Direct Support Specialist: Empower Lives & Community

Birch Family Services; New York (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Birch Family Services in Ferndale, NY seeks caregivers to counsel, assist, and train individuals with developmental disabilities across personal care, travel and life skills to maximize community functioning. Positions are full- or part-time with varied shifts and require a High School diploma/GED.

The role emphasizes documentation, safety, and advocacy, with mandatory AMAP during probation and willingness to obtain SCIPR competencies. Driver’s license is required for community-based activities.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• 1+ year experience with developmentally disabled population preferred.
• AMAP certification during probation and ongoing AMAP certification.
• NYS Driver’s License required.
• First Aid and CPR certifications preferred.
• SCIPR Competencies credential and promotion pathway.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals by creating a comfortable home environment.
• Work toward core competency goals per OPWDD timeline.
• Provide safe and clean environment based on skill level and risks; ensure safety of all individuals.
• Use verbal and physical means to foster a positive growth environment.
• Assist individuals in developing social skills for community inclusion.
• Perform protective oversight during community activities.
• Monitor personal health during activities and daily routines.
• Assist with home living skills (household chores, cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc.).
• Perform advocacy responsibilities with respect for involved processes and people.
• Document all essential function data and services accurately.

Education

High School diploma or GED

NYS Driver’s License

OPWDD AMAP certification (probation)

First Aid Certification

CPR Certification

SCIPR Competencies

Job description

Birch Family Services in Ferndale, NY seeks caregivers to counsel, assist, and train individuals with developmental disabilities across personal care, travel and life skills to maximize community functioning. Positions are full- or part-time with varied shifts and require a High School diploma/GED.

The role emphasizes documentation, safety, and advocacy, with mandatory AMAP during probation and willingness to obtain SCIPR competencies. Driver’s license is required for community-based activities.