Direct Support Professional

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous time off policy

Health, wellness, and financial resources

Retirement matching programs

Job summary

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey is looking for a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to assist individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities in gaining independence and enhancing their daily living skills. This role involves supporting participants in achieving their goals, engaging in community activities, and maintaining a safe environment.

The DSP must have a high school diploma or equivalent, with preferred experience in social services. Benefits include robust health options and generous time off policies.

Qualifications

• 6+ months social service or life experience with persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities preferred.
• Must possess a valid state driver's license with a safe driving record that meets agency standards.

Responsibilities

• Support participants in achieving their individualized goals.
• Monitor and document services provided & progress.
• Engage participants in community exploration and inclusion.

Skills

Proficient computer skills

Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop

Education

HS Diploma, GED, or suitable equivalent

Job description

Direct Support Professional (Rehabilitation Technician)

Location: Various

Reports To: Program Manager /Supervisor / Habilitation Specialist

General Purpose

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) supports people who have Intellectual / Developmental Disabilities and / or Autism Spectrum Disorder to increase their independence, daily living skills, and empowers them to obtain their goals. A DSP uses person centered thinking and approaches to provide daily support to people in decision making, community integration, and in obtaining paid employment.

Essential Functions

• Uphold the values and mission of Goodwill and OPWDD by understanding, implementing and maintaining all policies and procedures, including safety and documentation as well as fulfilling regular training requirements
• Embody the NYS Direct Support Professional Code of Ethics and Core Competencies
• Support each person in achieving their individualized goals by providing supports detailed in each person’s Staff Action Plan and Life Plan
• Assist in the preparation of each person’s Life Plan, Staff Action Plan, and attend team meetings as needed
• Monitor and document services provided & progress towards goals ensuring that all documentation is completed accurately and in a timely manner during shift
• Work as part of the team to ensure participants receive seamless services provision and are engaged in person centered activities throughout the day
• Engage participants in community exploration and inclusion by providing participants with person centered opportunities and daily choice
• Plan and run appropriate group activities that meet funding source requirements
• Accompany participants to volunteer sites and activities in the community and support them as they complete tasks at volunteer and internship sites
• Accompany participants to buy metro cards and support them in traveling safely in the community on public transportation daily
• Monitor participant’s safety as they arrive and while they are waiting for their transportation at the end of each day
• Follow Medicaid, state funding source, and agency guidelines and regulations when providing and documenting services
• Support participants by pushing their wheelchair for short periods of time such as when the participant needs assistance getting over a curb, getting over the platform gap and into a train, or if they are tired and need a short break
• Follow safety protocols to foster a safe working environment and report unsafe conditions, environment, and equipment to Supervisor. Observe participants for evidence of injury or bruises and evaluate for changes in emotional and physical status and complete any applicable incident reporting
• Support participants in managing their behavior, intervene as appropriate, and inform supervisor
• Advocate for the people we support and ensure their rights are protected
• Document all program data, including but not limited to: participant services, behavior plan data, community integration logs, assessments, petty cash, metro card distribution, maintenance requests forms, and supply acquisition forms
• Represent Goodwill in a professional manner to families, community partners, and all others
• Work assigned schedules, including but not limited to: arriving and departing on time, requesting time off in advance, and notifying supervisor of changes to assigned work schedule and location
• Perform other related duties as requested

DSP Floater

• Provides coverage in multiple locations throughout each week based on programmatic needs

DSP Driver

• A DSP Van Driver is also responsible for safely driving and escorting program attendees, in an accessible 12 passenger van, to/from home and program, transporting groups to activities during the day, and delivering supplies between program sites
• Maintains daily communication with program participants, their families, and program staff regarding pick up and drop off times, route notifications, and issues / concerns.
• Transports program groups to / from activity locations in the 5 boroughs during the program day
• Maintains schedules and ensures participants and groups arrive at destinations on time
• Assists riders as needed when entering and exiting the vehicle
• Operates vehicle in accordance with Agency Safety Rules, OSHA (Occupational and Safety Health Act), and OPWDD Office of People with Developmental Disabilities requirements as well as all local, state and federal laws
• Performs daily routine safety checks and pre/ post trip inspections on assigned vehicle. Completes required paperwork including daily logs, route sheets, and all required records related to driving activities

Qualifications

• HS Diploma, GED, or suitable equivalent required
• 6+ months social service or life experience with persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities preferred
• Proficient computer skills required
• This is an active position and the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, climb stairs and/ or kneel

DSP Driver Qualifications

• Must possess a valid state driver's license with a safe driving record that meets agency standards
• Two years' driving experience required
• One-year experience of institutional driving preferred

Special Working Conditions

• Daily travel on public transportation required
• DSPs location assignments can change, with advance notice, based on the coverage needs of the people we support
• DSP Floater - is notified each day which location they’ll be assigned to the following day. Requires flexibility to cover shifts in Day Service locations in Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, & Bronx, Monday – Friday between 8:30am & 4:30pm or 9am – 5pm dependent on the location schedule
• DSP Driver - is a full-time position working a Monday-Friday daytime shift. The exact schedule will be determined by the needs of the program. The driver may be asked to alter their work schedule depending on the operational needs of the site

Benefits

• Generous Time off policy to use when you need it
• Health, wellness, and financial resources to help you achieve our personal goals
• Robust health benefits including medical, dental, vision, parental leaves and company sponsored life insurance
• Retirement matching programs and contributions
• Transit and commuter benefits

We believe in creating space for everyone to do their best work and have individual and collective impact. We believe in challenging the status quo and setting ambitious goals in the name of doing more good. We believe that being your best self and helping others do the same is how we bring our mission alive. Even if you don’t think you meet all the qualifications listed for the job, we would love to hear from you!

If you require a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, or if you are unable to apply through our recruitment portal, please contact us at [e-mail]. We are happy to assist and ensure you have an equal opportunity to apply.