Direct Support Professional

Job Code:  31-1122

Salary:  $19.07 - $26.22 per hour

Status:  FT, PT, PD; Non-exempt

Department: Family Support

Location: Family Support

Telecommute: No

Fleet: Yes

Mandated Reporter: Yes

Background: PL 101-630 and NYS OPWDD

Reports To: Waiver Manager, Day Program Supervisor, Team One or Team Two Supervisor

Summary: Under the direction of either the Day Program, IRA Team One or Team Two Supervisor, or Waiver Manager, the Direct Support Professional is responsible for assisting individuals with developmental disabilities to complete activities of daily living at the person’s home or in a daytime non-residential facility. Duties performed at a place of residence may include teaching and assisting individuals with housekeeping skills (making beds, laundry, dishwashing), meal planning, and preparation. Supervise activities at the Day Program, Residence, or SAP facilities or in the community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following: 

• Schedule: 8:00 am–4:00 pm; 4:00 pm–12:00 am OR 12:00 am–8:00 am, depending on the needs of the program.  This may include weekends and holidays.
• Direct Support Professional staff are required to remain on shift until relieved by another staff member or supervisor.      All DSPs are subject to mandated overtime for any open shift at any IRA, Day Hab, or SAP, as per the program’s mandated overtime guidelines.
• At all times, serve as an advocate for the individuals with whom you work.
• At all times, serves as an active and integral member of a multi-disciplinary team with a complete focus to meet program needs and enhance the quality of services provided to the individuals we serve.
• Provide direct care and assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Work hours may include weekdays, evenings, and weekends, as designated by the individual's needs and as established by the program schedule.
• Effectively utilize written and oral communication to ensure the completion of all documentation and forms, including progress notes, ISP Data, and attendance logs. Work cooperatively with individuals, family members, supervisors, and Care Managers to constructively resolve matters that may arise.
• Assist with other duties necessary within the programs, such as dishwashing, van cleaning, cooking, shopping, collecting receipts, and participating in gatherings and parties.
• Assist supervisor and Care Managers with the development and implementation of the individual’s Life Plan Meetings. Participate in the individual’s Life Plan meetings as required.
• Report accidents, incidents, or program concerns in a timely manner to the supervisor and others as appropriate. Complete incident reports.
• Complete and maintain 40-hour AMAP certification as requested or required by the supervisor.
• Perform health care tasks, such as monitoring vital signs and medication, under the direction of the registered nurse.
• Assist individuals with personal care, such as ambulation and personal hygiene.
• Teach and assist individuals with housekeeping duties such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes and dishes, and running errands.
• Assist individuals and families in planning, budgeting, shopping, and preparing nutritious meals.
• Advise individuals regarding food stamps and money management.
• Provide information and refer individuals to Care Managers for medical, financial, legal, educational, or other assistance.
• Oversee day-to-day group activities of residents in Residential Habilitation, Day Habilitation, or Respite Programs.
• Other related duties as assigned

Mandated Reporter: Mandated reporter per the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) regulations.  Required to maintain that status throughout employment. Required to call the Justice Center and report when, while acting in their official or professional capacity, they are presented with information that gives them reasonable cause to suspect a reportable incident has occurred.  Also required to be a NYS Mandated Reporter in the event that they have interaction with the Tribe’s vulnerable population. This includes completing any necessary training and adhering to all reporting obligations as defined by applicable laws and tribal policies 

Supervisory Responsibilities: There are no supervisor requirements for this position.

Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• The employee is responsible for obtaining and maintaining the required documents for land travel between the U.S. and Canada.

Education and/or Experience: 

• High School Diploma or GED.
  • One (1) year of experience and training in developmental disabilities or a related field is an asset.

Other Skills and Abilities: Good oral and written communication skills are required, as well as a basic understanding of computer systems. We will provide any training required. 

This position mandates employees to report to or remain at work in the event of an emergency, crisis, or staff shortage until relieved by their immediate supervisor.

Reasoning Ability: 

Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license in accordance with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Fleet Policy.

The successful candidate must pass a drug test and background check prior to employment.