What are the responsibilities and job description for the Junior DSP position at Upstate Caring Partners?
The Junior Direct Support Professional (DSP) position is a paid, entry-level role designed for high school students who have successfully completed Upstate Caring Partners’ Pre-Apprenticeship Program and demonstrated a strong interest in supporting individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
The Junior DSP role provides students with a safe, structured, and supportive environment to build foundational human services skills while working alongside trained Direct Support Professionals and under the oversight of experienced supervisors and support clinicians. This position is intended to nurture interest in future careers or volunteer opportunities within the Human Services field for students who demonstrate strong people skills and a natural “caring gene.”
Core Responsibilities
Direct Support & Program Participation
Our work environment provides the opportunity to grow and learn in a fast-paced atmosphere. We offer competitive benefits and salary to include a low-cost individual health insurance plan, dollar for dollar retirement match (up to 7%), life insurance, voluntary benefits and generous paid time off.
Junior DSP
The Junior DSP role provides students with a safe, structured, and supportive environment to build foundational human services skills while working alongside trained Direct Support Professionals and under the oversight of experienced supervisors and support clinicians. This position is intended to nurture interest in future careers or volunteer opportunities within the Human Services field for students who demonstrate strong people skills and a natural “caring gene.”
Core Responsibilities
Direct Support & Program Participation
- Support individuals served through active engagement, recreation, and daily household activities under supervision.
- Assist with cleaning, laundry, yard work, and maintaining a safe, welcoming home environment.
- Participate in recreational and community activities with individuals supported, alongside trained staff.
- Push wheelchairs during outings or within program sites, as appropriate.
- Assist with brushing teeth and other limited, non-invasive activities as permitted.
- Participate in fire drills and assist with emergency evacuations as directed.
- Report any concerns related to health, safety, or potential abuse/mistreatment in accordance with agency policy.
- Communicate professionally and responsively with supervisors and staff within 24 hours.
- Arrive on time and prepared for scheduled shifts and trainings.
- Accurately punch in and out using agency timekeeping systems.
- Follow all Upstate Caring Partners agency policies, program procedures, and supervision directives.
- Meet with assigned supervisor at least bi-weekly to review performance and expectations.
- Maintain required minimum hours (16 hours per month) and acceptable attendance.
- Attend and complete all required agency and OPWDD-mandated trainings within required timeframes.
- Notify supervisors in advance if unable to attend scheduled training and reschedule promptly.
- Maintain compliance with clearance requirements, including background checks and drug testing (with parental consent).
- Must be 16–17 years old.
- Successful completion of Upstate Caring Partners’ Pre-Apprenticeship Program.
- Enrollment in high school with passing grades in all subject areas (school verification required).
- Ability to attend required trainings at designated times.
- Valid NYS working papers.
- Demonstrated interest in working with people and supporting individuals with disabilities.
- Strong reliability, professionalism, communication skills, and willingness to learn.
Our work environment provides the opportunity to grow and learn in a fast-paced atmosphere. We offer competitive benefits and salary to include a low-cost individual health insurance plan, dollar for dollar retirement match (up to 7%), life insurance, voluntary benefits and generous paid time off.
- Comprehensive Health/Dental/Vision
- Direct Deposit
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Retirement Plan 403(b)
- Life Insurance
- Voluntary Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Generous PTO Plans (Sick, Vacation and Employee Leave)
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Service Awards
- Employee Appreciation Events
- Employee Discounts
Junior DSP