Support Assistant in New York at FAMILY OPTIONS INC

Position Summary

The Support Assistant (SA) provides direct care and habilitative services to individuals in accordance with DDS regulations, Agency policies, and each individual’s Plan of Service (POS) and/or Individualized Plan (IP). The SA supports individuals in achieving personal outcomes while ensuring health, safety, rights, and dignity.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Care & Supervision

• Provide active supervision at all times and maintain awareness of each individual’s location, safety, and status.
• Assist individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs) including personal hygiene, meals, mobility, and community participation.
• Promote independence, choice, and skill development consistent with DDS person-centered planning standards.

Implementation of Plans (DDS Compliance)

• Implement all goals, objectives, and staff actions as written in the individual’s Plan of Service (POS), Individual Plan (IP), or Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
• Follow all behavior support plans, including approved interventions and emergency procedures in accordance with DDS and Agency policy.
• Carry out therapeutic recommendations from occupational, physical, and speech therapists.
• Collect and record data as required to support progress monitoring and DDS documentation standards.

Health, Safety & Rights

• Ensure the health and safety of all individuals in accordance with DDS regulations.
• Administer medications and treatments as trained and certified, following DDS Medication Administration Program (MAP) guidelines.
• Report and document all incidents, injuries, medication errors, and unusual events per DDS reporting requirements.
• Immediately report any suspected abuse, neglect, or mistreatment in accordance with mandated reporter laws.
• Safeguard individual rights, privacy, and confidentiality at all times.

Documentation & Recordkeeping

• Complete all required documentation accurately, timely, and in compliance with DDS standards.
• Maintain records of services provided, progress toward goals, and daily activities.
• Accurately track petty cash and individuals’ personal funds per DDS and Agency requirements.

Environment & Program Support

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized living and program environment.
• Ensure vehicles and program areas meet safety and cleanliness standards.
• Support and facilitate meaningful recreational and community-based activities.
• Participate in required emergency drills and follow all safety protocols.

Teamwork & Communication

• Communicate effectively with supervisors, team members, families, guardians, and outside providers.
• Participate in team meetings, ISP/POS meetings, and required trainings.
• Follow all Agency and DDS policies, procedures, and professional standards.

Other Duties

• Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisory staff to support program operations.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities or behavioral needs preferred.

Skills

• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Basic math skills for daily tasks and money management.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and apply practical problem-solving skills.

Required Certifications

• Medication Administration Certification (MAP Certified or ability to obtain)
• CPR and First Aid Certification
• PMT or DDS-approved behavioral intervention training
• All Agency required pre-service and annual trainings

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and assist individuals throughout the shift.
• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds and assist with higher levels of physical support when trained.
• Ability to perform physical interventions as trained, if required.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable laws.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in residential homes, community settings, and program sites.
• Requires travel by vehicle and exposure to varying weather conditions.
• Moderate noise level typical of human service environments.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.