DSP Recreation Counselor

Lifetime Assistance – DSP Recreation Counselor

Make an Impact. Create Joy. Shape the Future.

At Lifetime Assistance, our mission is to foster independence, dignity, and respect for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Working with us goes beyond just a job—it’s a chance to transform lives, including your own.

Position Overview

Job Title: DSP- Recreation

Location: Community-Based (Hourly Respite)

Department: Community Services

Reports To: Senior Coordinator of Community Services

Employment Type: Full-Time, 40 hours/week – Tuesday-Friday 1pm-9pm, Saturday 10am-6pm

Starting Wage: $19.49-$20.62

Why You Should Work for Lifetime Assistance?

• No-Premium Health Insurance: Access comprehensive healthcare without added cost.
• Education Support: Tuition assistance, scholarships — 50% off tuition for two courses per semester plus up to $3,000 scholarship per semester — plus micro-credential stipends up to $750 and SUNY partnerships.
• Paid Training & Coaching: Receive hands-on onboarding with a Success Coach, immersive learning, e-learning, and ongoing paid training.
• Career Growth: Clear pathways to advancement, leadership training, and coaching support.
• Work-Life Harmony: Generous paid time off and supportive scheduling.
• Join a Caring Culture: Be part of a compassionate, mission-driven team that values every person — both those we support and our employees alike.
  
  

Your Core Responsibilities

Direct Support & Supervision

• Support individuals based on their Life Plans and goals—person-first, always.
• Follow the supervision levels assigned and complete your service units.
• Be the cheerleader, coach, and guide who helps people build skills and independence.
  
  

Community Integration & Individual Choice

• Encourage friendships, social fun, and positive experiences.
• Plan meaningful outings that reflect personal choice—bowling? coffee shop? art class? yes.
• Support people in living fuller, more connected lives out in the community.
  
  

Transportation & Vehicle Responsibilities

• Safely transport individuals using your reliable, insured vehicle.
• Keep up with required logs and report any bumps in the road (literally or figuratively).
  
  

Professional Conduct & Ethics

• Show up with professionalism, kindness, and reliability.
• Follow the NYS DSP Core Competencies, Code of Ethics, and agency policies with pride.
  
  

Documentation & Compliance

• Keep our paperwork world running smoothly with accurate daily and monthly documentation.
• Stay on top of deadlines so everything gets where it needs to go—on time, every time.
  
  

Training & Professional Development

• Dive into required trainings and keep CPR/First Aid fresh.
• Join team meetings and in-services so you’re always learning and leveling up.
  
  

Health, Safety & Reporting

• Be a steady, caring presence ensuring everyone’s safety and well-being.
• Speak up fast if something looks unsafe or not right.
• Help create a calm, respectful environment where people can thrive.
  
  

What You Bring

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or Equivalency preferred.
• Experience with people with I/DD is great—but a caring heart and positive attitude are just as important.
  
  

Licensing & Transportation

• A valid NYS Driver’s License and a reliable, insured vehicle.
  
  

Communication & Problem-Solving

• You communicate clearly, stay calm in tricky moments, and collaborate well with others.
• You can follow guidelines and handle the unexpected with confidence.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• You can move comfortably throughout your shift and lift up to 35 lbs when needed.
• You’ll be using your hands frequently for documentation and mobile device tasks.
  
  

Our Mission & Culture

• Mission-Driven Work: Empowering individuals to live with independence and purpose—here, your work truly matters.
• Inclusive & Supportive: A workplace built on respect, dignity, and a shared vision of inclusion.
• Community Impact: Join efforts that reflect Lifetime Assistance’s dedication to community partnerships and enhanced quality of life for all.
  
  

Are You Ready to Begin?

If you’re a compassionate leader ready to take the next step in your human services career, apply today and join us in building lives of independence—one person at a time.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lifetime Assistance is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to inclusive hiring practices without regard to race, religion, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.

“I am part of something bigger… Being a Lifetime Assistance employee means everything to me.”

— Kimberly C, Family Coordinator of Community Services, celebrating her 30th year with us