Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Day/Community Habilitation (serving Gouverneur and surrounding areas)

Join Cerebral Palsy Association of the North Country's Day and Community Habilitation team as a Direct Support Professional and help adults with developmental disabilities live full, self-directed lives. In this role, you’ll provide hands-on support that empowers independence, builds daily living skills, and fosters meaningful connections in the community. If you’re compassionate, dependable, and committed to inclusion, this is an opportunity to turn your values into impact.

TITLE: Direct Support Professional - Day and Community Habilitation
REPORTS TO: Program Manager – Habilitation Services
CLASSIFICATION: Full-time; Non-Exempt - eligible for overtime after 40 hours worked
RATE OF PAY: $18.90 per hour; biweekly pay; sign-on bonus available for eligible new hires

WORK SCHEDULE: Primarily Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, with some flexibility across hours and days of the week, depending on the needs of the organization and the individuals we support.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Direct Support Professional partners with adults with developmental disabilities to build meaningful, person-centered lives defined by their own choices and goals. Through collaboration, advocacy, and teaching, this role supports independence, daily living skills, and community connections while fostering an environment of dignity, respect, and inclusion guided by our commitment to equitable, accessible, and high-quality services.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and overall well-being of individuals.

a. Provides attentive, compassionate care and supervision at all times.

b. Promotes self-advocacy by supporting individuals in evaluating choices, solving problems, and developing coping skills.

c. Recognizes and appropriately responds to medical, behavioral, or safety concerns.

2. Responsible for promoting community participation and inclusion.

a. Accompanies and supports individuals in accessing social, educational, vocational, and recreational opportunities.

b. Teaches skills that encourage independence, such as navigating transportation, using community resources, and interacting with others.

c. Fosters community connections that increase belonging and reduce barriers to participation.

3. Responsible for supporting the development of positive personal relationships.

a. Guides and encourages individuals in maintaining respectful, supportive relationships with peers, family members, and community partners.

b. Models effective communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution strategies.

c. Provides coaching that builds confidence in social interactions.

4. Responsible for active collaboration and communication with team members.

a. Participates fully in staff meetings, contributing observations, feedback, and recommendations.

b. Partners with colleagues to share best practices and create innovative, person-centered approaches.

c. Demonstrates professionalism, accountability, and alignment with organizational values in all interactions.

5. Responsible for teaching and reinforcing daily living and self-care skills.

a. Assists individuals in areas such as personal hygiene, nutrition, budgeting, and home management.

b. Teaches skills that enhance independence and long-term quality of life.

c. Encourages healthy habits that promote overall wellness and self-sufficiency.

6. Responsible for accurate documentation and compliance.

a. Completes timely, thorough documentation of services, progress, and outcomes.

b. Prepares notes for billing and program reporting in accordance with regulatory and agency requirements.

c. Maintains confidentiality and adheres to professional standards.

7. Responsible for safe and reliable transportation.

a. Transports individuals to scheduled activities, appointments, and community events.

b. Ensures that all transportation practices meet safety standards and support individual needs.

c. Assists individuals in developing travel skills to increase independence.

8. Responsible for family and advocate engagement.

a. Communicates regularly and respectfully with families, advocates, and other support networks.

b. Shares progress, concerns, and successes to promote continuity of care.

c. Collaborates with natural supports to advance person-centered goals.

9. Responsible for flexibility and responsiveness to individual needs.

a. Works a varied schedule, including evenings and weekends, to ensure meaningful opportunities for engagement.

b. Adjusts supports to meet changing circumstances and priorities.

c. Remains adaptable and proactive in addressing challenges.

10. Responsible for additional program and agency support.

a. Carries out other duties as assigned by supervisors to ensure quality care and program effectiveness.

b. Contributes to a positive, respectful, and mission-driven workplace culture.

1. High School Diploma or GED required.

2. Successful completion of the Agency orientation and training program.

3. NYS Driver’s License with two years of driving experience required.

4. Acceptable motor vehicle abstract to meet Agency insurability standards.

5. Reliable personal vehicle for business use.

6. Heavy work; ability to frequently lift 25 – 50 lbs., and transfer and support individuals with and without help.

7. Physical strength to safely respond should a behavioral crisis occur.

8. Ability to operate personal and Agency vehicles.

9. Ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time.

10. Some exposure to infectious diseases, hygiene issues, food, and other odors.

11. Able to tolerate atmospheric conditions when performing regular outdoor seasonal activities.

12. Ability to operate mechanical devices used by individuals.

Sign-on Bonus Details:

Sign-on bonuses are paid as follows for Direct Support Professional positions and are divided into four equal payments that are paid out at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and one year of employment:

$500 for per diem status (less than 30 hours per week)

$750 for part-time status (30 - 37 hours per week)

$1,000 for full-time status (37.5 - 40 hours per week)

Benefits:

Cerebral Palsy Association of the North Country offers eligible employees excellent, affordable benefits options. Options include medical, dental, and vision insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Term Life/AD&D insurance, long-term and short-term disability, 401(k), and other elective programs. We also offer generous time off, including vacation, personal, and sick time, as well as paid holidays.

Sign-on bonus details:

New hires to the agency may be eligible for a sign-on bonus of up to $1,000, divided into four equal installments paid at 90 days, 180 days, 270 days, and one year of employment.

Why Choose Us?

• Generous PTO – Vacation, sick, personal time, and paid holidays
• Robust Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, FSA, 401(k), disability & life insurance, and more!
• The sense of fulfillment that comes with a workplace culture of dedication to serving our local community.

Equal Opportunity Employer
We are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.