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Direct Support Professional

Child & Family Support Services, Inc.
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POSITION: Direct Support Professional (DSP) (CH/Respite/Matron) 

PROGRAM: All Programs

LOCATION: Bronx, Manhattan, Lower Westchester County

PAY: Compensation for DSPs depends on the program and ranges from $16-$20/hour

NOTE: This Job Description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Job Descriptions are revised periodically to meet the needs of the organization.

 

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) focuses mainly on providing skill-building services to people across the lifespan with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in an effort to foster independence at home and in the community. Our programs provide individualized direct-care services that empower program participants and enable them to achieve their person-centered goals in order to live as optimally as possible. Person-centered goals typically target socialization skills, academics, community inclusion, money management skills, travel training skills, activities of daily living, and safety skills. DSPs, along with the individual being served and the program supervisor, will work together to achieve the goals as stated in each individual's plan.

As a voluntary agency under the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), we provide Community Habilitation, In-Home Respite, Day Habilitation, and Prevocational services to people across the lifespan with developmental disabilities, like Autism or Cerebral Palsy.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Ensure a person-centred approach is used in all aspects of service delivery.
  • Assist with the development of the individual's Staff Action Plans.
  • Ensure goals reflected in the individual's Staff Action Plan are addressed and worked on with the individual with as much independence as possible.
  • Act as an advocate for individuals serving and encouraging self-advocacy and decision-making skills.
  • Assist individuals in community integration and developing relationships.
  • Maintain a professional relationship with individuals served, co-workers and representatives from other agencies.
  • Attend meetings and Life Plan reviews upon request from the program supervisor.
  • Communicate any issues/concerns to other service providers for coordination of services.
  • Complete required documentation including service notes, timesheets and billing forms.
  • Participate in staff meetings upon request.
  • Participate in all training as assigned by the program supervisor or program director(s).
  • Ensure the safety and well-being of individuals served at all times.
  • Follow incident reporting procedures in the event of a reportable incident.

 

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC:

  • Provide regular services via an approved mode of service provision. Service provision may occur via modes of telehealth (ex: video conferencing) or in-person, depending on client preference.
  • Attempt to meet mandated weekly hours per individual served.
  • Collect materials for services in-person from the Grand Concourse Site Office, as needed.
  • Communicate at least once per week with the program supervisor for weekly progress reports and updates.
  • Complete daily service notes and submit them to the program supervisor bi-weekly.
  • Submit hours worked bi-weekly via Paychex.
  • Wear professional attire in accordance with the employee manual in both telehealth and in-person scenarios.

 

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT:

  • Serve as a role model for all Agency staff promoting the Agency's Mission, Vision and Values.
  • Foster Agency and program-wide cooperation and teamwork through the use of positive/ constructive communication techniques.
  • Maintain confidentiality in regard to all people supported and personnel records.
  • Dress in business casual work attire when engaging in community activities with individuals served.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.
  • Associate’s degree in Human Services or related field with 1-year experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.
  • High School Diploma or equivalent with 2 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, preferred.
  • Must have a favorable result from all state, federal, and agency mandated background checks.
  • Must be computer literate.
  • Must have a computer and access to the internet.
  • Must be able to work flexible hours.
  • Must be able to physically assist non-ambulatory individuals.
  • Must be able to lift without medical restrictions.
  • Must be capable of using public transportation.
  • Must comply with OPWDD regulations.
  • Must be able to demonstrate effective communication skills.
  • Must maintain a general working knowledge of community resources.
  • AMAP/SCIP/CPR Certification preferred.

 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Participate in any Agency required training.
  • It is recommended that specialists are tested for the communicable disease of tuberculosis by receiving a PPD test.

 

CFSS Safety and Health Statement:

  • Safety and health in our organization must be part of every operation. Without question, safety is every employee’s responsibility at all levels.
  • Safety and health will only be achieved through teamwork. I pledge to promote safety and health by taking every reasonable measure to assure safe working conditions and practices in CFSS.
  • I understand that:
    • I may be asked to disclose if I am experiencing any COVD-19 related symptoms.
    • CFSS may require me to regularly take, record and disclose my body temperature prior to participating in in-person service provision.
    • I may be ordered to remain at home (or leave work) if I become ill with COVID-19 related symptoms.