Direct Support Professional - APW/Richland Area

Are you looking for a rewarding way to make a difference while making a living? 

Advocates are currently seeking compassionate, energetic, and dedicated individuals to join our team as a Community Habilitation Mentor (DSP/1:1 support Staff). This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to provide one-on-one support to a vibrant and spirited young woman with Cerebral Palsy. 

As her mentor, your role will involve assisting her in participating in a variety of recreational, social, and community activities, helping her stay engaged and connected with the world around her. You'll offer consistent encouragement, emotional support, and physical assistance as needed, all while creating a safe, respectful, and engaging environment. In addition, you'll help maintain her daily routines and support the development of essential life skills. 

We’re looking for someone who is reliable and responsible, someone who can be counted on to show up with care and commitment. A positive and enthusiastic attitude is key, along with a fun-loving, easygoing nature. Patience and calmness are essential, particularly when navigating challenges or changes in routine. Most importantly, the right candidate will be genuinely compassionate, with a sincere desire to make a meaningful difference in another person’s life. 

Candidate must possess a keen sense of attention to detail, especially when electronically logging each day's time, mileage, and service documentation. DSP must have a valid email address. 

Hours and days of work  

School year shifts are flexible on weekends, and summer hours are available Monday through Friday with plenty of flexibility. 

Pay rate: $22 per hour when providing direct support. The hourly rate for indirect/training is $16 per hour. 

Location: APW/Richland area 

In addition to the hourly wage, Advocates provides the following benefits to its employees: 

• Mileage (reimbursed at the IRS standard mileage reimbursement rate when providing transportation to the individual)  

• Life and Long-Term Disability insurance at no cost to the employee 

• Health, dental, vision, and supplemental life insurance 

• Employee Assistance Program 

• 401k with up to a 2% match 

Advocates is a leading human services organization with over 1,300 dedicated employees serving people throughout Central New York. Advocates is an Equal Opportunity Employer.    

Requisition ID: 51300

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must have a valid email address.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and auto insurance if required for the job assigned.
• Must demonstrate sound decision-making skills.
• Must demonstrate understanding for the Agency mission. People working in this position must believe in the philosophy of person-centered services, self-advocacy, and the right and ability of people we serve to self-direct their supports and services.
• Must demonstrate patience and compassion.
• Must have the ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and have the ability to write correspondence.
• Must have basic reasoning skills including the ability to analyze and problem solve.
• Must be able to tolerate a moderate noise level in the work environment and must be able to handle distractions.
• Ability to handle physical aspects of the job, including sitting, standing, using hands to reach, walk, push, or lift up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Background checks required
• Education & Experience: GED or High School Diploma preferred. Applicable job experience preferred.
• Desired Skills and Abilities: previous experience working 1:1 in a related service environment preferred. Knowledge of disability related issues preferred.
• Other: The individual does not have the authority to set the staff salary in this model. The Mentor is paid at the provider’s rate for the service based on an assessment of the specific support needs of the individual in the areas of behavioral support, communication support, and physical support needs.

Salary : $16 - $22