Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Challenging Behavior (Staten Island)

AHRC New York City is one of the largest providers of services for children and adults with developmental disabilities in New York City. Our mission is to advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead full and equitable lives. 

AHRC NYC is looking for Full & Part-Time Direct Support Professionals (DSP) with experience with Challenging Behavior for their Laguna Lane residence in Staten Island. 

PAY RATE: $20 per hour or $24 per hour with a Bachelor's in Psychology or Social Work. In addition this position comes with a a very comprehensive Benefit package which includes FREE MEDICAL INSURANCE! See below for additional Benefit information.

LOCATION: Recruiter will provide specific Staten Island address for qualified candidates.

POSITIONS TO BE FILLED: Weekend availability needed for most positions! 

40HR Day Shift: 8am-4pm....Drivers license Required 

30 & 40HR Overnight shifts: 10pm-8am.....Drivers license NOT Required.

32HR: Sunday/Monday 2pm-10pm  Friday/Saturday 8am-4pm..Drivers license Required.                                    

AHRC NYC is looking for Complex Needs Direct Support Professionals (CNDSP) EXPERIENCED WITH CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR to immediately fill Full -Time positions in our Staten Island residence. CNDSPs engaged specifically in complex behavioral health need programs provide care for the emotional, physical and personal well-being of the individuals by ensuring a nurturing, structured and protective environment. CNDSPs engage with the people they support and with related stakeholders to work towards mitigating crisis-related factors and sustaining a safe and stable life experience within the community.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Promote physical and mental health and wellness of people supported by applying health maintenance and prevention strategies, accurate medication administration (as needed), and general knowledge of trauma-informed, person-centered strategies of care.
• Use knowledge about crisis prevention, intervention and resolution techniques and apply these techniques to particular circumstances and individuals, as needed.
• Advocate for individuals in all settings.
• Adhere to all requirements related to being mandated reporters of abuse, neglect and maltreatment.
• Enhance ability of individuals to attain stability by providing support and information necessary to build self-esteem and independence.
• Become and remain knowledgeable about formal and informal assessment practices that allow for appropriate service response to needs, desires and interests of individuals.
• Assist individuals in building/strengthening skills necessary to develop and maintain positive and ongoing personal relationships.
• Use wide range of effective communication strategies and skills to establish collaborative relationships with supported individuals.
• Obtain and administer all prescribed medications, consistent with physician orders and AMAP requirements, and accompany and advocate for individuals in hospital and health centers when assigned.
• Observe and follow through on established emergency notification procedures in a manner that ensures safety and welfare of all individuals at all times.
• Ensure recordkeeping protocol related to incidents and crisis interventions.
• Assist with all tasks related to household management (e.g. shopping, meal preparation, laundry, cleaning, etc.).
• Provide coverage in accordance with staffing schedule established by residence managers, with understanding that changes in schedules and program assignments may be necessary in order to meet needs of individuals supported.
• Perform other duties, as required.

• Experience working with people with dual diagnosis (IDD and Mental Health) is Required
• Associates degree in field of Psychology/Human Services, plus two years of experience providing direct support to adults with autism and behavioral challenges or High School Diploma plus 3 years of similar experience, required. Bachelor's degree in Psychology or Social Work preferred.
• Must include experience implementing behavior support plans and having an understanding of positive behavior supports approaches (including positive reinforcement, preventive, and de-escalation strategies).
• Experience in using assistive communication strategies and visual supports highly desirable.
• Understanding of Person Centered Planning.
• Ability to establish and maintain a working relationship with residents, families, clinical staff and, as needed, community agencies.
• Ability to solve problems and make judicious decisions regarding the health and well-being of residents.
• Must be able to maintain training certification in medication administration, first aid and CPR, as well as any other required professional trainings.
• Must be able to conduct lifting tasks, particularly in context of transferring individuals in/out of wheelchairs and/or in/out of bed and/or in/out of showering/toileting, as needed.
• Valid NYS driver’s license for more than one year with a clean driving record.

Benefits

• Full Medical Paid by Company...No Cost to you! (Single & Family plans)
• Paid Training
• Paid time off (sick, personal & vacation)
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health Savings account
• 403(b) retirement plan
• 403(b) match
• Life insurance
• Employee discount
• Referral program

AHRC New York City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, gender, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, marital status, partnership status, military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offenses or stalking, genetic information, or unemployment or any other protected characteristic under federal, state or local law. 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.