DSP OPWDD - Services

Overview

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) works alongside the people we support to help them achieve their Personal Outcomes, developing daily living, professional, and informed decision-making skills while supporting health and safety.

• Work with the people we support to help them identify and realize their personal life goals.
• Advocate with the people we support in a variety of situations.
• Teach new life skills and cooperate with the people we support to promote their health and safety.
• Assist the people we support to overcome barriers and challenges to establishing and maintaining a network of relationships and valued social roles.
• Collaborate 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.
• Provide positive behavior support to the people we support as necessary.
• Prevent, recognize and report abuse toward the people we support.
• Accurately document service provision, daily notes, and other information as required.
• Promote and support community involvement for the people we support.
• Transport clients to locations outside the home (e.g., physicians’ offices or outings) using a motor vehicle.
• Perform healthcare-related tasks, such as medication administration, when needed.
• Ensure that all required documentation (paper and electronic) is completed/processed appropriately, in a timely manner, and meets quality and compliance thresholds.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Residential Setting Essential Functions (additional):

• Administer bedside or personal care (e.g., ambulation or personal hygiene assistance).
• Cares for individuals during periods of incapacitation, family disruption, or convalescence, providing companionship and help in adjusting to new lifestyles.
• Performs housekeeping duties (cooking, cleaning, washing clothes or dishes, 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 with FREE’s confidentiality policies and holds in strictest confidence all information pertaining to members, residents, the people we support and their families, clients, providers, contractors, and employees.
• Meets safety training requirements; adheres to safety policies and reports unsafe conditions; takes measures to prevent accidents and eliminate conditions that pose safety or health risk.
• Meets all job requirements for participating in or delivering training.
• Adheres to FREE’s ethical standards as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct and applicable laws and regulations.

Note:

The above duties are non-exhaustive and may be changed by FREE at any time, with or without notice to the employee.

• 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 and writing skills with good grammar and spelling; demonstrated ability to work in a team environment; efficient, well organized, and able to communicate effectively
• Other Requirements:
  Valid NYS Driver’s License and eligibility to drive for the agency is preferred

This role is performed in-person with some travel in an agency vehicle required for agency drivers.

• Sit, walk, and stand for prolonged periods (at least 8 hours)
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Reach with hands and arms
• Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or stand on a stool as needed
• Lifting up to 50 pounds

Reasonable accommodations are provided to enable performance of essential functions where not causing undue hardship to FREE.

FREE is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other protected characteristic. FREE complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises’ affirmative action efforts related to protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are described in our affirmative action plan. If you have questions or wish to view the plan, please visit our website (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..