Universal Direct Support Professional

Summary

Assist in coordination of the people we support in the residential program, day habilitation program, or community habilitation program, stressing independence, integration, individualization, and productivity with emphasis on the person’s choice. Incorporate a person‑centered approach into training, and be progressive and proactive in providing, arranging, supervising, and documenting services to promote growth toward increasing levels of independence.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals in purchasing household equipment, managing personal funds, and acclimating to the home or program site.
• Support proper nutrition, meal planning, preparation, and grocery shopping; provide related training as outlined in service plans.
• Guide individuals in cleaning the program site, performing domestic tasks, and maintaining rooms and property safely and sanitarily.
• Facilitate leisure activities and arrange or provide transportation as needed.
• Maintain driving certification and agency vehicle clearance; non‑drivers or loss of certification results in reduced pay.
• Conduct and document fire drills per regulations and policy.
• Communicate supply needs to the Residence Manager and participate in staff meetings regarding resident and household needs.
• Engage actively in crisis intervention when required.
• Implement and follow through on ADL, interpersonal skill training, and behavioral support programs as directed by the Residence Manager and outlined in support plans.
• Document program implementation promptly and accurately, completing same‑day records of progress.
• Administer medications when designated, after completing OPWDD‑approved medication certification.
• Report illness, accidents, or changes in medical status to the on‑call nurse or administrator using proper documentation procedures.
• Complete daily nursing notes reflecting resident health status.
• Write incident reports according to Incident Review Procedures.
• Promote integration, individualization, independence, and productivity while ensuring safety and welfare.
• Communicate all matters concerning a person’s support program and physical plant to the Residence Manager or Assistant Residence Manager via daily log or as needed.
• Accept temporary or permanent transfers within the department to meet resident needs.
• Follow policies and procedures outlined in the Functional Plan for the assigned site and program.
• Document service plan activities for Residential Habilitation, Day Habilitation, and Community Habilitation services, including programming, nursing, clinical, and self‑care.
• Monitor individuals during sleeping hours, observe and document per bed‑check log and team recommendations.
• Perform daily cleaning duties per schedule and complete all cleaning logs and physical plant checklists.
• Act as designated in‑charge in the absence of the Residence Manager when assigned.
• Ensure proper use, purchasing, and documentation of personal funds.

Requirements

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalency preferred.
• Experience working with developmentally disabled individuals preferred.
• Good verbal and written communication skills required.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull more than 30 pounds.
• Valid New York State driver’s license.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Sub‑Status Employee Requirements

• Schedules based on site needs after full‑time and part‑time staff have been scheduled.
• Minimum of 8 weekend hours per month (Weekend: 4 pm Friday – 8 am Monday).
• Minimum of one agency‑observed holiday per year.
• Approval required to work hours outside the primary site.

Competencies

• Ethical conduct
• Time management
• Organizational skills
• Personal effectiveness / credibility

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Pay

• Wage range: $18.00 – $21.85 per hour (higher rates based on education and experience).
• Starting rate for sub‑status positions: $16.00 per hour.
• Sign‑on bonus: $650 total.
• Full‑time bonus payout: $300 after 3 months, $350 after 6 months.
• Part‑time bonus payout: half of the full‑time amounts.

Schedule

• New Hire Orientation begins October 5, 2026; new hires cannot start before this date.
• Full‑time: 40 hours per week (flexible to program needs).
• Part‑time: minimum 20 hours per week (flexible to program needs).
• Sub‑status: 15 hours per week.