Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Position Title: Direct Support Professional
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
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Position: Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Location: Albany, New York
Program: Residential Program
Type: Full-time; Non-Exempt
Pay Range: $20 – $23.93 (per hour)
Schedule: Various Shifts
Notes: A clean NYS Driver’s License is Required.
Job Ref. #: 0308
About St. Catherine’s Center for Children
St. Catherine’s Center for Children is a non-profit organization located in the Greater Capital Region of New York. We offer a wide array of human services designed to meet the needs of vulnerable children, families and adults, including residential and therapeutic foster care programs for children and youth, Kinship support, homeless and community-based services for adults and families, a special education elementary school for ages 5-13, and so much more.
St. Catherine’s is committed to cultivating a culture where all employees feel safe to bring their authentic and best selves to the workplace. We are invested in fostering an equitable, inclusive and diversified workplace; collaboratively embracing mindfulness, relevance, respect and solidarity.
- Our Mission: St. Catherine's Center for Children provides a comprehensive range of human services designed to offer hope, foster growth, and improve the lives of the children, families, and adults we serve.
- Our Vision: Our willingness to embrace change and develop new services is, and will remain, our guiding philosophy as we support the human service needs of our community.
Position Overview & Organizational Relationships:
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for the children in the Residential Program, helping to manage their physical, emotional, and treatment needs. The DSP reports to the Program Manager, and serves as a member of the Residential Treatment Team.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Therapeutic Environment & Care: Under the oversight of the Program Manager, implement program standards to maintain a therapeutic, child-centered treatment environment. Lead daily group and individual activities that are engaging and therapeutic.
- Client Supervision & Safety: Maintain continuous "sight and sound" supervision of residential clients. Implement each child’s individual treatment plan as directed by the Treatment Team.
- Crisis Prevention & Intervention: Attend, successfully complete, and maintain Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) Training Certification. Properly exercise TCI techniques, including physical restraints when necessary to ensure safety.
- Medication Administration: Attend, successfully complete, and maintain Medication Administration Certification. When assigned, safely administer medications in strict accordance with agency protocols.
- Shift Handoffs & Documentation: Review all pertinent client documentation and emails at the start of every shift. Complete all required forms and treatment service documentation accurately and on a timely basis.
- Transportation & Vehicle Upkeep: Obtain and maintain agency Van Certification. Conduct required vehicle inspections, maintain log sheets, monitor fuel levels, and promptly report maintenance needs to the Transportation Supervisor and Program Manager.
- Daily Operations & Housekeeping: Participate in the daily routines of the children. Actively share responsibility for general housekeeping duties to maintain a clean, safe physical environment.
- Meetings & Training Compliance: Actively participate in all treatment team meetings, staff meetings, and mandated agency trainings (including New Employee Orientation, TCI, and First Aid/CPR).
- Professional Expectations: Maintain a strong attendance record in keeping with agency policies, and build positive working relationships with agency colleagues and external partners.
- Ad-Hoc Directives: Carry out additional position-related duties as assigned by the Program Manager, Treatment Team, or the Director of Residential Services.
Core Competencies & Essential Attributes:
- Mission Alignment & Professional Conduct: Ability to understand, embody, and represent the mission, values, philosophy, and policies of St. Catherine’s Center for Children, conducting oneself with high integrity, dependability, and professionalism at all times.
- Therapeutic Support & Youth Engagement: Skilled in building healthy, supportive relationships with Residential program clients. Demonstrated ability to address the complex needs of children with significant emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal challenges, including trauma histories and mental health diagnoses.
- Crisis Intervention & Physical Safety: Proficient in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) techniques, with the ability to remain calm and perform effectively under crisis conditions. Must be capable and comfortable executing physical interventions when necessary to ensure safety.
- HIPAA Compliance & Data Privacy: Strictly maintains client confidentiality while handling sensitive Protected Health Information (PHI)—including intake assessments, treatment plans, and psychiatric evaluations—in full compliance with HIPAA regulations and agency standards.
- Documentation & Regulatory Compliance: Able to accurately complete, organize, and maintain all required clinical and administrative documentation in accordance with agency policies, procedures, and external regulating bodies.
- Teamwork & Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Operates effectively within a shared decision-making model. Maintains clear oral and written communication with interdisciplinary teams, external service providers, professionals, and regulatory bodies.
- Cultural Competency & Inclusivity: Demonstrates genuine openness and cultural responsiveness when engaging with diverse, economically disadvantaged populations, including individuals across a broad spectrum of developmental and functional levels.
- Task Management & Adaptability: Exhibits excellent organizational, planning, and time-management skills; capable of prioritizing varied tasks independently and adapting smoothly to shifting program needs.
- Technical Proficiency: Fluent in digital tools and platforms, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Meet), and secure internet practices.
Position Qualifications & Requirements:
- A High School diploma or GED equivalency required;
- Associate’s degree or higher in Human Services or related field
- In lieu of a college degree; a combination of relevant professional experience and relatable life experience will be considered.
- Formal crisis intervention training is preferred (TCI, SCIP, etc.).
- Clean and Valid New York State Driver’s License (actively licensed at least one year) required*.
- Completion of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) training (must be completed within 90 days from date of hire).
- Certification to administer medication is required (must complete St. Catherine Center for Children’s Med Certification course within 90 days from date of hire).
- Van certification through Agency training required (must complete St. Catherine’s Center for Children’s Van Certification within 90 days from date hire).
- Professional experience working with Children who exhibit significant emotional, behavioral & interpersonal challenges as well as mental health diagnoses and trauma history.
- Self-motivated and engaged, with a strong attention to detail; Excellent writing aptitude.
- A compassionate, warm and caring mindset; Capable of exhibiting empathy for those in crisis.
- Previous experience working in a human services agency.
*Staff in driving positions must be able to meet the agency’s minimum requirements of our insurance policy for authorized drivers; including, but not limited to the minimum age of 21 at time of hire, and the ability to maintain insurability throughout employment.
What We Offer You**
At St. Catherine’s Center for Children, we believe in taking care of the people who take care of our community. We offer competitive compensation alongside a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wealth, and professional growth:
Health & Well-being
- Comprehensive Health Insurance: Choice of robust Medical, Dental, and Vision plans to fit your needs.
- Well-being Reimbursement: A $600 annual benefit dedicated to supporting your personal wellness journey.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous Combined Leave Time (CLT) plus paid holidays so you can rest and recharge.
- Life Insurance: Fully employer-paid, automatic life insurance coverage at no cost to you.
Financial Security & Future Planning
- Pension Plan: Secure your future with a retirement pension plan featuring a generous agency contribution.
- 403(b) Retirement Savings: Pre-tax savings options to further build your nest egg.
- Student Loan Forgiveness: As a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency, employment here qualifies eligible staff for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
- Expense Reimbursements: Travel and mileage reimbursements for any role-related transit.
Professional Growth & Culture
- Paid Certifications & Training: Fully covered training updates, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and CPR/AED/First Aid.
- Continuing Education: Tuition stipend opportunities in support of furthering your education.
- Career Advancement: Clear pathways for professional development and internal career growth.
- Our Culture: Enjoy the comfort of a welcoming, business-casual work environment rooted in our core values of Mindfulness, Relevance, Respect, and Solidarity.
**Please note: To qualify for specific benefits, certain terms and conditions may apply.
Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) Statement
St. Catherine’s Center for Children is deeply committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, reproductive health, pregnancy, family history, genetics, disability, age, military status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.