Residential Senior Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Arc of Onondaga; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-On Bonus

12 paid holidays annually

Vacation time

Sick leave

Personal days

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

401(k) with employer matching

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development opportunities

Supportive workplace culture

Job summary

Arc of Onondaga is seeking a Senior Direct Support Professional to join our Residential Services team in New York. This role provides hands-on support to individuals with developmental disabilities and assists the Residence Manager with daily operations and staffing coverage, ensuring a safe, dignified home.

Requirements include a high school diploma or GED, 2–4 years of experience, and a NYS driver’s license. Medication administration certification is required within 90 days when assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• 2–4 years of experience in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Valid NYS driver's license and driving record acceptable to the Agency's insurance carrier.
• Strong communication, teamwork, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Medication Administration Certification required within the first 90 days when assigned.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on assistance, guidance, training, and support to individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Implement individual plans, goals, and objectives that promote independence, choice, and community participation.
• Assist with personal care and daily living activities, including hygiene, dressing, dining, and other needs.
• Teach life skills such as money management, shopping, and household responsibilities.
• Plan and participate in recreational, social, and community activities.
• Promote dignity, safety, inclusion, human rights, and self-direction.
• Assist the Residence Manager with daily operations, staffing coverage, resident funds, and maintaining a safe and sanitary home.
• Provide crisis intervention and support health-related needs, including medication administration when required.
• Maintain accurate documentation and confidentiality.
• Build positive relationships with families, service coordinators, and community providers.
• Participate in required meetings, training, and professional development.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Organization

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Are you compassionate, dependable, and passionate about helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live fulfilling, self-directed lives?

Arc of Onondaga is seeking a dedicated Senior Direct Support Professional (DSP) to join our Residential Services team. This position provides hands-on support while also assisting the Residence Manager with daily operations and serving in their capacity when needed.

What You'll Do

• Provide hands-on assistance, guidance, training, and support to individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Implement individual plans, goals, and objectives that promote independence, choice, and community participation.
• Assist with personal care and daily living activities, including hygiene, dressing, dining, and other needs.
• Teach life skills such as money management, shopping, and household responsibilities.
• Plan and participate in recreational, social, and community activities.
• Promote dignity, safety, inclusion, human rights, and self-direction.
• Assist the Residence Manager with daily operations, staffing coverage, resident funds, and maintaining a safe and sanitary home.
• Provide crisis intervention and support health-related needs, including medication administration when required.
• Maintain accurate documentation and confidentiality.
• Build positive relationships with families, service coordinators, and community providers.
• Participate in required meetings, training, and professional development.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 2–4 years of experience preferred.
• Valid NYS driver's license and driving record acceptable to the Agency's insurance carrier.
• Strong communication, teamwork, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to treating the people we support with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Medication Administration Certification is required within the first 90 days when assigned to the Community Residential Services Division, unless an approved exemption applies.

Schedule & Physical Requirements

Flexibility is required to meet program needs, which may include 24/7 residential coverage, alternate locations, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

The position involves regular standing, walking, sitting, and physical assistance, including lifting and transferring individuals. Employees may routinely lift 25–50 pounds and must follow required safety procedures.

Why Join Arc of Onondaga?

Benefits Include

• Excellent work-life balance
• Flexible scheduling, including opportunities for remote work
• Sign-On Bonus
• Generous paid time off
  • 12 paid holidays annually
  • Vacation time
  • Sick leave
  • Personal days
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee Resource Coordination Programs
• Employer-funded Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility
• Tuition reimbursement
• Ongoing professional development and career advancement opportunities
• Supportive, collaborative, and family-friendly workplace culture

Join a team where your work has a direct impact on the lives of the people we support. We are committed to dignity, inclusion, independence, teamwork, and person-centered services.

Making a Difference. Empowering Independence. Building Meaningful Connections.

Arc of Onondaga has been supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Onondaga County since 1951.

Arc of Onondaga is committed to equal employment opportunity.

We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Salary: $21.00 - $21.00 per hour