direct support professional

disability specialist

residential coordinator

employment counselor

coach

Job-Path-Nyc

They play favorites. There's miscommunication. Working with the participants is the best part, but the low pay is insulting. They'll mislead begining from the job description, the interview, to the participants themselves. Oh, expect some hypocrisy. 

If you are planning on working here, let me give you a heads up. The more the coordinator sells you a participant, the more trouble you're going to have with that participant, or how further along that participant is on the spectrum. If you're simply given a participant, then that participant will be easy to work with. 

If you don't work out with a participant, or, you decide you no longer want to work with a participant, then the coordinators will be resentful, which leads to no work. It does not matter how often you work with a participant, your reports will be ignored. 

You're expected to work in the field. If you don't want to be stuck in an office, this might be your speed. 

Halfway through this gig I realized DSP are just a glorified babysitters. In the end, DSPs are at the bottom of the JobPath food chain. Yet DSPs are cruicial to this field. 

For my position,in which I work directly with intellectually disabled adults, there is not really a "typical day". We go where the client wants to go, do want they want, and respond to their mental and emotional needs as they arise. I've learned that there is much more to human psychology than my studies taught me, and that means interacting with my population requires me to constantly think on my feet. Thankfully, my team, from management to coworker, is solid and helpful. We understand the unique challenge of ID and work to share burdens when possible. The hardest part of the job is trying to help those who clearly seem to need help, but resist it fiercely, some times with verbal and physical aggression. This requires a patience and calmness of mind I did not know I had. Despite this, it is rewarding to see individuals make progress towards greater independence, particularly in employment, and to know that your support helped them to get there.

Professionally, I am very grateful for my time with my current employer, Job Path. Job Path has always been at the forefront of innovation in the disability world, providing creative person-centered support to help people achieve their goals and build fulfilling lives. Not only have I been trained in developmental disabilities by experts in this field, but also I have gained an intimate knowledge of state-funded medicaid programs.  Working for a non-profit has given me the opportunity to wear multiple hats, working in an environment with limited resources, adapting--quickly--to changes, and creatively approaching challenges with personal initiative and collaboration.

A lot of flexibility when it comes to part time work and the work can be rewarding and fun. It can be really tiring too and depending on your department, you may be frequently called to cover shifts. It's hard to get to know your coworkers since the work is mostly one-on-one. Also, your paid time off is bunched up with your sick days. If a participant cancels service, you lose pay unless you use pto hours. Communicating with families is not always easy or pleasant but when you find a good match, it's great. 

I have worked at Job Path for 7 years and have found it to be a humane environment. The people we support are our first priority, but there is also support for the people who work there. If time off is needed, there has never been a problem receiving it. There is an understanding of how difficult the job can be and management understands if one needs a day or two for personal needs.

As said in an scientific study ' the brain experiences the same chemically reactive high, being acknowledged for good and hard work, as does with receiving cash compensation, and being in love.' The most enjoyable part of my job? To see the smiles on the faces of the individuals I service. To know I put my all into my shift without thought, but because I am lost in my passion. Lastly, the knowledge I aquire daily from the task I take on and how fast I seem to retain all information.

As a full time student and a part time employee, JobPath has been extremely accommodating and flexible.  They've willingly adjusted schedules as needed.  I find the work is also very fulfilling.  Working with developmentally disabled individuals to provide them with assistance and the tools to be a participating member of society and their communities is rewarding in a way I had never suspected before.

Very understanding & decent work life balance. Management can be supportive. 

Unfortunately their pay is extremely low for anyone to survive in NYC which causes lots of turnover. They tend to say they "understand" but never show any effort that they're actively trying to fix that situation. Times when it's brought up to management/HR they can be very dismissive and act like it's not a priority of theirs, yet they wonder why staff never stay longer than a year.  

What is the best part of working at the company?
The participants and company perks

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The weather sometimes because we have to take them places everyday

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Nice and calm but most times you’ll be out in the field

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Taking participants to and from outings

Most of the days working were with clients who had activities that needed to be attended to. That would include hospital visits, trips to their supportive programs, or just running everyday errands. Management was helpful, but not always resources. The job had a very laissez faire attitude. That was good for day to day, but implementing plans were sometimes more difficult than needed. 

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Direct support professional 15 salaries reported	$17.79 per hour
Disability specialist 4 salaries reported	$39,275 per year
Residential coordinator 1 salary reported	$48,000 per year
Employment counselor 1 salary reported	$41,000 per year
Coach 2 salaries reported	$17.66 per hour

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