Heartshare is a human services agency that steps up and steps in for those who society has too often overlooked and ignored. Staff at every level of the organization play a crucial role in helping to support those we assist. Together, we help children and adults across New York City learn, heal, grow, and thrive. We are seeking team members who want to contribute to the betterment of society — individuals who believe that everyone deserves a voice and a chance. Heartshare employees help give the people in our programs that loudspeaker and that doorway to a better future.

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible for implementing person-centered services for each individual. This includes ensuring implementation of the individual’s services, goals and outcomes in relation to program-based and community inclusion activities. In addition, the Direct Support Professional is directly responsible for the individual’s overall physical and emotional well-being.

Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions of Position:

• Implement individuals’ plans, consistent with their specific services, goals and outcomes. Participate in the planning and implementation of activities, both at the program and in the community, that address these goals and outcomes.

• Support and teach individuals according to their services, goals and outcomes. Actively engage individuals in skills development, socialization and task participation across all settings. Ensure that supports are provided with consideration for each person’s individualized needs and routines.
• Promote and support the inclusion of individuals in their community according to their unique needs, interests, and desires. Model and encourage interaction between individuals and community members. Foster individuals’ personal growth by assisting in forming and maintaining friendships with neighbors, co-workers and peers.

• Assist in maintaining positive communications with family members, advocates, and service providers as per program needs.

• Transport individuals or assist them in taking public transportation, as required.

• Participate in planning recreational activities and outings.

• Participate as requested in the Program Planning Team (PPT) meetings.

• Document necessary information and data in areas such as medical, behavioral, individualized services, goals and outcomes, fire safety, community inclusion, communication books, etc., ensuring their accuracy and completeness.

• Follow all agency policies and procedures, as well as state and federal regulations, to maintain compliance. Complete all written reports and documentation on a timely basis.

• Provide appropriate levels of supervision on an individualized basis for staff and individuals, ensuring staff are trained on the LOS for each person.

• Actively engage in all program services such as toileting, showering, behavioral interventions, community inclusion, emergencies, meal prep, physical plant cleanliness, etc. as needed and required.

• Safeguard and respect the confidentiality and privacy of all staff and individuals. Adhere to all HIPAA policies.

• Report all incidents to program management immediately upon discovery as per Heartshare policy, and OPWDD & Justice Center requirements.

• Ensure that equipment and supplies are appropriately and safely stored.

• Clean as frequently and thoroughly as necessary to meet program cleanliness standards. Report any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately to supervisor.
• Maintain certification in *AMAP, CPR/First Aid and SCIP, as required.
• Undertake any additional tasks and initiatives within the scope of the role as per the specific needs of the programs and individuals and as assigned by supervisor.
• Meet or exceed the DSP Core Competencies Standards by the end of the 1st year of employment.