Direct Support Professional

Overview

At The New York Foundling, we trust in the power and potential of people, and we deliberately invest in proven practices. From bold beginnings in 1869, our New York-based nonprofit has supported hundreds of thousands of our neighbors on their own paths to stability, strength, and independence.  We help children and families navigate through and beyond foster care. We help families struggling with conflict and poverty grow strong. We help individuals with developmental disabilities live their best lives, and we help our neighbors access quality health and mental health services—core to building lifelong resilience and wellbeing. Together, our interrelated programs provide a whole-person, whole-family, and whole-life approach that unlocks solutions for a lifetime.

The Direct Support Professional role is responsible to empower persons with developmental disabilities to live fulfilling lives by providing personalized support and fostering independence. This role focuses on promoting individual growth, enhancing quality of life, and ensuring a supportive environment for the persons we support.

Responsibilities

The Direct Support Professional role is responsible to empower persons with developmental disabilities to live fulfilling lives by providing personalized support and fostering independence. This role focuses on promoting individual growth, enhancing quality of life, and ensuring a supportive environment for the persons we support.

•  Responsible for implementing and monitoring the varying plans of care details for the persons supported. Plans of care can include Comprehensive Functional Assessment, Staff Action, Life Plan, treatment plans,  Behavior Support Plans, etc.
• Implement and document person supported goals and objectives from person-centered plans, focusing on enhancing social, vocational, and life skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement. Provide direct care and assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities in daily living activities, including personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication administration, and transportation.
• Facilitate community outings, recreational activities, and social events to promote inclusion, independence, and meaningful interactions with peers and the community. Accompanying on appointments and healthcare follow-up.
• Utilize person-centered approaches and positive behavior support strategies to address challenging behaviors effectively, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment. Provide the required level of supervision and support for a persons needs ( medical, developmental, clinical, emotional, etc.
• Maintain accurate records, daily progress notes, and incident reports to track persons supported achievements, behaviors, and health status, ensuring compliance with agency policies and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including healthcare professionals, therapists, and family members, to develop and implement comprehensive care plans and ensure holistic support for persons supported.
• Advocate for the rights, choices, and preferences of individuals with developmental disabilities, promoting self-advocacy and empowerment in decision-making processes. Be a custodian and mandated reporter in accordance with OPWDD, NYSJC, and Organizational Policies.
• Administer medications according to prescribed schedules, document medication administration accurately, and monitor persons for any adverse reactions or side effects.

The New York Foundling is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse employee population, the Foundling will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; experience in direct care or human services preferred.
• Valid NY/NJ/CT/PA Driver’s License with 6 months of experience and 6 or less points 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to support persons with developmental disabilities.
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred; additional training in developmental disabilities, behavior management, or healthcare a plus.
• Commitment to providing compassionate care and promoting dignity and respect for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Ability to respond effectively to changing needs and environments, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving skills.
• Maintain confidentiality, uphold ethical standards, and adhere to agency policies and procedures in all interactions and responsibilities.
• Demonstrated strong commitment to safety.

Education Required

High School / G.E.D.

Salary Range:

$19.54/hour + Education Additive ($0.15/hour Associate's Degree $.80/hour: Bachelor's or higher)