Direct Support Professional

The Arc Erie County is currently seeking Direct Support Professionals (Caregivers) for its Residential programs located throughout Western New York. Why Achieve with The Arc Erie County? Becoming a Residential DSP for us means:Sharing your passion of helping others by making a difference in someone’s lifeProviding direct care to individuals w/ intellectual and developmental disabilitiesSupporting individuals w/ personal care tasks including assistance w/ all areas of activities of daily living, feeding, ambulation and health care related tasksHaving fun w/ a great group of peopleWe currently have both Full Time & Part Time positions available. Curent availabile shifts are primarily Evenings & Overnights Residential DSP positions begin at $18.00 per hourAlong with a great Benefits (medical, dental & vision insurance) package and generous PTO, we offer a positive and diverse work environment with on-the-job training and room for advancementMUST be at least 18 yrs. old & have Valid NYS Driver's License. High School diploma or GED equivalent experience preferred.Locations Available:AldenAmherstBuffaloCheektowagaClarenceEast AuroraGrand IslandHamburgKenmoreLancasterLake ViewTonawandaFull Job Description is listed below:Job Title:Direct Support Professional III (DSP III)Department:VariedJob Grade:2 Position Summary: Direct Support Professionals (DSP) have a wide variety of duties and perform an array of activities in support of the habilitative services provided by The Arc Erie County. Tasks of daily living and facilitation of recreational activities depend on the specific abilities of the individuals being served and the nature of the setting where the service is being provided. A Direct Support Professional supports people by providing person-centered assistance and training in areas such as, but not limited to: activities of daily living, self-care skills, money management, cooking, self-administration of medication, community integration, and communication.Reporting Relationship: Reports directly to the Program Manager as assigned.Job Duties and Responsibilities:Assures peoples overall safety through maintaining safety standards, familiarity with emergency safety procedures and providing regular training to people in these areas.Intervenes with peoples inappropriate and/or potentially injurious behaviors in the least restrictive manner possible, while maintaining a safe environment for the person. Use techniques/strategies as identified in behavior plans to support participants to interact in a positive/respectful manner with other and self.Transports people to medical appointments (if applicable), recreation activities and other appointments/activities as scheduled. Assists in maintenance of those records.Documents the provision of services, skill acquisitions and supports daily, contemporaneous and consistent with the Staff Action Plan and Agency procedures.Assists people with personal monies and shopping needs.Provides first aid when necessary and addresses routine health care needs.Prepares or assists people with meal preparation, meal planning and purchasing of food.Maintains a clean, safe environment by completing housekeeping and minor maintenance tasks and by providing training and assistance to people in these areas.Provides input to the treatment team in the development of a person-centered plan.Assists in the assessment of a person’s skills and behavior.Attends regular staff meetings, trainings, supervisory conferences and any other assigned meetings.Checks agency email regularly, updates supervisor on changes in contact information, maintains communication, completes online training modules in a timely fashion.Follows the DSP Core Competencies expectations for completing evaluations.Assists people with community integration, by providing support and training.Schedules are subject to change due to the needs of the program. Assignments to other IRAs / work locations are subject to change to ensure safe minimums. If/When directed to work at another site, the agency will reimburse the Federal amount for mileage between the sites. The expectation of this position is that staff will remain awake and perform duties as per the job description or as assigned.In the event of a weather, health or other emergency situation, staff may be REDEPLOYED as need to provide necessary staffing coverage. This may include a redeployment/temporary reassignment to another physical location or line of business, i.e Day Habilitation staff may be redeployed to work in an IRA temporarily.Assures confidentiality of information about people.Interacts with people’s families, other stakeholders and the community-at-large as appropriate.Other duties as assigned by supervisor.Program Specific Duties/Responsibilities:Residential:Administers medications as per individuals’ orders and agency protocolsMonitors meals and provides assistance with eating and/or follows feeding protocol, use of adaptive equipment for eating, etc.- Medication Administration, Safe Driving, First Aid Certification, CPR and Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention-Revised training (SCIP) must be taken as provided by the agency within 90 days of hire and must be maintained.Day Habilitation: Administers medications as per individuals’ orders and agency protocolsMonitors meals and provides assistance with eating and/or follows feeding protocol, use of adaptive equipment for eating, etc.Under direction of supervisor, develops and facilitates activities/volunteer opportunities for program participants to be productive and participate.- Medication Administration, Safe Driving, First Aid Certification, CPR and Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention-Revised training (SCIP) must be taken as provided by the agency within 90 days of hire and must be maintained.Qualifications and Education Requirements:High School or equivalent diploma preferred.In Lieu of High School diploma or equivalent diploma new hires will be required to complete all Arc Erie County New York’s training to include, SCIP, First Aid, CPR and Medication Certification.Human Services experience preferred.PLUSHave and maintain a valid NYS driver's license and approved driving record. CSS Positions only: Owner ship and access to an insured car in good operating condition is required.Essential Job Functions:Physical demands and Exposure Risk outlined on attached form (A)Mental Requirements:The ability to read, write analyze, be perceptive/comprehensive, show good judgment, have good math & decision-making skills, independent action, planning and prioritizing and follow directions. Work independently as well as cooperatively with others. Be approachable, enthusiastic, and personable and meet job-related deadlines accordingly.Human Relations Skills:The ability to communicate with individuals in a positive manner, demonstrate the ability to be a leader and serve as an appropriate role model to individuals. Receive supervision instruction in a positive manner. Adhere to and administer Agency’s policies, procedures, rules and regulations. Maintain a professional attitude and appearance at all times.Equipment Operation:Good knowledge and ability in the operation of motor vehicles; Ability to use office equipment, such as, computer, copier, fax machine, etc. Ability to come in contact with normal household dust/dirt.Agency Principles:All staff members will assure and demonstrate the promotion of fundamental rights and protections for the people that we support. These include practices that treat people with dignity and respect at all times, ensure safety, best possible health/well-being and provide the person with continuity and personal security through the use of natural supports, positive relationships and opportunities for integration in the community. Staff members should also advocate and work toward assisting the people we support through person-centered planning to achieve the personal outcome goals that they have chosen by facilitating the plans and positive supports necessary to assist the person in progressing toward each outcome.Demonstrates the agency values of integrity, respect, responsibility, trust, teamwork, positive attitude, learning and honesty in working with students (persons), families, colleagues and members of our community.Good attendance is vital for the efficient and effective operation of quality programming and is an essential job function of this position.This position is NON-EXEMPT from the overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standard Act.The Arc Erie County New York retains the right to change this job description at any time.The Arc Erie County New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and strong advocate of workforce diversity. Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Disability/Veteran. Minimum Salary: 18.00 Maximum Salary: 18.00 Salary Unit: Hourly