Direct Support Professional

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc.

Job Description Form

Position Title: Direct Support Professional (Rehabilitation Technician)  Location:  Brooklyn, NY

Reports To:  Program Manager /Supervisor / Habilitation Specialist      

General Purpose: 

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) supports people who have Intellectual / Developmental Disabilities and / or Autism Spectrum Disorder to increase their independence, daily living skills, and empowers them to obtain their goals. A DSP uses person centered thinking and approaches to provide daily support to people in decision making, community integration, and in obtaining paid employment.   

Essential Functions: 

• Uphold the values and mission of Goodwill and OPWDD by understanding, implementing and maintaining all policies and procedures, including safety and documentation as well as fulfilling regular training requirements 

• Embody the NYS Direct Support Professional Code of Ethics and Core Competencies 

• Support each person in achieving their individualized goals by providing supports detailed in each person’s Staff Action Plan and Life Plan 

• Assist in the preparation of each person’s Life Plan, Staff Action Plan, and attend team meetings as needed 

• Monitor and document services provided & progress towards goals ensuring that all documentation is completed accurately and in a timely manner during shift 

• Work as part of the team to ensure participants receive seamless services provision and are engaged in person centered activities throughout the day  

• Engage participants in community exploration and inclusion by providing participants with person centered opportunities and daily choice  

• Plan and run appropriate group activities that meet funding source requirements  

• Accompany participants to volunteer sites and activities in the community and support them as they complete tasks at volunteer and internship sites  

• Accompany participants to buy metro cards and support them in traveling safely in the community on public transportation daily 

• Monitor participant’s safety as they arrive and while they are waiting for their transportation at the end of each day 

• Follow Medicaid, state funding source, and agency guidelines and regulations when providing and documenting services 

• Support participants by pushing their wheelchair for short periods of time such as when the participant needs assistance getting over a curb, getting over the platform gap and into a train, or if they are tired and need a short break 

• Follow safety protocols to foster a safe working environment and report unsafe conditions, environment, and equipment to Supervisor. Observe participants for evidence of injury or bruises and evaluates for changes in emotional and physical status and complete any applicable incident reporting 

• Support participants in managing their behavior, intervene as appropriate, and inform supervisor 

• Advocate for the people we support and ensure their rights are protected 

• Document all program data, including but not limited to: participant services, behavior plan data, community integration logs, assessments, petty cash, metro card distribution, maintenance requests forms, and supply acquisition forms  

• Represent Goodwill in a professional manner to families, community partners, and all others  

• Work assigned schedules, including but not limited to: arriving and departing on time, requesting time off in advance, and notifying supervisor of changes to assigned work schedule and location 

• Perform other related duties as requested 

DSP Floater  

• Provides coverage in multiple locations throughout each week based on programmatic needs 

DSP Driver 

• A DSP Van Driver is also responsible for safely driving and escorting program attendees, in an accessible 12 passenger van, to/from home and program, transporting groups to activities during the day, and delivering supplies between program sites 

• Maintains daily communication with program participants, their families, and program staff regarding pick up and drop off times, route notifications, and issues / concerns. 

• Transports program groups to / from activity locations in the 5 boroughs during the program day 

• Maintains schedules and ensures participants and groups arrive at destinations on time 

• Assists riders as needed when entering and exiting the vehicle 

• Operates vehicle in accordance with Agency Safety Rules, OSHA (Occupational and Safety Health Act), and OPWDD Office of People with Developmental Disabilities) requirements as well as all local, state and federal laws 

• Performs daily routine safety checks and pre/ post trip inspections on assigned vehicle. Completes required paperwork including daily logs, route sheets, and all required records related to driving activities 

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements: Describe the skills, knowledge and abilities required.  Include minimum educational and experience requirements and preferences

• HS Diploma, GED, or suitable equivalent required 

• 6+ months social service or life experience with persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities preferred 

• Proficient computer skills required 

• This is an active position and the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, climb stairs and/ or kneel 

DSP Driver 

• Must possess a valid state driver's license with a safe driving record that meets agency standards 

• Two years' driving experience required 

• One-year experience of institutional driving preferred 

Special Working Conditions: 

• Daily travel on public transportation required  

• DSPs location assignments can change, with advance notice, based on the coverage needs of the people we support 

• DSP Floater - is notified each day which location they’ll be assigned to the following day.  Requires flexibility to cover shifts in Day Service locations in Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, & Bronx, Monday – Friday between 8:30am & 4:30pm or 9am – 5pm dependent on the location schedule 

• DSP Driver - is a full-time position working a Monday-Friday daytime shift. The exact schedule will be determined by the needs of the program. The driver may be asked to alter their work schedule depending on the operational needs of the site 

What We Offer 

• Generous Time off policy to use when you need it
• Health, wellness, and financial resources to help you achieve our personal goals 
• Robust health benefits including medical, dental, vision, parental leaves and company sponsored life insurance
• Retirement matching programs and contributions
• Transit and commuter benefits

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