Rec Counselor​/Direct Support Professional (DSP

Job Title

Rec Counselor/Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Full Time

Tues-Fri 1p-9p, Sat 8:30a-4:30p

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) serves as a role model for the developmentally disabled consumer. The DSP’s actions and interactions are based on mutual respect, communication, teamwork, and teaching Activities of Daily Living (ADL). The DSP provides hands‑on physical assistance for ADL tasks that the consumer does not complete independently. The Recreational Counselor is responsible for planning and organizing recreational activities for individuals according to their level of functioning.

• Administers medication, as per OPWDD AMAP certification.
• Plans, organizes, leads and conducts a comprehensive program of games and athletics, cultural arts, community outings and social recreation for consumers.
• Develops a monthly recreational calendar to be posted on the first day of the month.
• Schedules recreational activities on a daily basis and documents the completion of those activities.
• Meets with the Coordinator of Recreation to review recreation programs and individual progress.
• Establishes and maintains a network of cooperative relationships with community programs, agencies or vendors who provide opportunities for recreation activities.
• Maintains discipline and safety during recreation activities.
• Completes the tasks of a direct care counselor when asked to do so by supervisor.
• Maintains recreational equipment and supplies.
• Uses a pro‑active approach to offer and actively encourage choice making. Utilizes physical redirection techniques, as per OPWDD SCIP certification and individualized adaptive behavior programs.
• Guides, teaches and supervises, and, if necessary, provides physical assistance to the consumer during the performance of self‑care routines: toileting, hand washing, bathing, showering, tooth brushing, eating, personal grooming and dressing.
• Implements program goal plans as written i.e., self‑care, communication, independent living, mobility, learning, economic self‑sufficiency, self‑direction, and records documentation, including billing as per program necessity.
• Implements physical therapy interventions as written.
• Assists, monitors, and supervises the consumer during the performance of house cleaning chores: dusting, vacuuming, bed making, laundry, ironing, dishwashing and table setting. Performs all housekeeping responsibilities that the consumers cannot satisfactorily complete.
• Actively participates in and provides supervision during recreation, both within IGHL and in the community. Encourages and schedules opportunities for leisure activities, both individualized and group oriented.
• Maintains DRIVER AUTHORIZATION status, as per IGHL policy, and provides transportation and supervision during community integrated activities and medical appointments if applicable.
• Teaches the consumers the aspects of good nutrition, i.e., menu planning, diet requirements, food groups, preparation, handling and shopping; provides supervision and, if necessary, hands‑on assistance.
• Accurately maintains documentation in all logs: nursing, medication, exposure control, behavior, communication and first aid.
• Adheres to IGHL and OPWDD policy, including Safety and Code of Conduct, and completes forms as warranted: timesheets, time off requests, tuition reimbursement, physical complaint reports and incident reports.
• Adheres to emergency policies and administers first aid in accordance with prescribed procedures.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and in‑services training.
• Offers suggestions and requests supplies for residential, programmatic, site‑specific needs.
• Participates in specialty training such as CPR and keeps certifications current.
• At any time during a DSP’s shift, he or she may be asked to cover at another location; including hospital coverage based on Agency needs.
• Completes and maintains SCIP, Adult CPR, AMAP and defensive driving certifications within 6 months of hire or transfer in order to keep the DOC pay, as per IGHL policy.
• All other duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma/GED
• Valid NYS Driver’s license
• Complete and maintain SCIP and Adult CPR certification, as per IGHL policy
• Work regularly scheduled days, including those that fall on holidays
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. at least five times per hour
• Able to sit, stand or bend throughout the day
• Enthusiastic team player that handles stressful situations professionally with ease

Supervisor: Residence Manager and/or Assistant Residence Manager(s)

Department: Residential

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Rate Range: starting at $21/hr