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 includes 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 daily life, including self-care, health, safety, household chores, socialization, and overall wellbeing.
• Offer only the necessary level of support to promote independence and engagement in daily routines.
• Assist individuals in becoming active community members and maintaining natural supports and relationships.
• Ensure a safe and clean home by supporting 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 meal preparation, 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, residential habilitation goals, medical case notes, and communication logs to track progress and ensure health and safety.
• Adhere to overtime, scheduling, and minimum staffing policies to ensure consistent, quality support.
• Serve as a member of the inter-disciplinary team by attending and participating in meetings to discuss 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 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.
• 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 unsupervised contact with individuals receiving services.
• Training on Personal Outcome Measures (POM) required prior to completing evaluations and assessments.