  • 5 days paid personal leave each year.
  • 13 days paid sick leave each year (PEF/CSEA), which may carry over.
  • Up to 3 days professional leave each year for professional development.
• Paid Parental Leave up to 12 weeks at full pay for qualifying events.
• Retirement Program: New York State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS).
• Professional Development and Training: NYS training programs and tuition assistance.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility for full‑time employees with a qualifying employer.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal support services.
• Life insurance and Disability insurance.
• New York State Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Savings programs: U.S. Savings Bond and College Savings Plan.
• Voluntary pre‑tax savings programs such as Health Care Spending Account and Dependent Care Advantage Account.
• Employees on long‑term leave may bid on positions but must report within 14 days and perform essential functions.
• Reasonable accommodation available; contact the Reasonable Accommodation Unit at (518) 486‑7222 or email [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity

OPWDD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to creating and sustaining a culture of inclusion. We welcome the unique contributions that applicants bring in terms of education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.

All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.