Direct Support Professional -Self-Direction

Summary

Provide direct support services to individuals with developmental disabilities in their own home and community settings under New York State's OPWDD Self-Direction program (with The Arc Otsego acting as the Employer of Record).

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide individually chosen, person-centered support to the individual throughout all scheduled service times in their home and community.
• Engage the person in meaningful activities and skill-building opportunities based on their interests and choices.
• Ensure that activities are age-appropriate, meaningful, promote health and well-being, and support participation in community life.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment in the individual's home and community locations.
• Aid with household tasks as needed to support a healthy and positive living environment.
• Follow all individualized support plans including Staff Action Plans, behavior plans, dining guidelines, and health care instructions.
• Implement strategies and safeguards as outlined in the person's plan.
• Collect and document service data according to plan requirements and agency procedures.
• Track progress toward individual goals and maintain accurate daily records.
• Interact with the person in a respectful, age-appropriate manner that promotes dignity and independence.
• Aid with self-care tasks such as hygiene, dressing, meals, and mobility as needed.
• Monitor health and safety, respond appropriately to incidents, and follow all safety procedures.
• Report incidents and concerns promptly to the FI Direct Manager.
• Communicate regularly with the FI Direct Manager and the person's family or representative.
• Participate in required staff meetings, supervision sessions, and agency-provided training.
• Maintain certifications such as CPR/First Aid and complete annual required training.
• Represent The Arc Otseago positively in community interactions and while supporting the person in public.
• Adhere to all Arc Otseago and OPWDD Self-Direction policies and procedures.
• Support each person in achieving the life they want through choice-driven, respectful supports.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the FI Direct Manager to meet program or individual needs.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position requires no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Educational Preference: High School Diploma or GED.
• Preferred: Completion of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program.
• Experience: Previous experience and/or training in a similar field (supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in community settings) will be considered in lieu of the educational preference.
• Reasoning Skills: Sound decision making and judgment, interpersonal skills, planning/organizing, strategic thinking, time management and delegating.
• Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write reports/correspondence and good communication and writing skills.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and to draw and interpret bar or line graphs.
• Computer Skills: Must be knowledgeable about Internet software, Microsoft Office components including Word, Office, Excel and PowerPoint. Becomes knowledgeable and trained in the use of Therap for plan writing, event reporting and ongoing communication.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations

• Valid NYS driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Successful completion of behavior intervention techniques, CPR/First Aid, Medication Administration Certification and all other required training.

Physical Demands

• Physically able to bend/stoop, squat, push/pull, reach above/below shoulder level frequently.
• Must be able to independently lift and/or transfer, push or pull up to 50 lbs.
• No lifting restrictions.
• Ability to physically intervene using Agency-endorsed behavior interventions.
• Adequate vision, speaking and hearing ability, with or without correction, to be constantly aware of, detect, and able to respond to each individual's needs when not in immediate vicinity.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Ability to ambulate; reach with hands and arms.
• Operate a computer and software programs.

Work Environment

• Works with household cleaning solutions.
• Moderate noise; 75-90% of work is performed indoors, 10-25% outdoors.
• Works with wheelchairs, electric/hydraulic/manual lift/ramp equipment, lifts and hook-ups, oxygen tanks, mechanical/electrical beds, household appliances, cleaning equipment, whirlpool machines, mist machines, suction machines, augmentative communication devices, yard equipment and office equipment.
• Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment at all times.
• Clean up human waste and other body fluids as required.
• Responsibilities occasionally may require an adjusted work schedule including overtime.

Occupational Safety and Health Act

• Exposed to human body fluids, airborne agents, household chemicals.
• May be exposed to contagious diseases.

Rate of Pay

The rate of pay for this position is determined by the individual self-direction budget and will not be below $15.50 per hour.