About the role
Pay: $18.47 to $21.08 per hour
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
About Independent Living, Inc.
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.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/pc1BlNdilYM
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyIndependentLiving
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myindependentliving/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myindependentlivinginc
Why Work with Us?
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
About the Role
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.
What You’ll Do
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
Requirements
The Ideal Candidate Will Have
Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities (strongly preferred)
Valid New York State driver’s license with a clean driving record and proof of auto insurance
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Knowledge of community resources
First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Dependability, flexibility, and a positive, person-centered approach
It Would Be a Plus If You Also Have
High school diploma or equivalent
Bilingual (Spanish-speaking) skills
Experience with electronic documentation systems (e.g., AWARDS/Foothold)
Familiarity with OPWDD services and regulations
Success in This Role Will Be Demonstrated Through
Consistent progress made by participants toward their individualized goals
Accurate, timely, and compliant documentation of services
Positive feedback from participants, families, and team members
Effective adaptation of activities to meet participant needs and preferences
Strong collaboration with team members and supervisors
Reliable and safe transportation and support during community activities
Demonstrated ability to foster independence and skill development in participants
Benefits available to you include
New York State Paid Sick Leave
We actively support an inclusive hiring process and encourage people with disabilities, visible and non-visible, to apply. If you require reasonable accommodation to support the application or onboarding process, please contact Latoya Merricks at (845) 674-7752.
ILI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.
To apply, visit us at https://www.myindependentliving.org/careers/