The Direct Support Professional is responsible for the care and development of individuals with developmental disabilities in a residential facility. This includes providing personal assistance, ensuring safety, and fostering independence.
Requirements summary
A High School Diploma or GED is required, along with a valid New York State Driver’s License. Six months of related experience is preferred but not mandatory.
high schoolHousekeepingInterpersonal SkillsCommunicationDocumentationMedication AdministrationTeam CollaborationProblem SolvingCrisis InterventionBehavior ManagementTransportationSafetyIndependenceFirst AidMeal PlanningSocial SkillsPersonal Development
Job description
Description Why Join ADAPT?
It's more than a job; it's a calling.
It's where passion meets purpose.
ADAPT Community Network, formerly United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of NYC provides a multitude of services to people with developmental disabilities.
At ADAPT, we are 3,000 strong, and it takes every one of us to empower the lives of the people we support.
With caring and great resources at hand, we know what it takes to help people live fuller, happier, healthier lives.
Our employees show their commitment to the people we support every day, and we all deliver on our promise to provide innovative and comprehensive services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
For your next career move, apply with us at ADAPT Community Network! Wherever you work among our many locations around New York City, ADAPT offers paid training, competitive benefits, and we foster a team culture of learning, support, collaboration and career growth.
SUMMARY Under general supervision, is responsible for devoting their attention to the care and development of the people we support in one of the Agency’s residential facilities. Interacts in a manner which fosters dignity and learning in a way that helps lead to greater independence. Helps create a homelike atmosphere for the people we support in an agency facility.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The duties and responsibilities of the Residence Program Specialist will include but are not limited to the following: Provides care and assists with personal development and independence of the people we support.
Ensures that all measures for safety and well-being are maintained at highest level.
Provides training for the people we support in activities of daily living and in development of self-help and social skills.
Maintains a personalized, homelike atmosphere in the residential facility.
Attends weekly staff meetings as well as any other assigned meetings and in-service trainings.
Prepares concise written reports including Incident Reports, Progress Notes and other reports as assigned.
Responds to crisis situations and medical emergencies, including accidents by taking quick and decisive action.
Ensures actions are conducted in a manner that prevents abuse, and reports observations of co-workers who may be abusive in accordance with established procedures.
Benefits
Health Insurance
Paid Training
Career Growth
Administers appropriate first aid based on visible symptoms and medical history of the people we support in accordance with established guidelines and accepted first aid practices.
Summons police, fire, ambulance or other emergency personnel if situation warrants it.
If an emergency has caused a person we support to exhibit behavior that is threatening or dangerous, may have to utilize strategies for crisis intervention in accordance with OPWDD approved Behavior Management guidelines.
Provides transportation for the people we support in agency vehicles to and from work, shopping, programs, restaurants, movies, doctor’s appointments, etc.
Assists with meal planning and preparation as well as with purchasing of food and supplies.
Demonstrates an understanding of and implements behavioral programs.
Participates fully as a member of interdisciplinary plan.
Maintains an ongoing informal exchange of information.
Maintains written logs for recording daily activities.
Performs housekeeping, cooking, laundry, light maintenance and light preventative maintenance duties as needed to maintain a safe and homelike environment.
Supervises any other activities as may be necessary to maintain quality of the program.
Dispenses prescribed medications to the people we support after successful completion of the medication administration course, and in line with Agency protocol.
AMAP’s are supervised by residential nurse in all areas related to medication administration.
Completes all activities related to skill buildings as outlined in individual program plans Provides support around personal hygiene, i.e. toileting, bathing and changing as needed.
Handles all personal documents of the people we support in a secure and confidential manner.
Performs related duties as requested.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an incumbent must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Valid New York State Driver’s License and must maintain it in good standing Ability to read, write, speak and understand English Good oral and written communication skills Good interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with co-workers, employees, residents and their families Ability to analyze problems and determine corrective measures
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE High School Diploma or GED required Six months of related experience is preferred but not required Salaried employees must be approved Medication Administration Personnel (AMAP) at time of hire or within six months of date of hire in salaried status. This training is provided by ADAPT Community Network, if needed.
Compensation
$20.17/hour (after probation) + Industry-Leading Benefits for all full-time employees.
At ADAPT, we value diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging.
We strive to ensure that our employees are comfortable bringing their whole, authentic self to work and that the people we support can also be their authentic selves.
We value diverse backgrounds, opinions, ideas, and ways of thinking.
We aim to build an inclusive and diverse workforce that is empowered and supported with leaders who create diverse and inclusive teams.
We continuously seek opportunities for the organization to foster a more positive, respected, united, and collaborative culture.
ADAPT Community Network is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds and status are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.
Market context
New York school support nursing demand
In New York, school support staff roles with nursing responsibilities are often competitive because districts look for licensed nurses who can work well with students, families, and school teams. For this role, the RN license, BLS certification, and nursing experience are key screening factors, and the platform’s AI-summarized job requirements and benefits can help you review the original posting faster. Before applying, confirm your New York State RN license is active and tailor your resume to show pediatric, school, or community nursing experience.
