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 the people that live in the Residential Services program to ensure that 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 (i.e., 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, as well as maintain and build upon 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 utilize adaptive and safety equipment to promote independence and ensure health, safety and well-being.
• Support people in preparing meals by teaching concepts such as diet adherence, portion control and cooking skills.
• Assist with medication administration according to the AMAP policy and procedures.
• Implement and document treatment plans and agency-related materials (e.g., residential habilitation goals, medical case notes, communication logs) to assist people in achieving independence in their selected valued outcomes and to ensure their health, safety and well-being.
• Adhere to overtime, scheduling, and minimum staffing policies to ensure quality support is provided each day.
• Serve as a member of the inter-disciplinary team by attending and participating in meetings to discuss progress, goal achievements, and to offer and gather information.
• Provide transportation to people 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 expectations.

Requirements

• Regular and substantial unsupervised or unrestricted physical contact with people receiving services.
• 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, and maintain qualified driver status throughout employment.
• Ability to communicate and understand written and oral directives/information.

Physical demands

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