Direct Support Professional (DSP) - IRA Potsdam, NY (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Potsdam+NY+USA+13676) Job Type Full-time, Part-time Description Cerebral Palsy Association of the North Country seeks individuals with professionalism and heart to fulfill the role ofDirect Support Professional (DSP)in our Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs). The IRA is a group home to 3 – 6 people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The DSP works within the residence to provide individualized personal care, mentorship, support, and a sense of stability and security to the individuals who call the residence home. Services may include assisting with personal care, assisting with daily living skills, transporting individuals to appointments or accompanying them to participate in community activities, dispensing medication (after additional training and certification), ensuring safety, providing a friendly ear and emotional support, assisting with residence cleaning and upkeep, and completing required documentation, to name a few. We have locations in Canton, Potsdam, Edwardsville (Hammond), Massena, Norwood, and Colton. REPORTS TO:House Manager RATE OF PAY: $18.90/hour; biweekly pay structure SIGN-ON BONUS DETAILS:Sign-on bonuses are paid as follows for Direct Support Professional positions: + $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) Sign-on bonuses are divided into four equal payments paid out at three months, six months, nine months, and one year of employment. WORK SCHEDULE: This varies based on the needs of the agency and the individuals that we support. Opportunities are available across day, evening, and overnight shifts and include full-time, part-time, and per diem schedules. POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for providing direct care, assistance, training and support to individuals with developmental disabilities in Individual Residential Alternatives (“IRAs”) and in the community. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: + Provide appropriate care to individuals, ensuring their health and safety. + Assist in developing, implementing, and evaluating person-centered plans based on individual preferences, needs, and interests. + Provide direct care and teach individuals personal care, nutrition, domestic skills, money management, and maintenance of adaptive and technological devices. + Follow health care treatment orders, administer medication, and teach and reinforce fire and emergency safety procedures. + Teach and participate in social, educational, vocational, and recreational activities with individuals. + Teach and assist in the maintenance, upkeep, housekeeping, and cleanliness of the residence, including keeping ramps and walkways free of debris and snow. + Document appropriately in cash ledgers and ensure receipts are obtained for purchases. + Transport individuals, scheduling the use of Agency vehicles with the supervisor to carry out responsibilities of the position and requests of the individual, utilizing personal vehicle when an Agency vehicle is unavailable. + Maintain appropriate contact and communication with individual’s families and significant others. + Ability to work a flexible schedule, including mandated coverage and possible evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday coverage. + Complete and submit paperwork, documentation, and records as required. + Perform other duties as requested or directed by the supervisor. Requirements POSITION REQUIREMENTS + High School Diploma or GED preferred. + Successful completion of the Agency orientation and training program. + Successful completion of Medication Certification training program. + NYS Driver’s License with two years of driving experience isrequired. + Acceptable motor vehicle abstract to meet Agency insurability standards isrequired. + Reliable personal vehicle for business use. + Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs, lift and support individuals with and without help, and shovel snow. + Physical strength to safely respond should a behavior crisis occur. + Ability to operate personal and Agency vehicles. + Ability to walk and stand for extended periods. + Some exposure to infectious diseases, hygiene issues, food, and other odors. + Able to tolerate atmospheric conditions when performing regular outdoor seasonal activities. + Ability to operate mechanical devices used by individuals. BENEFITS Cerebral Palsy Association 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. Salary Description $18.90 per hour; sign-on bonus available