Direct Support Professional - DSP 1

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Program

• Austin Street

Location

• 109-04 72nd Road, Forest Hills, NY 11375

Schedule (Full time, Overnight)

• Sunday - Thursday, 11pm-7am

Key/Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Regularly performs all duties of DSP 1 and DSP 2, as indicated in respective job descriptions, ensuring the overall supervision, protection and care of individuals, assisting individuals in maximizing their strengths, interests and abilities while upholding their personal rights and facilitating activities that provide social capital and connections to the community.

• Ensures health, wellness and safety by providing appropriate supervision of the people we support and takes the lead during crisis situations, effectively deescalating situations relating to individuals, facility or other environmental issues, demonstrating the OPWDD Core Competencies and directing other DSPs while adhering to applicable policies, procedures and regulations.

• Regularly provides support and/or coverage in a variety of settings and programs across assigned region and/or service delivery settings in accordance with each person’s individualized service and behavior support plans, including assisting at off-site locations (e.g. hospital) based on regional needs and remaining on shift or reporting to another program to maintain minimum coverage levels.

• Ensures implementation of person-centered, individualized plans following levels of supervision and safeguards including protective oversight (IPOPs), as well as Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), Staff Action and/or Life Plans for all people we support, demonstrating a strong understanding of and effectively modeling and training other DSP on the intentions, related interventions and goals of the plans.

• Assists with a variety of tasks for people we support, utilizing safe and appropriate handling procedures, as appropriate/authorized, including:

  • Providing personal care and assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) including intimate care and personal hygiene (e.g. bathing, dressing, and toileting), laundry and housekeeping.

  • Ensuring that medication is administered as prescribed, in accordance with applicable guidelines.

  • Teaching/developing skills.

  • Supporting person-centered advocacy with the individuals and for individuals with I/DD as a group through participation in formal advocacy efforts and/or groups.

  • Assisting in communication, self-expression and resolving disputes amongst individuals.

  • Facilitating ethical decision making.

  • Providing supervision for and/or planning and preparing balanced meals and snacks for people we support in accordance with dietary restrictions and guidelines of specific individuals including for modified diets or liquid consistencies.

  • Transporting and escorting individuals on recreational activities, medical appointments, home visits, volunteer and/or employment sites, etc.; may lead establishment and/or creation of schedules for, volunteer opportunities, community and/or therapeutic activities for program.  

  • Assisting people supported with making purchases, as well as safeguarding personal allowance funds and any additional funds provided.

• Understands and uses specialized clinical knowledge of person specific needs in program to provide effective supports to individuals and to inform activities and training and serves as a role model for other staff.

• Implements Behavior Support Plan as written by Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS) demonstrating understanding of behavior as communication and employing person-centered thinking to support positive interactions and prevent further escalation.

• Serves as a member of a highly effective team (teamwork within the circle of support), providing feedback and communicating programmatic needs to members of team and maintaining a solution-oriented approach during conflicts; communicates concerns and/or issues with team dynamics and situations with persons supported to appropriate leadership.

• Communicates by phone, email and/or in person with circles of support, including families and external providers, to provide updates and/or obtain information, as directed by clinical or program leadership; may take the lead or be assigned to