DayProgram DSP-1

Direct Support Professional I – Day Program

The Direct Support Professional I (DSP-I) – Day Program enriches the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing engaging, meaningful, and person-centered supports during daytime programming. The DSP works alongside people receiving services to develop life skills, social relationships, recreation, vocational interests, and community participation while promoting dignity, independence, choice, and inclusion.

Rather than simply supervising activities, the DSP actively participates alongside the people we support, encouraging growth, confidence, and achievement in a safe and welcoming environment.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop trusting and respectful relationships with people receiving services.
• Promote dignity, independence, self-determination, and personal choice.
• Encourage active participation in all daily programming.
• Assist individuals in achieving personal goals identified within Individualized Service Plans (ISP).
• Teach and reinforce daily living, communication, social, and vocational skills.
• Utilize positive behavior supports while maintaining a calm, respectful environment.

Program Activities

• Recreation and leisure activities
• Arts and crafts
• Music programs
• Fitness and exercise
• Special Olympics training and competition
• Gardening and horticulture
• Farming activities
• Horse care and equestrian programs
• Chicken husbandry and agricultural education
• Community volunteer projects
• Educational opportunities
• Community outings
• Skill-building classes
• Seasonal celebrations and special events

The DSP actively participates alongside program participants rather than merely supervising activities.

Community Integration

• Accompany individuals into the community.
• Support shopping trips, restaurants, parks, museums, recreational activities, and community events.
• Promote appropriate social interactions.
• Encourage community inclusion and relationship building.
• Support safe transportation during community activities.

Documentation

• Daily service notes
• Goal documentation
• Attendance records
• Incident reports
• Accident reports
• Behavioral documentation
• Progress notes
• Required electronic documentation

Documentation must be accurate, objective, timely, and comply with OPWDD and New Hope Community standards.

Health and Safety

• Maintain awareness of each person's health and safety needs.
• Administer medications when certified and assigned.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies.
• Maintain CPR, First Aid, SCIP, and all required certifications.
• Report concerns immediately.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe program environment.

Teamwork

• Work collaboratively with supervisors, clinicians, therapists, nurses, families, transportation staff, and coworkers.
• Participate in staff meetings.
• Accept coaching and feedback.
• Assist coworkers as needed.
• Promote a positive work environment.

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or GED (unless enrolled in the Associate DSP Program)
• Valid New York State Driver's License for Driver positions
• Driving record acceptable under New Hope Community insurance requirements
• Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications
• Ability to successfully complete New Hope orientation and training

Preferred

• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities
• Experience in recreation, education, coaching, agriculture, equestrian programs, music, or vocational programming
• CPR and SCIP certification

Core Competencies

• Compassion
• Respect
• Integrity
• Patience
• Professionalism
• Dependability
• Flexibility
• Positive communication
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Accountability
• Commitment to lifelong learning

Physical Requirements

• Walk and stand for extended periods
• Bend, kneel, squat, climb stairs
• Lift up to 50 pounds independently
• Lift up to 100 pounds with assistance
• Participate in SCIP interventions
• Assist with transfers when required
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Drive agency vehicles when assigned

Working Conditions

The Day Program operates primarily during daytime business hours. Work includes both indoor and outdoor activities and frequent community participation. Occasional schedule adjustments may be required for special events or agency needs.

Mission Commitment

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