Direct Service Provider

The mission of CARES (Community Assistance Resources and Extended Services, Inc.) is to assist children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities (ID/DD) and/or mental health conditions and their families, in particular, from under-served multilingual communities, access information, obtain resources and services.

Salary Range: $16.52-$19/hr Locations: Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The role of a Direct Support Professional (DSP) is to work with children and their families to provide resources and support, as well as strengthen daily living skills. Applicants can choose to work in our OPWDD program with individuals who have developmental disabilities or in our HCBS program with individuals facing mental health challenges. The services are provided in the client's home or community setting.

Activities as a DSP for the OPWDD program recipients primarily involve teaching them the following: how to accomplish daily living tasks, improve socialization amongst peers, and become acclimated to typical community activities (i.e. traveling, interacting with store staff/community helpers, and adhering to appropriate social boundaries in various settings).

• Assist individuals in meeting their valued outcomes as outlined in their service plan.
• Communicate effectively with families and supervisors.
• Problem solve and communicate with supervisors as concerns arise.
• Complete and submit documentation detailing the activities engaged with the individuals in a timely manner.
• Complete mandatory trainings

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• Prior experience providing direct services to individuals with a developmental and/or intellectual disability OR pursuing a degree in education, social work, nursing, or psychology.
• Computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel and Outlook)
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and legal to work in the US.
• High school diploma or GED required, Associates or Bachelor's Degree preferred, in some cases a Bachelor's Degree may be required.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
• Must be able to lift 35 lbs.
• Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.