Direct Support Professional (DSP)

IGHL Inc; New York (NY); On-site; USD 22,730 - 32,373; Full time

Job summary

IGHL Inc in New York is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to assist developmentally disabled consumers with daily activities. The DSP will provide essential physical help with self-care routines, administer medications, and maintain documentation. Strong communication and teamwork skills are crucial in this role.

Applicants must have a High School Diploma or GED, valid NYS Driver's license, and be able to lift 50 lbs. regularly. Certifications in CPR and SCIP are required within the first six months. This position plays a key role in supporting individuals to achieve independence and quality of life.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid NYS Driver's license for transportation.
• Experience in a support role is an asset.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. at least five times per hour.
• Must maintain CPR and SCIP certifications.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on assistance with Activities of Daily Living.
• Administer medication as per certification.
• Guide and teach consumers in self-care routines.
• Implement program goals and documentation.
• Participate in and supervise recreational activities.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Physical assistance

Teaching Activities of Daily Living

Supervision

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

CPR certification

SCIP certification

Driver's license

Job description

Supervisor: Residence Manager and/or Assistant Residence Manager(s)

Department: Residential

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Rate Range: staring at $20/hr

Job Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a role model for the developmentally disabled consumer. The DSP’s actions and interactions are based on mutual respect, communication, teamwork, teaching Activities of Daily Living (ADL). The DSP will provide hands on physical assistance for all ADL that the consumer does not complete independently.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Administers medication, as per OPWDD AMAP certification.
• Uses a pro‑active approach to offer and actively encourage choice making. Utilizes physical redirection techniques, as per OPWDD SCIP certification and individualized adaptive behavior programs.
• Guides, teaches and supervises, and, if necessary, provides physical assistance to the consumer during the performance of self‑care routines: toileting, hand washing, bathing, showering, tooth brushing, eating, personal grooming and dressing.
• Implements program goal plans as written i.e. self care, communication, independent living, mobility, learning, economic self‑sufficiency, self‑direction, and records documentation, including billing as per program necessity.
• Implements physical therapy interventions as written.
• Assists, monitors, and supervises the consumer during the performance of house cleaning chores, i.e. dusting, vacuuming, bed making, laundry, ironing, dishwashing and table setting. Performs all housekeeping responsibilities that the consumers cannot satisfactorily complete.
• Actively participates in and provides supervision during recreation, both within IGHL and in the community. Encourages and schedules opportunities for leisure activities, both individualized and group oriented.
• Maintains DRIVER AUTHORIZATION status, as per IGHL policy and provides transportation and supervision during community integrated activities and medical appointments if applicable.
• Teaches the consumers the aspects of good nutrition, i.e. menu planning, diet requirements, food groups, preparation, handling and shopping; provide supervision and, if necessary, hands on assistance.
• Accurately maintains documentation in all logs: nursing, medication, exposure control, behavior, communication and first aid.
• Adheres to IGHL and OPWDD policy, including Safety and Code of Conduct, and completes forms as warranted: time sheets, time off requests, tuition reimbursement, physical complaint reports and incident reports.
• Adheres to emergency policies and administers first aid in accordance with prescribed procedures.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and in‑services training.
• Offers suggestions and requests supplies for residential, programmatic, site‑specific needs.
• Participates in specialty training such as CPR and keeps certifications current.
• At any time during a DSP’s shift he/she may be asked to cover at another location; including hospital coverage based on Agency needs.
• Complete and maintain SCIP, Adult CPR, AMAP and defensive driving certifications within 6 months of hire or transfer in order to keep the DOC pay, as per IGHL policy.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education, Work Experience, and Competencies

• High School Diploma/GED
• Valid NYS Driver's license
• Complete and maintain SCIP and Adult CPR certification, as per IGHL policy
• Work regularly scheduled days, including those that fall on holidays
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. at least five times per hour
• Able to sit, stand or bend throughout the day
• Enthusiastic team player that handles stressful situations professionally with ease

The Direct Support Professional upholds IGHL's mission, emulates the values and commits to the vision.