Goodwill Greater New York and Northern New Jersey (GWNYNJ) believes that the power of work and sustainable fashion is how we unlock the good in our communities. For over 100 years, we have helped people get jobs, stay employed, and progress in careers across New York and Northern New Jersey. We believe that diversity drives innovation and strengthens our workplace. We are committed to fostering our inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, experiences, and abilities.
Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc.
Job Description Form
Position Title: Direct Support Professional (Rehabilitation Technician) Location: Various
Reports To: Program Manager /Supervisor / Habilitation Specialist
General Purpose:
A Direct Support Professional (DSP) supports people who have Intellectual / Developmental Disabilities and / or Autism Spectrum Disorder to increase their independence, daily living skills, and empowers them to obtain their goals. A DSP uses person centered thinking and approaches to provide daily support to people in decision making, community integration, and in obtaining paid employment.
Essential Functions:
Uphold the values and mission of Goodwill and OPWDD by understanding, implementing and maintaining all policies and procedures, including safety and documentation as well as fulfilling regular training requirements
Embody the NYS Direct Support Professional Code of Ethics and Core Competencies
Support each person in achieving their individualized goals by providing supports detailed in each person’s Staff Action Plan and Life Plan
Assist in the preparation of each person’s Life Plan, Staff Action Plan, and attend team meetings as needed
Monitor and document services provided & progress towards goals ensuring that all documentation is completed accurately and in a timely manner during shift
Work as part of the team to ensure participants receive seamless services provision and are engaged in person centered activities throughout the day
Engage participants in community exploration and inclusion by providing participants with person centered opportunities and daily choice
Plan and run appropriate group activities that meet funding source requirements
Accompany participants to volunteer sites and activities in the community and support them as they complete tasks at volunteer and internship sites
Accompany participants to buy metro cards and support them in traveling safely in the community on public transportation daily
Monitor participant’s safety as they arrive and while they are waiting for their transportation at the end of each day
Follow Medicaid, state funding source, and agency guidelines and regulations when providing and documenting services
Support participants by pushing their wheelchair for short periods of time such as when the participant needs assistance getting over a curb, getting over the platform gap and into a train, or if they are tired and need a short break
Follow safety protocols to foster a safe working environment and report unsafe conditions, environment, and equipment to Supervisor. Observe participants for evidence of injury or bruises and evaluates for changes in emotional and physical status and complete any applicable incident reporting
Support participants in managing their behavior, intervene as appropriate, and inform supervisor
Advocate for the people we support and ensure their rights are protected
Document all program data, including but not limited to: participant services, behavior plan data, community integration logs, assessments, petty cash, metro card distribution, maintenance requests forms, and supply acquisition forms
Represent Goodwill in a professional manner to families, community partners, and all others
Work assigned schedules, including but not limited to: arriving and departing on time, requesting time off in advance, and notifying supervisor of changes to assigned work schedule and location
Perform other related duties as requested
DSP Floater
Provides coverage in multiple locations throughout each week based on programmatic needs
DSP Driver
A DSP Van Driver is also responsible for safely driving and escorting program attendees, in an accessible 12 passenger van, to/from home and program, transporting groups to activities during the day, and delivering supplies between program sites
Maintains daily communication with program participants, their families, and program staff regarding pick up and drop off times, route notifications, and issues / concerns.
Transports program groups to / from activity locations in the 5 boroughs during the program day
Maintains schedules and ensures participants and groups arrive at destinations on time
Assists riders as needed when entering and exiting the vehicle
Operates vehicle in accordance with Agency Safety Rules, OSHA (Occupational and Safety Health Act), and OPWDD Office of People with Developmental Disabilities) requirements as well as all local, state and federal laws
Performs daily routine safety checks and pre/ post trip inspections on assigned vehicle. Completes required paperwork including daily logs, route sheets, and all required records related to driving activities
Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements: Describe the skills, knowledge and abilities required. Include minimum educational and experience requirements and preferences
HS Diploma, GED, or suitable equivalent required
6+ months social service or life experience with persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities preferred
Proficient computer skills required
This is an active position and the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, climb stairs and/ or kneel
DSP Driver
Must possess a valid state driver's license with a safe driving record that meets agency standards
Two years' driving experience required
One-year experience of institutional driving preferred
Special Working Conditions:
Daily travel on public transportation required
DSPs location assignments can change, with advance notice, based on the coverage needs of the people we support
DSP Floater - is notified each day which location they’ll be assigned to the following day. Requires flexibility to cover shifts in Day Service locations in Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, & Bronx, Monday – Friday between 8:30am & 4:30pm or 9am – 5pm dependent on the location schedule
DSP Driver - is a full-time position working a Monday-Friday daytime shift. The exact schedule will be determined by the needs of the program. The driver may be asked to alter their work schedule depending on the operational needs of the site
What We Offer
- Generous Time off policy to use when you need it
- Health, wellness, and financial resources to help you achieve our personal goals
- Robust health benefits including medical, dental, vision, parental leaves and company sponsored life insurance
- Retirement matching programs and contributions
- Transit and commuter benefits
#IND1
We believe in creating space for everyone to do their best work and have individual and collective impact. We believe in challenging the status quo and setting ambitious goals in the name of doing more good. We believe that being your best self and helping others do the same is how we bring our mission alive. Even if you don’t think you meet all the qualifications listed for the job, we would love to hear from you!
If you require a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, or if you are unable to apply through our recruitment portal, please contact us at
[email protected]. We are happy to assist and ensure you have an equal opportunity to apply.
