Direct Support Professional Jobs in New York
A direct support professional’s job is to assist an individual with a disability to lead a self-directed life and contribute to the community, assist with activities of daily living if needed, and encourage attitudes and behaviors that enhance community inclusion. Direct support professionals are sometimes also known as direct care workers. Although both job titles require the same type of work, there is a bit of a variation. Direct care workers, who can also be known as personal care assistants, caregivers, home health or personal care aides, give assistance to people who are sick, injured, mentally or physically disabled, or the elderly and fragile.
Direct support professionals usually work in the home and help their clients with daily activities, such as bathing and bathroom functions, feeding, grooming, taking medication, and some housework.
What does it take to be a good direct support professional?
Empathy: Clients may be frail, impaired, in pain. It’s important to be sympathetic to their needs and understand that they need help.
Time Management: It’s important that DSPs make sure the clients get up on time, that the client is taking their medication on schedule and that they arrive at their appointments on time.
Interpersonal Skills: Direct support professionals must be able to interact with the client in a friendly and helpful manner.
Attention to Detail: Some clients have specific rules or schedules that must be followed. In addition they may have specific dietary or physical rules that must be followed.
The type of settings you’ll be working in include:
- Hospitals
- Group Homes
- One to One
The type of direct support professional positions that are commonly available through our agency are:
- Per-diem shifts
- Working with the MR / DD population (mentally retarded / developmentally disabled)
- Work close to or more than 40 hours per week
- Overtime is time and a half
Our Requirements to work as a direct support professional:
- At least 1-3 years working with MR / DD population
- High School diploma
- Associate’s Degree is preferred
- Own form of transportation is preferred
- Prior experience as a direct support professional required
Job Locations include:
- East Hampton
- Ronkonkoma
- Hicksville
- Most areas of Suffolk County
- Nassau County