Direct Support Professional - Solvay

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

Advocates is seeking a creative and compassionate Mentor (DSP/1:1 Support Staff) to work with a gifted young man with a developmental disability. In this critical role, you will help him develop key independent living skills, strengthen positive communication and social interaction skills, and assist him in participating in social, recreational, and community-based activities. This individual is seeking a mentor who is accepting, respectful, and supportive of LGBTQ+ individuals. The ideal mentor will provide a nonjudgmental environment where he feels comfortable being himself while helping him develop meaningful friendships and healthy social connections.

The mentor will also support him in learning appropriate social boundaries, developing positive communication skills, and building confidence when interacting with peers and community members. Additionally, he would like assistance with independent living skills, including decision-making, community participation, and increasing his overall independence.

The ideal candidate for this position will have effective communication and leadership skills, patience, strong organizational skills, and a person-centered approach. Experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and fostering healthy social relationships is preferred. Please respond with a resume or summary of relevant experience.

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

Two flexible weekdays: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday (10 AM - 3 PM)

Pay rate: $21.30 per hour when providing direct support. The hourly rate for indirect/training is $16.00 per hour.

Location: Solvay, NY

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

• Mileage (reimbursed at the IRS standard mileage reimbursement rate 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

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: 53184

• 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.