DSP OPWDD - Crisis Services

Familyres; Bethpage (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A supportive community organization in New York seeks a Direct Support Professional (DSP) responsible for assisting individuals in achieving their personal outcomes and promoting their health and safety. The ideal candidate will help clients develop daily living skills, advocate for their needs, and maintain accurate documentation. Essential qualifications include a high school diploma, good communication skills, and a valid driver’s license. This in-person role emphasizes teamwork and community involvement.

Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older.
• Experience performing related job duties preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License required.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals in achieving personal goals.
• Advocate for clients in various situations.
• Provide personal care and promote healthy lifestyles.

Skills

Proficient computer skills

Proficient writing skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work in a team

Well organized

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The primary role of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) is to work alongside the people we support in order to help them to achieve their Personal Outcomes. This includes working with them to develop daily living, professional and informed decision-making skills while also supporting their overall health and safety.

DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Works with the people we support to help them identify and realize their personal life goals.
• Advocates with the people we support in a variety of situations.
• Works with the people we support to teach them new life skills.
• Works in partnership with the people we support to promote their health and safety.
• Assists the people we support to overcome barriers and challenges to establishing and maintaining a network of relationships and valued social roles.
• Works with the people we support and other members of the interdisciplinary team to develop service plans that aid the person in achieving their personal life goals.
• Provides positive behavior support to the people we support as necessary.
• Prevents, recognizes and reports abuse toward the people we support.
• Accurately documents service provision, daily notes and other information as required.
• Promotes and supports community involvement for the people we support.
• Transports clients to locations outside the home, such as to physicians' offices or on outings, using a motor vehicle.
• Performs healthcare-related tasks as needed.
• Ensures that all required documentation (paper and electronic) is completed/processd appropriately, in a timely manner, and meets quality and compliance thresholds.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Residential Setting Essential Functions (additional)

• Administers bedside or personal care as needed (OPWDD Only).
• Assists with personal care and hygiene as needed.
• Cares for individuals during periods of incapacitation, family disruption, or convalescence, providing companionship, personal care, or help in adjusting to new lifestyles.
• Performs housekeeping duties, such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes or dishes, or running errands.
• Plans, shops for, or prepares nutritious meals or assists individuals in planning, shopping for, or preparing nutritious meals.

Responsibilities of All FREE Employees

• Always communicate in a respectful manner with all people including the people we support, supervisors, other valued team members, and members of the community.
• Complies fully with FREE’s confidentiality policies by holding in strictest confidence all information pertaining to members, residents, the people we support and their families, clients, providers, contractors, and employees.
• Meets all safety training requirements; adheres to all safety policies and reports any and all unsafe conditions; takes measures to prevent accidents and/or eliminate conditions that pose a safety or health risk.
• Meets all job requirements for participating in or delivering training.
• Adheres to FREE’s standard of ethical behavior as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct as well as applicable laws and regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent is required
• Experience:
  • Experience performing related job duties preferred
• Specialized Training, Licenses, Certifications:
  • Not required, training will be provided upon hire as needed
• Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities:
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Proficient computer skills preferred
  • Proficient writing skills with grasp of basic grammar and spelling
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment with flexibility, keeping others informed and anticipating needs is essential
  • Must be efficient, well organized, and have excellent communication skills
• Other Requirements:
  • Valid Driver’s License and satisfy criteria to be a driver for the agency required
  • Based on business needs, loss of driving privileges may result in change of work location, shift, weekly hours, or termination of employment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role is performed in-person, travel in an agency vehicle is required from agency drivers.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Employee is required to sit, walk and stand for prolonged period of time (at least 8 hours)
• Employee is required to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing
• Employee is required to reach with hands and arms
• Employee is required to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch or stand on a stool as needed
• Employee is required to be able to lift 50 pounds at a time

Notwithstanding the above listed physical requirements of this position, FREE will provide reasonable accommodations to allow employees to perform the essential functions of the position, provided such reasonable accommodations do not cause undue hardship on FREE.