Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Overview
Make a Difference, One Person at a Time!
It takes a truly special person to be a great Direct Support Professional (DSP). You must be compassionate, patient, dependable, and passionate about helping others achieve greater independence. As a DSP in our Community Habilitation Program, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference by helping individuals with developmental disabilities build essential life skills, develop relationships, and become active members of their communities.
At The Center for Family Support (CFS), we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. Our DSPs play an important role in making that possible by providing personalized, one-on-one support that encourages independence, promotes personal growth, and empowers individuals to achieve their goals.
About The Center for Family Support
The Center for Family Support (CFS) is dedicated to providing support and assistance to individuals with developmental and related disabilities. We are proud to be the first agency in New York to achieve the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) Certification, demonstrating our commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centered services that enhance the lives of the individuals and families we serve.
Our industry-leading benefits include:
- 401(k)
- Dental Insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Benefits eligibility may vary based on employment status and applicable plan requirements.
Responsibilities
As a Direct Support Professional, no two days are alike. But each day is sure to include the following:
- Promote Independence: Assist individuals in developing essential daily living skills, including meal preparation, grocery shopping, money management, personal organization, and household responsibilities.
Encourage Community Participation: Support individuals in participating in recreational activities, community events, shopping, and other activities that align with their interests and goals.
Develop Social Skills: Help individuals strengthen communication skills, build meaningful relationships, and develop positive interactions with others.
Support Individual Goals: Work toward the goals identified in each individual's Life Plan and Staff Action Plan, using person-centered approaches to encourage progress and independence.
Teach Safety and Community Awareness: Help individuals develop skills to navigate their communities safely, including using public transportation, recognizing potential hazards, and making informed decisions.
Promote Self-Advocacy: Encourage individuals to express their preferences, make choices, understand their rights, and advocate for themselves.
Provide Individualized Support: Adapt your approach to meet each person's unique abilities, needs, interests, and learning style.
Maintain Accurate Documentation: Complete required service notes and progress documentation accurately and on time, following agency policies and applicable program requirements.
Communicate Effectively: Maintain professional communication with supervisors, families, and other members of the individual's support team, as appropriate.
Ensure Health and Safety: Provide the level of supervision and support outlined in the individual's service plan, following established safety procedures and reporting concerns when necessary.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
- Previous experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities is preferred but not required.
- Experience in healthcare, home care, education, human services, or related fields is a plus.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Compassionate, patient, dependable, and committed to supporting individuals with disabilities.
- Ability to work independently while following individualized service plans and agency policies.
- Willingness to complete all required training and maintain accurate service documentation.
The Center for Family Support provides equal employment opportunities to all. We celebrate the wonderful qualities that make each of us unique and greatly value how they enrich the work we do. If you want to work with a caring group of people making a difference in the lives of the people we serve, apply today!