Direct Support Professional (DSP) F/T (32 HRS)

The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory; Glendale (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A community service organization in Glendale, New York, is seeking a resident support staff member to assist clients with daily living activities and ensure a safe, clean environment. The role requires experience in medical care, effective communication skills, and the ability to support residents in achieving their individual goals. Candidates must have at least a high school diploma or GED and be willing to obtain required certifications. A valid driver's license is necessary for transporting residents as needed.

Qualifications

• H.S. Diploma or GED required, with a preference for an Associate's degree.
• Minimum one year experience in Human Services required.
• Must pass AMAP certification training.
• A valid driver’s license required.
• Experience in medical care and interaction with medical professionals.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe and clean environment for residents.
• Assist clients with activities of daily living and skill development.
• Ensure clients' nutritional needs are met.
• Communicate with medical professionals and management about resident issues.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment meetings.

Skills

Oral communication skills

Written communication skills

Teamwork

Respect for residents

Medical care experience

Education

H.S. Diploma or GED

Associate's degree

Job description

Responsibilities

• Provides and ensures a safe, clean and normalized home‑like environment at all times. Informs Program Manager of Physical Plant needs.
• Promptly informs the Program Manager/Assistant Program Manager of any serious incident or violations of resident and/or staff rights, according to established policies.
• Development of A.D.L. (Activities of Daily Living) and ILS (Independent Living Skills) as it relates to residents.
• Maintains ongoing knowledge of each resident’s medical, psychological, cognitive and social needs and ensures that programming is appropriate to needs and treatment goals.
• Maintains and submits timely and accurate records and reports regarding the development status, progress and other related information concerning the residents. This includes, but not limited to, daily goal data, monthly progress notes, summaries and other reports, as required.
• Maintain and check medication administration records daily as needed.
• Maintain and order individuals’ medications in regard to the doctor’s order as needed.
• Schedule individual’s medication appointments.
• Review individual’s medical records to ensure all appointments are followed.
• Daily communication with nurse and management on all individuals’ appointment/follow‑ups.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment meetings and regularly scheduled residents’ reviews, as required.
• Provide habilitation services to each client as prescribed in that client’s service plans (CFA, Individual Service plan, Habilitation plan).
• Assist in transporting the individuals to and from programs, community inclusion activities, medical appointments, home visits and all other activities as needed.
• Assist each client, as needed, in skill development in areas such as activities of daily living, domestic living, recreation and socialization.
• Report immediately any observed/known deficiencies or own inability in providing habilitation services to clients, as well as all types of abuse and other facility problems, including physical plant/safety issues to management.
• Ensure assigned clients’ nutritional needs are met according to prescribed diet and assist with feeding as necessary.
• Organize, assist, supervise and, when necessary, prepare meals for residents.
• Assume responsibility for agency and/or resident funds personally assigned for the purpose of making resident or program purchases.
• Escort the individuals to medical appointments as scheduled.
• Complete Staff Information Entry Form when escorting the individuals to medical appointments.
• Appropriately communicate with the Program Nurse and supervisors, both verbally and in writing (i.e. medical consult reports, incident reports, residence’s logbook) about pertinent resident and/or program issues, ensuring the continuity of care and efficient operation of the residence. Read residence logbook daily.
• Maintain ongoing knowledge of each resident’s medical appointments and follow‑up needs.
• Assist Housekeeper/Cook with household cleaning and maintenance of the facility.
• Perform housekeeping duties as assigned by the Program Manager.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the Program Manager.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of persons and population served.
• The essential functions for the job include, but are not limited to, the duties listed in the job description.

Qualifications

• H.S. Diploma or GED required, Associate’s degree preferred with minimum of one year experience in Human Services required.
• Excellent oral & written communication skills, capacity and willingness to learn to use computer systems demonstrates teamwork philosophy and professional conduct consistent with agency standards.
• Has respect and consideration for the resident being served.
• Experience in medical care and interaction with medical professionals.
• Must pass AMAP certification training and maintain valid certification throughout employment.
• A valid driver’s license is required (must be able to drive large vehicles which consist of wheelchairs or 15‑seat van).
• SCIP R and CPR & First Aid required.