Direct Support Professional - Citizens

About the role

Practice and promote the agency’s mission statement and guiding principles in every interaction. Provide ongoing support to people in the Residential Services program to ensure a high quality of life is maintained.

Responsibilities

• Provide ongoing guidance and support to individuals with intellectual and other disabilities to ensure active participation in every aspect of their lives (e.g., self-care routines, health, safety, household chores, socialization, and overall wellbeing).
• Provide only the level of support necessary for each person supported to ensure independence and engagement in their daily routine.
• Support people to become active members of the community and maintain or build natural supports and relationships.
• Ensure a safe and clean home by supporting people with household chores and participating as needed.
• Follow all treatment plans and use adaptive and safety equipment to promote independence and ensure health, safety, and wellbeing.
• Support people in preparing meals by teaching diet adherence, portion control, and cooking skills.
• Assist with medication administration according to AMAP policy and procedures.
• Implement and document treatment plans and agency materials (e.g., residential habilitation goals, medical case notes, communication logs) to help people achieve independence and ensure health, safety, and wellbeing.
• Adhere to overtime, scheduling, and minimum staffing policies to ensure quality support each day.
• Serve as a member of the interdisciplinary team by attending and participating in meetings to discuss progress, goals, and exchange information.
• Provide transportation for medical appointments, shopping, recreational outings, and other needs.
• Mentor new direct support staff by demonstrating supportive routines and reviewing training manuals.
• Participate in house meetings and maintain all certification and training requirements.

Requirements

• Regular and substantial unsupervised or unrestricted physical contact with people receiving services; subject to successful completion of fingerprint/criminal background check.
• Training on Personal Outcome Measures (POM) required prior to completion of evaluations and assessments.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Valid NYS driver’s license required; must maintain qualified driver status throughout employment.
• Ability to communicate and understand written and oral directives/information.

Physical demands

• May include lifting and transferring individuals (children and/or adults). Inability to meet physical demands may impact employment.