Direct Support Professional

Job Description
Make an Impact at WellLife Network
At WellLife, we believe every person deserves the dignity, respect, and support to live as independently as possible. Our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play a vital role in helping New Yorkers with developmental disabilities and other support needs thrive in their homes and communities. If you have a caring heart, a commitment to inclusion, and the drive to make a real difference every day, this could be the role for you.

What You'll Be Doing
As a Direct Support Professional, you'll provide hands-on care, encouragement, and advocacy for the individuals you support. From assisting with daily living to building community connections, you'll be a trusted partner in helping people achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives.

Your Core Responsibilities
Personal Care & Daily Living Support

• Assist with activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
• Help with meal preparation, household chores, and creating a safe, comfortable home environment.

Health & Wellness

• Administer medications as directed.
• Support individuals in attending medical appointments and following treatment plans.

Mobility & Accessibility

• Assist with walking, transfers, and the use of mobility aids.
• Ensure individuals can navigate their environments safely.

Behavioral & Emotional Support

• Implement strategies to support behaviors in a respectful manner.
• Provide encouragement and reassurance to promote confidence and independence.

Community & Social Engagement

• Plan and participate in recreational, educational, and social activities.
• Encourage involvement in community programs and events to foster belonging.

Communication & Advocacy

• Assist with communication tools or techniques to help individuals express themselves.
• Advocate for their needs, rights, and access to services.

Collaboration & Documentation

• Partner with healthcare providers, therapists, and other team members for holistic care.
• Maintain accurate and timely records including daily notes, progress reports, incident reports, and other required documentation in electronic systems.

We'd Love to Hear from You If You Have:

• A High School Diploma or equivalency diploma (required).
• Fluent in English for client communication.
• A valid New York State Driver's License with at least 2 years of driving experience (required for driving positions).
• Comfort operating a large vehicle (for driving positions)
• Experience supporting adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities or behavioral health needs (preferred but not required).
• Patience, compassion, and dedication to empowering others.

What You'll Gain

• Compensation: Competitive hourly rate based on experience.
• Robust Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and 401k retirement plan (with matching).
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, holidays, and personal days.
• Wellness Program: Free and low cost gym and wellness access and support
• Training & Growth: Ongoing professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Meaningful work that makes a real difference in people's lives
• A supportive team environment where you're valued

About WellLife Network
WellLife Network is one of the region's most impactful nonprofit human services organizations, serving more than 25,000 individuals each year. Our work spans behavioral health, developmental disabilities, addiction recovery, housing, employment, and family support. We believe every person deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to thrive—and we reflect that in everything we do.

About WellLife Network:
WellLife Network is a leading health and human services organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families across New York City and Long Island. Recognized as a 2023 top-rated nonprofit, WellLife Network empowers people to overcome life's challenges and achieve greater independence, well-being, and inclusion. We offer a comprehensive suite of programs spanning mental health, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, housing, and employment support, all grounded in a commitment to compassionate, high-quality care. Central to our mission is an unwavering dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) within our organization and in the communities we serve. As a trusted community partner, WellLife Network fosters a nurturing environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and realize their fullest potential.

POSITION SUMMARY:
Provide all aspects of care to program participants to enable them to become independent and productive. Some knowledge of computers is needed.

Essential Accountabilities
Each DSP must be able to perform the following functions in order to ensure the life safety, care and well-being of the people served by WellLife Network.

• Ensures that all activities enhance and support each person's social responsibility, independence, dignity and continued growth.
• Implements goals designed to maximize each person served with a level of independence, as determined by the IDT, including but not limited to: budgeting, grooming, nutritional planning, use of public transportation, and use of community resources, shopping and housekeeping.
• Must be able to safely operate agency vans and/or vehicles as per the agency driving policy.
• Must successfully complete and perform all techniques required in AMAP, SCIP, CPR and First Aid. Employment is conditional upon passing the exams for each course.
• Coordinates evacuation and ensures safety in actual emergencies and fire drills. Essential functions of this duty include: the ability to climb and descend fire escapes and assist others to do the same. This may include both verbal and physical prompting and the ability to perform first aid for the people served.
• Administers medication and/or monitors self-administration of medication as a certified AMAP. This includes documentation of the computerized EMAR (Electronic Medication Administration Record) system, where applicable. (This may not apply to relief staff).
• Responsible for crisis intervention and incident reporting procedures.
• Responsible for monitoring and recording progress on daily checklists, any behavior contracts, quarterly summaries, monthly goal forms and progress notes, family contact log, monthly and daily recreation reports, clothing and personal effects inventory.
• Required to display proficiency while entering person served data documentation in the electronic data system
• Communicates relevant information to other staff and supervisor(s), verbally and in writing, (i.e., daily communication log, telephone log, incident reports, medication and behavior incident reports).
• Meets routinely with people served and the management team to review goal progress, identify participant needs and update program plans. Assists person in researching and obtaining community resources appropriate and applicable to their needs and goals.
• Assists person in planning and follow through on or escorts person evening and weekend recreational activities. Participates in moderate physical activities as part of recreation program.
• Assists in planning of daily activities and events.
• Provides training in ADL and other areas, performs these functions for people served requiring total support (diaper changing, ambulation, G-Tube, feeding, transferring from bed to chair using Hoyer lift), specifically staff will perform all aspects of the task i.e., showering, shaving, toileting, hand washing, mouth care.
• Attends all scheduled staff meetings, mandatory in-service training sessions, and assigned annual meetings within the residence and day program.
• Acts as a role model for people served in various settings/situations.
• Follows-up on any aftercare/recommendations for treatment. Escorts/accompanies people served as needed on appointments (medical, psychiatric, etc.).
• Maintains confidentiality at all times.
• Work schedules and locations are subject to change based upon person served and/or program need.
• Other duties as requested.

Qualifications
High School diploma or equivalency diploma required. Experience working with adults with intellectual/developmental or other behavioral health disabilities preferred.

Benefits and Perks:
At WellLife Network, we prioritize our employees' growth and well-being with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision, and dental insurance, 401(k) matching, and flexible spending accounts. Enjoy perks like Summer Fridays, gym passes, and life insurance options. Our commitment to career advancement includes tuition assistance, mentorship, leadership training, and more. As a qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, WellLife Network supports your career and financial goals while helping you make a meaningful community impact. Join us to experience a workplace that invests in your success and well-being