Direct Support Professional - North Syracuse, NY

Advocates is seeking a Mentor (1:1 support staff) to work with a spirited young man with autism. He needs support during community activities/classes. The Mentor will also be relied on for support with daily living skills including communication needs using iPad, as he is minimally speaking. 

The ideal candidate is active, has a compassionate and caring nature, and has experience working with individuals with autism. Seeking someone who is motivated, creative, a quick learner, and is committed, caring, and passionate about making a meaningful difference in the life of someone with special needs. Please respond with resume and letter of interest, along with contact details. 

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

Hours and days of work: 

At least three days or more a week: (9:30am - 5:00pm), hours can be flexible if needed. 

Pay rate: $21 per hour for 90 days then $22 per hour thereafter 

Location: North Syracuse, NY 

In addition to the hourly wage, Advocates provides the following benefits to its employees: 

• Mileage (reimbursed at $0.67 per mile when providing transportation to the individual) 

• Life and Long-Term Disability insurance at no cost to the employee 

• Health, dental, vision, and supplemental life insurance 

• Employee Assistance Program 

• 401k with up to a 2% match 

Reliable transportation is required. Background check, fingerprinting, and DMV record check will be conducted prior to hire by non-profit agency. In addition to hourly compensation, employees of Advocates can qualify for comprehensive health, dental, and other benefits including paid time off.  

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: 47980

• 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.