A Direct Support Professional (DSP) and a Day Habilitation (DayHab) Staff Professional both play crucial roles in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), but their responsibilities and focus areas differ.

Locations: Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, & Staten Island.

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

• Role: DSPs work in the residential facility to help them achieve their full potential and integrate into their communities.
• Responsibilities: They assist with daily living activities, such as getting dressed, going to the bathroom, and finding a job. DSPs focus on teaching individuals how to perform these tasks independently1.
• Approach: The emphasis is on support rather than caregiving. DSPs help individuals learn to do things for themselves, promoting independence.

Day Habilitation (DayHab) Staff:
Role: Day Hab staff work in day habilitation programs, which are structured environments where individuals with IDD can develop skills and engage in activities during the day. (Hours vary from 8a-4p or 9a-5p also considered school)
Responsibilities: They facilitate various activities designed to enhance social, educational, and vocational skills. This can include arts and crafts, educational sessions, and community outings.
Approach: The focus is on providing a supportive and enriching environment where individuals can learn and practice new skills in a group setting.

While both DSPs and DayHab staff aim to support individuals with IDD, DSPs focus more on one-on-one support and fostering independence in daily living, whereas DayHab staff concentrate on group activities and skill development in a structured day program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides physical and programmatic aid to the people we support where assigned.
• Aids in daily operation of assigned program areas.
• Assists with supervision of the people we support in assigned areas.
• Accompanies the people we support out into community on a regular basis and while out there, maintains close supervision of them.
• Performs clerical work for assigned areas, i.e. collating, folding, typing and answering telephones.
• Serves as member of interdisciplinary plan.
• Collects data for written program plans as assigned, i.e. behavior plans, treatment plans.
• Provides necessary program support/coverage.
• Writes case notes and provides information on incidents as required.
• Follows established classroom activity schedules.
• Assists Habilitation Specialist in maintaining a clean and organized classroom.
• Assists with toileting and feeding of persons receiving services.
• Assists with outer clothing of persons receiving services as needed.
• Participates in activities outside of activity room, i.e. trips, pool, gym. Enters swimming pool with program participants as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Valid New York State Driver’s License and must maintain it in good standing preferred but not required.
• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English.
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with coworkers, employees, the people we support, and their families.
• Ability to analyze problems and determine corrective measures.
• Must be vaccinated against Covid-19

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED required to be able to convert to perm staff however, not required to Temp.
• Six months of related experience is preferred but not required.

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) working in residential settings typically have different responsibilities depending on their shift.

Morning Shift (1st Shift)
Hours: Usually from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM (this is usually the hours but may vary)
Responsibilities:

• Assisting Persons Supported (Individuals) with morning routines (e.g., waking up, bathing, dressing)
• Preparing and serving breakfast
• Helping Persons Supported (Individuals) with daily activities and personal care.
• Accompanying residents to appointments or community activities

Afternoon Shift (2nd Shift)
Hours: Usually from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM (this is usually the hours but may vary)
Responsibilities:

• Assisting with afternoon activities and programs
• Preparing and serving dinner
• Helping residents with evening routines (e.g., bathing, changing into nightwear)
• Engaging residents in recreational activities

Night Shift (3rd Shift)
Hours: Usually from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM (this is usually the hours but may vary)
Responsibilities:

• Monitoring residents throughout the night to ensure their safety
• Assisting with any nighttime needs (e.g., bathroom assistance)
• Performing light housekeeping duties (e.g., laundry, cleaning common areas)
• Preparing for the morning shift (e.g., setting up breakfast items)
• Documenting any incidents or observations during the night

Overnight Shift
Hours: Similar to the night shift, typically from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM 
Responsibilities:

• Ensuring the safety and well-being of residents while they sleep
• Responding to any emergencies or needs that arise during the night
• Completing any required documentation or reports
• Performing routine checks on residents

All task may vary and are not limited to.