Direct Support Professional

People's Arc of Suffolk; New York (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

People's Arc of Suffolk seeks a Direct Support Professional in New York to work closely with the Support Team to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. You will assist with daily living activities, transportation, documentation, and goal support, while promoting health and wellbeing.

The role requires strong communication, caregiving passion, organizational skills, and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Excellent written communication skills to prepare clear documents.
• Exceptional communication skills to engage with diverse people.
• Outstanding people skills and passion to help others.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Valid driver’s license and at least one year of driving experience.
• Computer literacy with Microsoft products and web-based agency tools.
• Ability to use proper body mechanics and transfer techniques.
• High School diploma or GED; willingness to learn agency systems.

Responsibilities

• Teach and assist with self-care, cooking, household and program skills, travel, social support, and personal hygiene for individuals supported.
• Stay up-to-date with safe driving courses and assist in transportation as needed.
• Complete documentation and billing for individual goals in electronic health records (EHR).
• Plan and participate in recreational activities based on program needs.
• Receive training to administer medications safely and maintain medical records (Residential Department).
• Support site maintenance, shopping, and overall facility oversight as required.
• Assist in lifting or transferring individuals when needed.
• Maintain HIPAA training and confidentiality of individuals and families.

Skills

Communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Organization

Driving

Computer literacy

Body mechanics

Willingness to learn

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Web-based applications

Job description

General Statement of Duties: A Direct Support Professional works collaboratively with the Support Team to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by promoting their health, safety and wellbeing. A Direct Support Professional serves as a caring and understanding advocate for and with the people they support by assisting them with communicating their needs and accomplishing their goals. This role is a meaningful start in many career paths providing skill and training in various areas.

Responsibilities

• Works closely to teach and assist in self‑care maintenance up to and including cooking, household and program site skills, travel, social support, and personal hygiene assistance for individuals supported by People's Arc of Suffolk.
• Receive and remain up to date on all safe driving courses to safely assist in driving to and from activities, appointments or any needed transportation destinations.
• Provides assistance and oversight while working on goals and accurately completes documentation and billing for personal goals developed by the individual supported via electronic health records (EHR).
• Plans and participates in recreational activities based upon the needs of the program site.
• Receive and remain up to date on all trainings to administer medication safely and in conformance with state regulations and specific training including maintenance of medical records (Residential Department only).
• Other duties may include, but are not limited to, site maintenance, shopping, and oversight of the facility.
• May be required to assist in the lifting and/or transferring of individuals supported by AHRC Suffolk.
• Receive and remain up to date on all HIPAA trainings while also maintaining confidential information regarding the person supported and their family.
• Receive and remain up to date on training for safety and universal precautions.
• Exhibits care, consideration and professionalism while encouraging an independent and fulfilling lifestyle.
• Performs all other duties as requested by supervisor.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written communication skills so that the writing of required documents is clear and articulate.
• Exceptional communication skills to productively engage with all.
• Outstanding people skills and the passion to help others.
• Excellent organizational and problem‑solving skills.
• Valid driver's license and minimum of one year of driving experience.
• Computer literacy to include knowledge of Microsoft products and web‑based applications used by the agency.
• Ability to utilize proper body mechanics and transfer techniques.
• Minimum qualifications: A high school diploma or GED; readiness to learn and utilize relevant agency computer applications.

Qualifications

Education: High School or better.