Direct Support Professional (CLS)

About the role

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

Responsibilities

• Provide support in areas such as self-care routines, health, safety, household chores, socialization, and overall wellbeing.
• Offer guidance to individuals with intellectual and other disabilities to ensure active participation in daily life, including self-care, health, safety, household tasks, and socialization.
• Provide only the level of support necessary for each individual to ensure independence and engagement in their daily routine.
• Support individuals in becoming active community members and maintaining or building natural relationships.
• Ensure a safe and clean home by assisting 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 individuals in meal preparation by teaching concepts like diet adherence, portion control, and cooking skills.
• Assist with medication administration according to AMAP policy and procedures.
• Implement and document treatment plans and agency-related materials (e.g., residential habilitation goals, medical case notes, communication logs) to help individuals achieve independence and ensure their health and safety.
• Adhere to overtime, scheduling, and minimum staffing policies to ensure quality support is provided daily.
• Serve as a member of the interdisciplinary team by attending and participating in meetings to discuss individuals’ progress and goals.
• Provide transportation for medical appointments, shopping, recreational outings, and other needs.
• Mentor new Direct Support Staff by demonstrating routines and reviewing training materials.
• Participate in house meetings and maintain all certification and training expectations.
• Perform other duties as requested by a supervisor.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent (preferred).
• Valid NYS driver’s license; must maintain qualified driver status throughout employment.
• Ability to communicate and understand written and oral directives.
• Physical ability to lift and transfer individuals (children and/or adults). Inability to meet physical demands may impact employment.
• Subject to successful completion of fingerprint/criminal background check due to regular and substantial unsupervised contact with individuals receiving services.
• Training on Personal Outcome Measures (POM) is required prior to completing evaluations and assessments.