DayProgram DSP-1

Direct Support Professional I – Day Program

Department: Day Services

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Day Program Manager or Program Coordinator

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.

• 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.

Lead or participate in meaningful activities including but not limited to:

• 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
• Educational opportunities
• Community outings
• Skill-building classes
• Seasonal celebrations and special events

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

• 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.

Accurately complete:

• Daily service notes
• Progress notes
• Required electronic documentation

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

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

Successful DSPs consistently demonstrate:

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

The employee must regularly:

• Walk and stand for extended periods
• 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

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.

Every Direct Support Professional is expected to uphold New Hope Community's commitment to person-centered supports by treating every individual with dignity, respect, compassion, and professionalism while helping each person live a meaningful, productive, and fulfilling life.

• Aptitude for working with people
• Humble/respect
• Desire to learn

Demonstrates:

Ability to work with people with different needs

Serve as an acceptable role model

Independent problem-solving skills

Carrying out policy and procedures

Has knowledge of populations diagnosis

Demonstrates positive interventions when working with the people in the environment

Displays ability to teach skills to individuals in the…