Direct Support Professional

RHA Health Services, LLC; Deckertown (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Early access to earned wages

Paid Time Off

401(k) retirement savings program

Health/Insurance for full-time employees

Job-specific training opportunities

Job summary

RHA Health Services, LLC, located in Deckertown, NY, is seeking a Direct Support Professional to assist individuals with disabilities. The role includes personalized support to foster independence and self-advocacy, enabling individuals to engage in their communities.

Ideal candidates are compassionate, have strong communication skills, and hold a High School Diploma. Benefits include early access to earned wages, health insurance, and a retirement savings program for full-time employees.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Strong dedication to person-centered support.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for individuals’ rights and promote self-advocacy.
• Support individuals in community engagement and decision-making.
• Assist with personal care tasks and maintain documentation.

Skills

Compassionate and patient

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Knowledge of disability rights

Ability to foster independence

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Direct Support Professional

We are hiring for a Direct Support Professional (DSP) – a regular‑time position. If you are a positive and personable individual looking to make a real difference in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as those facing mental health and substance use challenges, join our team at RHA Health Services.

The DSP provides personalized support to individuals with disabilities, helping them engage meaningfully in their communities and achieve their personal goals. The role involves assisting individuals in expressing their needs, implementing services aligned with their person‑centered plans, and fostering independence and self‑advocacy.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Advocate for individuals’ human, legal, and civil rights.
• Promote health and safety by supporting wellness initiatives and accident prevention.
• Encourage self‑advocacy and empower individuals to make their own choices.
• Facilitate community engagement by accompanying individuals to work, recreational activities, and social events.
• Teach and support independent living skills, including household management and personal care.
• Provide transportation for appointments, errands, and community activities.
• Foster social connections by supporting relationship‑building within the community.
• Support informed decision‑making regarding living arrangements, employment, and social activities.
• Assist with personal care tasks such as hygiene, bathing, dressing, and household chores (laundry, cleaning, decorating).
• Maintain accurate documentation of provided services and support.
• Understand and address challenges faced by individuals using effective advocacy strategies.
• Connect individuals with community resources for career development, education, and volunteer opportunities.
• Encourage effective communication, adapting to individual needs and preferences.
• Assist with medication administration in accordance with state laws and regulations.
• Ensure confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all aspects of care.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum age of 18 years.
• Successful completion of all pre‑employment screening requirements.
• Compassionate, patient, and dedicated to person‑centered support.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to foster independence while providing necessary support.
• Knowledge of disability rights, self‑advocacy, and community integration principles.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow regulatory guidelines.

Pre‑Employment Screening

• Complete criminal background check (OIG exclusions database, Child Abuse Registry, Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities).
• Drug testing.
• Education verification and other credentialing as required.
• Proof of employment history or references (if required).
• For driving roles: proof of driver’s license, driver’s insurance, and a vehicle if required for transportation duties.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs and occasionally pull at least 40 lbs.
• Must be able to squat, kneel, crawl, crouch, climb, and stoop as part of regular job duties.
• Must be able to use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls.
• Required to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in CPR from floor level, requiring hand, knee, and lifting movements.
• Vision requirements include close, distance, and peripheral vision; must be able to talk and hear.
• Exception – Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs: employees must be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL); the talk and hear requirement does not apply.

Benefits

• Payactiv: early access to earned wages.
• Employee perks and discount program.
• Paid Time Off (full‑time employees only).
• Health/Insurance (full‑time employees only).
• 401(k) retirement savings program.
• Wellbeing Programs: physical, emotional, and financial chronic disease management programs for qualifying employees.
• Training: free CPR, first aid, and job‑specific training opportunities.
• *Contract/contingent workers and interns do not qualify for the above benefits.

EEO Statement

RHA is an equal opportunity employer. In addition, we provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees who have protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact our solutions center.