Direct Support Professional

Description

Title:

Direct Support Professional

Position Type:
Part-time, Non-exempt

Reports to:

Community Habilitation Coordinator

Base

Location:

Middletown

Schedule:

Varies based on the needs of the program

Pay Rate: $18.47/hr or $21.08/hr

Since 1987, Independent Living, Inc. (ILI) has been increasing access, encouraging self-determination, and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities throughout the Hudson Valley of New York. Following the traditional independent living center (ILC) model, the majority of ILI’s board and staff are individuals with disabilities, bringing valuable peer and life‑experience perspectives to the services we provide.

ILI is committed to empowering individuals to live independently and participate fully in their communities.

Interested in learning more about who we are? We encourage applicants to watch our agency video to gain insight into our mission, vision, values, and the impact we make within the community. The video offers a closer look at our culture and the meaningful work our team does every day. Please select the link below for your preferred platform to view the video.

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• Join a mission‑driven organization dedicated to building a barrier‑free society and supporting independent living
• Be part of a collaborative workplace that embraces diversity and innovation, where every team member’s voice and lived experience are respected and valued
• Be part of an organization that champions inclusive hiring practices and actively welcomes individuals of all abilities, recognizing the value of both visible and non‑visible disabilities
• Be part of a supportive team that values lived experience, empathy, and person‑centered care
• Gain hands‑on experience helping individuals build independence and meaningful connections in their communities

The Direct Support Professional supports individuals with developmental disabilities in achieving greater independence by working toward their personalized goals in community‑based settings. This role involves direct engagement, skill‑building, and advocacy to help participants live meaningful and self‑directed lives.

The Direct Support Professional works closely with participants, families, and interdisciplinary teams to implement individualized service plans while ensuring a safe, respectful, and empowering environment.

• Provide safe transportation for participants, including those who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices
• Implement each participant’s Staff Action Plan in collaboration with the individual, their family, and service team
• Support participants in achieving valued outcomes (goals) through structured and community‑based activities
• Encourage active participation by adapting activities to meet individual needs and abilities
• Assist participants in building life skills and increasing independence in community settings
• Mediate and resolve issues that arise during daily activities in a professional and diplomatic manner
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of participants and their families, responding appropriately
• Document services by entering progress notes in the AWARDS database in a timely and accurate manner
• Complete all required daily and monthly documentation in compliance with program regulations (OPWDD and HVDDSO)
• Participate in required trainings, including OPWDD and agency‑specific training and annual refreshers
• Collaborate with the Community Habilitation Coordinator and team members to ensure services align with participant preferences and goals
• Provide input into the development and modification of participant goals and action plans

• Experience working with individuals…