Careers

  Essential duties and responsibilities include the following.  Other duties may be assigned to meet the needs of the individuals and the program.

• Execute agency and program policy and procedure.
• Implement and maintain the Developmental Disabilities Department’s mission of Person-Centered Planning.
  
• Attend and participate in all mandatory trainings in the required timeframes as well as any other required in-service training.
  
• Successfully complete AMAP Certification and administer medications as prescribed by a doctor (s) to the individuals as soon as scheduled, within 90 days of hire.
  
• Successfully complete Tube feeding training, Diabetic Training, Colostomy training, and any specialized certification, if required, within 90 days of hire.
  
• If a staff member does not pass the AMAP course within the required timeframe, they may be reassigned to an on call status or to a position that does not require medication administration, based on program needs and  availability.
  
• Adhere to DSP Core Competencies in course of job performance.
  
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, interdisciplinary team meetings, and individual supervision to provide pertinent information to meet the needs of the individuals(s) and the home.
  
• Advocate for the rights of individuals.
  
• Maintain individuals' specific information in a confidential manner.
  
• Supervise individuals (based on their level of supervision) at all times and provide for their safety.
  
• Conduct half-hour bed checks or as required based on individuals need.
  
• Assist individuals with their Adult Daily Living Skills (ADLS), i.e. bathing, dressing, brushing teeth, washing hair, cut nails, shaving.
  
• Assist in the development of Individual Staff Action Plans.
  
• Complete all Res Hab as well as all other required documentation (ex. Goals on Precision Care, Incident tracker, ABC, body checks etc.) on a daily basis prior to the end of the shift.
  
• Must be familiar with all Behavior Support Plans, regularly implement them, and ensure any required data on behaviors is completed daily, prior to the end of the shift.
  
• Use crisis intervention and calming techniques as needed.
  
• Comply with health, safety and sanitation codes.
  
• Assist with meal planning, preparation and clean up, i.e. clean kitchen, discard garbage, mop floor, wipe tables.
  
• Assist in providing a clean, safe and homelike environment in the residence, i.e. sweep, mop, dust, vacuum, clean bathrooms, make beds, clean windows, organize closets and cabinets, laundry, etc.
  
• Assist individuals to select, launder, mend and prepare appropriate clothing specific to weather, occasion, etc.
  
• Assist in the dressing and undressing of individuals, including the tying of shoes.
  
• Assist individuals in and out of the bathtub/shower, as well as bathing or assist with the bathing using hand-over-hand washing.
  
• Transfer individuals in and out of wheelchairs using mechanical lifts and assist them in their use of physical adaptive equipment such as walkers, standers, and braces (where applicable).
  
• Escort individuals, with arm to elbow support, up and down exterior and interior stairs and while walking in the community.
  
• Assist or full support in toileting and use of diapers, adult briefs, and feminine hygiene needs.
  
• Assist individuals in and out of van and/or automobiles and driving individuals to recreational or community outings.
  
• Assist individuals when they are ill. I.e. colds flu, vomiting, diarrhea, performs basic first aid, Heimlich maneuver if necessary.
  
• Assist individuals in and out of van and/or automobiles and driving individuals to medical appointments. In addition, provide needed information to medical personnel and relay all information to the appropriate staff in the residence/agency.
  
• Stay with individuals while in the emergency room or when admitted (if required) to the hospital.
  
• Communicate in a dignified manner and interact in meaningful activities with the individuals throughout your entire shift.
  
• Assist individuals to meet their religious obligations.
  
• Cooperate with staff in other Developmental Disabilities Program services.
  
• Minimal shoveling of snow to clear pathways, spreading salt and sand.
  
• Rotation through different shifts and residences/apartments is mandatory.
  
• Travel to the five boroughs and the tri-state area, if necessary.

• High School diploma required.
  
• A valid, non-restricted driver’s license required.
  
• Related work experience preferred but not required.
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.  Ability to write simple correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to peers, individuals, families and other employees of the agency.
  
• Ability to add and subtract.  Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.  Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
  
• Ability to interact with and complete assignments in a manner sensitive to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Direct Support Professionals must be awake during the entire shift.  Sleeping on the job is prohibited.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate clearly and effectively with staff and    individuals.
  
• All SCIP-R physical interventions (Perform Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention as necessary for physical restraint and control of individuals exhibiting aggressive based on the individual’s Behavioral Support Plan).
  
• Must be able to travel stairs to the 2nd floor bedrooms, 3.6 times a day at a minimum.
  
• SPECIAL DEMANDS: Direct Support Professionals should use lifts provided for all lifting. They also need to be able to lift a minimum of 25 pounds. On occasion, it may be necessary to lift a greater weight, in which case the Direct Support Professional needs to be able to identify whether or not to ask for assistance.