Direct Support Assistant

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

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Vacation and personal leave

Health insurance

Retirement program

Professional development

EAP - Employee assistance

Life and disability insurance

Savings plans

Deferred compensation

College savings plan

Job summary

NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities is seeking a Direct Support Assistant to help individuals with developmental disabilities lead richer lives in a supportive community setting.

The role involves providing supports, advocating for personal choice, promoting independence, and ensuring a safe environment. You will collaborate with colleagues to implement care plans and administer medications as directed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or Direct Support Professional certificate from an accredited organization
• Valid New York State driver's license
• Meet physical and agility standards

Responsibilities

• Provide supports and services to individuals with developmental disabilities
• Advocate, encourage, guide, and teach individuals expressing personal choice
• Ensure community integration for individuals
• Assist with personal hygiene, toileting, dining, dressing, meal preparation, lifts and transfers
• Help individuals participate in games and recreational programs
• Coach and encourage development of daily living skills
• Provide a clean, safe, and comfortable environment
• Work with staff to carry out and record care plans
• Administer medication as instructed

Skills

Direct care

Communication skills

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Driver's license

Job description

Job Overview

Office for People With Developmental Disabilities prioritizes the health and safety of the statewide 128,000 individuals with developmental disabilities receiving agency support.

As a Direct Support Assistant, you help individuals with developmental disabilities lead richer lives.

Responsibilities

• Provide supports and services
• Advocate, encourage, guide, and teach individuals expressing personal choice
• Ensure community integration
• Assist individuals 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
• Provide a clean, safe, and comfortable environment
• Work 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 Direct Support Professional certificate from an accredited organization)
• Valid New York State driver's license, maintained throughout employment
• Meet physical and agility standards

Salary

• Starting salary reflects the increased hiring salary and geographic pay differential; hiring salary includes statutory rate for CSEA Grade 9 ($42,641), increased hiring salary ($5,584), and geographic pay differential ($4,000), totalling $52,413.
• Within one year of permanent appointment, employees will have their permanent non‑competitive employment status converted to permanent competitive status.
• Local Bidding Agreements will be honored for CSEA positions.
• Preference will be given to OPWDD employees impacted by closures; indicate this on your resume.
• All OPWDD employees must maintain eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid programs.
• Employees on long‑term leave can bid on positions but must report to work within fourteen (14) days and perform essential functions.
• Eligible state employees may receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• If you are a New York State employee serving in a permanent competitive qualifying title and eligible for a transfer via Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law, you may be appointed to this title as a permanent competitive employee.

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), may carry over
  • Up to three (3) days professional leave each year for professional development events
• Health Care Coverage: Employees and eligible dependents can choose from a variety of affordable health insurance programs. Family dental and vision plans are provided at no extra cost.
• Paid Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave at full pay for each qualifying event (birth, adoption or foster placement).
• Retirement Program: Participate in the NYS Employees’ Retirement System (ERS).
• Professional Development and Training: NYS offers training programs and tuition assistance. Public Service Workshops Program (PSWP) offers professional training for PEF and M/C employees.

Other Benefits

• Health Care Spending Account and Dependent Care Advantage Account (pre‑tax savings programs).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal needs support.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Deferred Compensation Plan (voluntary retirement plan).
• U.S. Savings Bond and College Savings Plan.

Equal Opportunity Statement

OPWDD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to creating and sustaining a culture of inclusion. All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. OPWDD welcomes the unique contributions of applicants concerning education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs. Reasonable accommodations are available; requests should be made to the Reasonable Accommodation Unit at 518‑486‑7222 or via [e-mail].