Direct Support Professional - Utica, NY

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

Advocates is seeking a creative and compassionate Mentor (DSP/1:1 support staff) to work with a gifted young woman with a developmental disability. This position will be available beginning in late December 2026. In this meaningful role, you will support her in developing independent living skills, building effective communication and social skills, and participating in social, recreational, and fitness opportunities within the community. This individual does experience behavioral challenges at times that may require a high level of patience, understanding, flexibility, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. The mentor should be comfortable using positive redirection techniques, helping her regulate emotions, and providing support during moments of frustration or anxiety while maintaining a supportive and encouraging approach. The ideal candidate will be patient, dependable, and skilled at building positive relationships while providing person-centered support. Please respond with resume or summary of experience.  

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

Monday through Thursday (9 AM - 1 PM), beginning at the end of December. Shadowing opportunities will be available prior to the start date to support a smooth transition and provide the new mentor with an opportunity to get to know the individual and her support needs.

Pay rate: $21.30 per hour when providing direct support. The hourly rate for indirect/training is $16 per hour.

Location: Utica, NY

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: 53189

• 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 - $21