DSP - Crown Street

The New York Foundling, established in 1869, is a New York-based nonprofit that supports children and families through foster care, conflict and poverty challenges, developmental disabilities, and access to health and mental health services. Our interrelated programs provide a whole-person, whole-family, and whole-life approach to build lifelong resilience and wellbeing.

About the role

The Direct Support Professional empowers persons with developmental disabilities to live fulfilling lives by providing personalized support and fostering independence. This role focuses on promoting individual growth, enhancing quality of life, and ensuring a supportive environment.

Responsibilities

• Implement and monitor individualized plans of care, including Comprehensive Functional Assessment, Staff Action, Life Plan, treatment plans, and Behavior Support Plans.
• Implement and document person-supported goals and objectives from person-centered plans, focusing on enhancing social, vocational, and life skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement.
• Provide direct care and assistance in daily living activities, including personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication administration, and transportation.
• Facilitate community outings, recreational activities, and social events to promote inclusion, independence, and meaningful interactions.
• Accompany individuals to appointments and healthcare follow-ups.
• Utilize person-centered approaches and positive behavior support strategies to address challenging behaviors and ensure a safe, nurturing environment.
• Provide tailored supervision and support based on individual medical, developmental, clinical, and emotional needs.
• Maintain accurate records, daily progress notes, and incident reports to track achievements, behaviors, and health status, ensuring compliance with agency policies and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including healthcare professionals, therapists, and family members, to develop and implement comprehensive care plans.
• Advocate for the rights, choices, and preferences of individuals with developmental disabilities, promoting self-advocacy and empowerment in decision-making.
• Serve as a custodian and mandated reporter in accordance with OPWDD, NYSJC, and organizational policies.
• Administer medications according to prescribed schedules, document administration accurately, and monitor for adverse reactions or side effects.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; experience in direct care or human services preferred.
• Valid NY/NJ/CT/PA Driver’s License with 6 months of experience and 6 or fewer points.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to support persons with developmental disabilities.
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred; additional training in developmental disabilities, behavior management, or healthcare a plus.
• Commitment to providing compassionate care and promoting dignity and respect for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Ability to respond effectively to changing needs and environments, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving skills.
• Maintain confidentiality, uphold ethical standards, and adhere to agency policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated strong commitment to safety.

Pay

$19.00/hour + education additive ($0.15/hour for Associate's Degree; $0.80/hour for Bachelor's or higher).