Direct Support Professional - Day Services

Racker; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Racker in Ithaca, NY is seeking a self-motivated Day Services Direct Support Professional to provide person-centered support in a community-based day habitation program. The role focuses on helping individuals pursue goals, develop life skills, and participate in community activities, with transportation duties and ongoing documentation.

Starting rate is $20 per hour, with weekend, med cert, and overnight shift differentials.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Strong team, written and oral communication skills; commitment to helping people achieve independence.
• Valid driver's license with clean record; approved driver criteria apply.

Responsibilities

• Transport individuals to community locations using agency vehicles.
• Assist individuals in identifying and participating in meaningful activities.
• Support development of social, self-advocacy, money management, and life skills.
• Facilitate participation in recreational, educational, volunteer, wellness, and social opportunities.
• Maintain daily documentation on a mobile device.
• Complete vehicle mileage logs.
• Advocate for individuals' rights and inclusion in the community.
• Adapt activities to meet individual abilities and goals.

Job description

Overview

Are you a self starter looking to support the community you live in? Are you able to motivate and advocate for those around you?Join our team and foster meaningful community experiences for individuals with developmental disabilities! Day Services DSP is responsible for providing person-centered support to individuals in a Community-Based Day Habitation Program . Position focuses on helping individuals pursue meaningful goals, explore interests, build social connections, develop life skills, and actively participate in their communities. Candidate will spend the majority of their day supporting one or more individuals in community settings and facilitating activities based on the individual's interests, preferences, and goals.

Starting rate now $20 per hour!*

In addition, we offer Shift Differentials for Weekend, Med Cert, and Overnight Shifts!

* Rate effective July 1, 2026. Those working fewer than 10 scheduled hours per week will earn $19.00 per hour.

Our competitive benefits include a continuum of health care options for families and individuals, funding and time for continuing education, retirement investment with employer match, paid vacation for school holidays and breaks, paid sick time, and a 20% discount on childcare services for children/grandchildren of full time staff.

Reports to the Day Services Manager.

Responsibilities

• Transport to and from community locations using agency vehicles.
• Comfortable navigating and driving in communities
• Implement individualized habitation plans.
• Assist individuals with identifying and participating in meaningful community experiences.
• Support the development of skills, for example: social skills, self advocacy, money management, community integration, leisure skills, and independent living skills. (ETC)
• Facilitate participation in recreational, educational, volunteer, wellness, and social opportunities throughout the community.
• Independently adjust plans and activities as needed while ensuring opportunities remain aligned with day-hab goals.
• Foster positive relationships with peers and community members
• Provide appropriate levels of support while promoting independence and personal growth.
• Adapt activities and supports to meet the individuals abilities, interests, and goals.
• Maintain awareness of health, safety, while in the community.
• Make sound decisions while working independently in the community.
• Identify new community resources, events, locations, etc to support individual interests
• Complete daily documentation using a mobile device
• Complete vehicle mileage logs
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members
• Advocate for individuals rights and inclusion within the community
• Provide support to additional individuals as assigned during group activities and program events.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team, strong written and oral communications skills, and a commitment to furthering human interdependence.
• Candidates must meet approved driver criteria in accordance with organizational policy.
• In order to be an approved driver at Racker, you must currently have a valid drivers license for at least 1 year with a clean record OR a valid drivers license for 3 years and no more than 4 points on your license.

Our approach to Diversity and Inclusion

"A world where all people know they belong."