Direct Support Professional - Syracuse, NY

Are you looking for a rewarding way to make a difference while making a living?

Advocates Inc. is seeking a part time Direct Support Professional/Mentor to work with a hearing-impaired man in his 40’s with developmental disabilities.  Services will include but not be limited to: assisting with personal care tasks and time management skills, providing assistance with various aspects of independent living skills, and providing opportunities for community inclusion.  Candidates must possess good communication skills and be able to initiate conversations and remain engaged with the individual throughout the day. Preferred candidate qualities: patience, empathy, consistency, reliability, knowledge and/or experience providing services to the developmentally disabled population, friendliness, and be familiar with the Fayetteville/DeWitt area.

Candidate must possess a keen sense of attention to detail, especially when electronically logging each day's time, mileage, and service documentation. DSP must have a valid email address.

Hours and days of work

• 1-2 afternoons/evenings throughout the week from 4 PM - 8 PM (with some flexibility)
• Occasional Saturdays: late morning/early afternoons from 11 AM - 4 PM (with some flexibility)

Pay rate: $24.00 per hour when providing direct support. The hourly rate for indirect/training is $15.50 per hour.

Location: Syracuse/Eastwood area (being familiar with Fayetteville/Dewitt area)

Advocates is a leading human services organization with over 1,300 dedicated employees serving people throughout Central New York. Advocates is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  

Requisition ID: 46203

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must have a valid email address.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and auto insurance if required for the job assigned.
• Must demonstrate sound decision-making skills.
• Must demonstrate understanding for the Agency mission. People working in this position must believe in the philosophy of person-centered services, self-advocacy, and the right and ability of people we serve to self-direct their supports and services.
• Must demonstrate patience and compassion.
• Must have the ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and have the ability to write correspondence.
• Must have basic reasoning skills including the ability to analyze and problem solve.
• Must be able to tolerate a moderate noise level in the work environment and must be able to handle distractions.
• Ability to handle physical aspects of the job, including sitting, standing, using hands to reach, walk, push, or lift up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Background checks required
• Education & Experience: GED or High School Diploma preferred. Applicable job experience preferred.
• Desired Skills and Abilities: previous experience working 1:1 in a related service environment preferred. Knowledge of disability related issues preferred.
• Other: The individual does not have the authority to set the staff salary in this model. The Mentor is paid at the provider’s rate for the service based on an assessment of the specific support needs of the individual in the areas of behavioral support, communication support, and physical support needs.