Job Description: Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Position: Direct Support Professional
Shifts Available: 1st Shift, 2nd Shift, 3rd Shift
Location: All five boroughs

Direct Support Professional Overview:
A Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides essential care and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This role involves assisting individuals with daily living activities, promoting independence, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment, in line with OPWDD guidelines.

Direct Support Professional Responsibilities 1st Shift

• Morning Routine: Assist individuals with waking up, personal hygiene such as bathing, changing diapers, brushing teeth, dressing, and breakfast preparation.
• Daily Activities: Support individuals in engaging in morning activities, such as exercise, therapy sessions, doctor’s appointments, or educational programs such as day habilitation.
• Household Tasks: Assist with housekeeping, laundry, and meal preparation for lunch.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of individual progress, activities, and any incidents.
• All tasks may vary and are not limited to what is above.

Direct Support Professional 2nd Shift

• Afternoon Activities: Facilitate recreational activities, community outings, and social interactions.
• Personal Care: Assist with personal hygiene, including bathing and dressing for the evening.
• Meal Preparation: Cook and serve dinner, ensuring dietary needs are met.
• Evening Routine: Help individuals with their evening routines, including preparing for bed, doing laundry, and assisting with lunch preparation for the next day.
• Documentation: Record daily activities, individual progress, and any notable events.

Direct Support Professional 3rd Shift

• Overnight Supervision: Stay awake and monitor individuals every 15-30 minutes throughout the night to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Personal Care: Assist with any nighttime personal care needs, such as changing diapers if needed and changing bedding if the individual soils their bedding. Assist individuals with waking up, personal hygiene such as bathing, changing diapers, brushing teeth, dressing, and breakfast preparation.
• Household Tasks: Perform housekeeping duties, such as cleaning common areas and bedrooms, and preparing breakfast items.
• Medication Administration: Administer any required nighttime medications.
• Emergency Response: Be prepared to respond to any emergencies or incidents during the night.
• Documentation: Maintain detailed records of overnight activities and any incidents.

Direct Support Professional Education and/or Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required to be able to convert to permanent staff; however, not required.
• Six months of related experience is preferred but not required.

Direct Support Professional Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Valid New York State Driver’s License and must maintain it in good standing preferred but not required.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills are necessary to interact effectively with coworkers, employees, the individuals we support, and their families.
• Ability to analyze problems and determine corrective measures.
• Must be vaccinated against Covid-19.

Direct Support Professional Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides physical and programmatic aid to the individuals we support where assigned.
• Aids in daily operation of assigned program areas.
• Assists with supervision of the individuals in assigned areas.
• Accompanies individuals out into the community on a regular basis and maintains close supervision.
• Performs clerical work for assigned areas, i.e., collating, folding, typing, and answering telephones.
• Serves as a member of the interdisciplinary plan.
• Collects data for written program plans as assigned, i.e., behavior plans, treatment plans.
• Provides necessary program support/coverage.
• Writes case notes and provides information on incidents as required.
• Follows established classroom activity schedules.
• Assists Habilitation Specialist in maintaining a clean and organized classroom.
• Assists with toileting and feeding of individuals receiving services.
• Assists with outer clothing of individuals receiving services as needed.
• Participates in activities outside of the activity room, i.e., trips, pool, gym. Enters swimming pool with program participants as required.

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

• Role: DSPs work in residential facilities to help individuals achieve their full potential and integrate into their communities.
• Responsibilities: Assist with daily living activities, such as getting dressed, going to the bathroom, and finding a job. DSPs focus on teaching individuals how to perform these tasks independently.
• Approach: Emphasis on support rather than caregiving. DSPs help individuals learn to do things for themselves, promoting independence.

Direct Support Professional Compensation

• $17/hr.

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