About the Role 

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides person centered support based on the individual’s needs, preferences and choices. DSPs perform a wide variety of tasks and activities based on the valued outcomes of each person they work with and reflecting the specific skills and abilities of each individual. DSPs encourage, guide and offer training to develop daily living skills, ensuring personal needs are met, promoting active engagement in community life and ensuring health and safety. DSPs create a positive and enriching program environment for all people supported. Direct Support Professionals are a vital member of each person’s support team. DSPs are expected to align their performance with the Code of Ethics and OPWDD DSP Competencies.

Key Responsibility

• Support individuals in achieving their developmental goals, preferences, and personal choices.
• Assist with implementing goals outlined in Staff Action Plans and Life Plans.
• Escort individuals to community activities, appointments, and recreational outings.
• Assist with meal planning, preparation, and daily living activities.
• Provide appropriate supervision and support based on each individual's behavioral, medical, emotional, and developmental needs.
• Administer medications safely in accordance with RN oversight and agency guidelines, when applicable.
• Ensure compliance with all OPWDD, NYS Justice Center, and organizational policies and procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and supportive home-like environment for individuals served.
• Complete required documentation, training, incident reporting, and communicate health and safety concerns promptly.
• Act as a mandated reporter, maintain reliable attendance, and perform additional duties as assigned to support program operations.

Your Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED Required
• Must be able to work independently and self-directed.
• Must be able to use technology (for completion of billing data and other assigned tasks)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Positive attitude toward the challenges faced by the people that we support.
• Must be flexible with meeting the needs of the people they support.
• Availability to meet the schedule of the position as assigned, with occasional flexibility
• Prior experience with OPWDD or supporting people with disabilities is a plus

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibility

No

Work Environment:

Field/Residential

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: 
Per-Diem status means that this position is not full-time, and that the schedule is not guaranteed. However, there is an expectation that you will reliably report to all shifts that you agree to be assigned to. Additionally, while per-diems may opt to perform shifts at multiple programs, it is your responsibility to primarily report to your administrative supervisor first before accepting additional hours elsewhere.

Additional Requirements:

• Authorized to work in the U.S.
• Ability to travel to other Rising Ground sites (if required)

Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive salary structure
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match 
• PTO policy (11 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick Time, Paid Vacation & Paid Personal Days)
• Remote / flexible work options (If applicable) 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is the policy of Rising Ground that the Agency wholly complies with equal treatment of all

employees and applicants for employment without unlawful discrimination as to an individual’s

perceived or actual race, creed, color, national origin, alienate, citizenship status, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or

veteran status in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring,

compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, layoff and termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.