About Us

Founded as an orphanage in 1831, Rising Ground has been at the forefront of evolving community needs. Driven by the belief that each of us can thrive when life has hope and opportunity, Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity, and each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in the lives of more than 72,000 individuals annually. We do this through 101 programs across 138 sites, throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity is shown not just through our work with supported persons but is integral to the building of a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve. Rising Ground is headquartered in New York City.

Role Overview

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides person centered support based on the individual’s needs, preferences and choices. DSPs perform a wide variety of tasks and activities based on the valued outcomes of each person they work with and reflect the specific skills and abilities of each individual. DSPs encourage, guide and offer training to develop daily living skills, ensuring personal needs are met, promoting active engagement in community life and ensuring health and safety. DSPs create a positive and enriching program environment for all people supported. Direct Support Professionals are a vital member of each person’s support team. DSPs are expected to align their performance with the Code of Ethics and OPWDD DSP Competencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Support individuals in achieving their personal goals, preferences, choices, and developmental objectives as outlined in their Staff Action Plan and Life Plan.
• Provide appropriate supervision and individualized support based on each person's behavioral, medical, developmental, and emotional needs.
• Escort individuals to community activities, recreational outings, medical appointments, and other essential services as needed.
• Safely operate agency vehicles to support transportation and other programmatic needs.
• Assist individuals with meal planning, grocery shopping, food preparation, and the development of healthy daily living skills.
• Administer medications, when authorized, in accordance with AMAP certification requirements, RN oversight, and organizational policies.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and supportive environment that promotes dignity, independence, and a positive home-like atmosphere.
• Comply with all OPWDD, NYS Justice Center, and Rising Ground policies, procedures, training requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Act as a mandated reporter and promptly communicate any concerns impacting the health, safety, or well-being of individuals to the Program RN or appropriate administrator.
• Complete all required documentation accurately and timely, including progress notes, billing records, medical follow-up, clinical data, incident reporting, and other assigned responsibilities.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED Required
• Valid State Driver’s License (NYS preferred)
• Must be able to work independently and self-directed.
• Must be able to use technology (for completion of billing data and other assigned tasks)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Positive attitude toward the challenges faced by the people that we support.
• Must be flexible with meeting the needs of the people they support.
• Availability to meet the schedule of the position as assigned, with occasional flexibility
• Prior experience with OPWDD or supporting people with disabilities is a plus

Work Environment

Residential

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. 7:00am - 3:00pm, 3:00pm - 11:00pm or 11:00pm - 7:00am

Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive salary structure