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. Support areas include self-care routines, health, safety, household chores, socialization, and overall wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and support to individuals with intellectual and other disabilities to ensure active participation in self-care routines, health, safety, household chores, socialization, and overall wellbeing.
• Offer only the level of support necessary for each individual to ensure independence and engagement in their daily routine.
• Support individuals in becoming active members of the community, maintaining and building natural supports and relationships.
• Ensure a safe and clean home by assisting individuals 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 preparing meals by teaching concepts such as diet adherence, portion control, and cooking skills.
• Assist individuals with medication administration according to the AMAP policy and procedures.
• Implement and document all treatment plans and agency-related materials (e.g., residential habilitation goals, medical case notes, communication logs) to assist individuals in achieving independence and ensuring their health, safety, and wellbeing.
• Adhere to overtime, scheduling, and minimum staffing policies to ensure quality support is provided daily.
• Serve as a member of the inter-disciplinary team by attending and participating in meetings to discuss individuals’ progress and goal achievements.
• Provide transportation for medical appointments, shopping, recreational outings, and other needs.
• Mentor new Direct Support Staff by demonstrating supportive routines and reviewing training materials.
• Participate in House Meetings and maintain all certification and training expectations.
• Perform all other duties as requested by the 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/information.
• Physical ability to lift and transfer individuals (children and/or adults). Inability to meet physical demands may impact employment.
• Successful completion of fingerprint/criminal background check due to regular and substantial unsupervised or unrestricted physical contact with people receiving services.
• Training on Personal Outcome Measures (POM) required prior to completion of evaluations and assessments.