DSP OPWDD - Housing Services

Familyres; Village of Westbury (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Familyres is seeking a Direct Support Professional to support individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities in achieving their personal goals. This role involves advocating for clients, teaching life skills, and ensuring overall health and safety.

The candidate must have a High School Diploma and a valid driver's license, with excellent communication and teamwork skills. The position requires in-person engagement and travel in an agency vehicle.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience performing related job duties is preferred.
• Functional proficiency in spoken and written English is essential.
• Teamwork, flexibility, and effective communication are needed.
• Valid driver’s license required with ability to drive agency vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Work with clients to identify and realize personal life goals.
• Advocate for clients and teach new life skills.
• Assist clients in building and maintaining social relationships.
• Document service provision and promote community involvement.
• Transport clients to external appointments.

Skills

Teamwork

Effective communication

Flexibility

Organization

Proficient computer skills

Writing skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Summary

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) works alongside individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental illness, and traumatic brain injury to help them reach their personal life goals. The DSP develops daily living, professional and informed decision‑making skills, supports overall health and safety, and documents services according to health and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Work with clients to identify and realize personal life goals.
• Advocate for clients in a variety of situations.
• Teach new life skills and promote health and safety.
• Assist clients in building and maintaining social relationships.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team to develop service plans.
• Provide positive behavior support as needed.
• Recognize, prevent, and report abuse.
• Accurately document service provision and daily notes.
• Promote and support community involvement.
• Transport clients to external appointments or outings by motor vehicle.
• Perform other healthcare‑related tasks as needed.
• Ensure all required documentation is completed and processed timely.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Administer bedside or personal care (OPWDD only) and assist with personal hygiene as needed.
• Provide care and companionship during incapacitation, family disruption, or convalescence.
• Perform housekeeping duties such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes or dishes, running errands.
• Plan, shop for, or prepare nutritious meals.

Essential Functions

Additional functions in a residential setting may include: personal care, hygiene assistance, companionship, housekeeping, meal planning, and ensuring a safe environment.

Work Environment

In‑person role with required travel in an agency vehicle.

Physical Requirements

• Sit, walk and stand for prolonged periods (at least 8 hours).
• Communicate verbally and in writing.
• Reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch or stand on a stool.
• Lift up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent (required).
• Experience performing related job duties (preferred).
• Functional proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Proficient computer skills (preferred).
• Writing skills with basic grammar and spelling.
• Teamwork, flexibility, and effective communication.
• Efficiency, organization, and excellent communication skills.
• Age 18 or older.
• Valid driver’s license with ability to drive for the agency.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) is an equal‑opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other protected characteristic. THIS policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, recall, transfer, leave, compensation, and training. FREE complies with state and local non‑discrimination laws.