Direct Support Assistant

About the role

The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) prioritizes the health and safety of the 128,000 individuals with developmental disabilities receiving agency support. As a Direct Support Assistant, you will help individuals with developmental disabilities lead richer lives by providing essential supports and services.

Responsibilities

• Provide supports and services while advocating, encouraging, and guiding individuals in expressing personal choice.
• Ensure community integration for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Assist with personal hygiene care, including toileting, dining, dressing, meal preparation, lifts, and transfers.
• Help individuals participate in games and recreational programs.
• Coach and encourage individuals to develop daily living skills.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable environment.
• Collaborate with other staff to carry out and record care plans.
• Administer medication in accordance with special instructions.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalency (e.g., GED or Direct Support Professional (DSP) Certificate from an accredited organization).
• Valid New York State driver’s license; must maintain it throughout employment.
• Must meet physical and agility standards.

This position is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS), allowing non-competitive appointment for candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. Permanent non-competitive status may convert to competitive status within one year without requiring an exam.

Pay

Starting salary: $58,225, which includes the statutory hiring rate for CSEA Grade 9 ($42,641), Increased Hiring Salary ($5,584), Downstate Adjustment ($4,000), and Geographic Pay Differential ($6,000). The job rate is $52,413.

Benefits

• Paid Leave:
  • Thirteen (13) paid holidays annually.
  • Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave initially.
  • Five (5) days of paid personal leave annually.
  • Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave annually (PEF/CSEA), with carryover allowed.
  • Up to three (3) days of professional leave annually for development events.
  • Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave at full pay for qualifying events (birth, adoption, or foster care placement).
• Health Care:
  • Affordable health insurance options for employees and eligible dependents.
  • Family dental and vision plans provided at no extra cost.
• Retirement:
  • Participation in the NYS Employees’ Retirement System (ERS), a well-funded public retirement system.
  • Voluntary New York State Deferred Compensation Plan for tax-deferred retirement savings.
• Insurance:
  • Life insurance and disability insurance.
• Savings and Assistance Programs:
  • U.S. Savings Bond and College Savings Plan.
  • Voluntary pre-tax savings programs (e.g., Health Care Spending Account, Dependent Care Advantage Account).
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for assessment, referral, and support services.
• Professional Development:
  • Training programs and tuition assistance for eligible employees.
  • Public Service Workshops Program (PSWP) for continuing education credits.
• Loan Forgiveness:
  • Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) after 120 qualifying payments while employed full-time.