Universal Direct Support Professional

The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence’s next New Hire Orientation session will start on October 5, 2026. New hires will not be able to start until this date. 

Sign on Bonus- $650, Full time is payable after 3 months of $300 and $350 after 6 months. Part time is half the amount.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work -  Flexible to the needs of the program. Full time is 40 hours weekly. Part time is minimum of 20 hours weekly. Sub status is 15 hours weekly. 

Sub Status Employee Requirements – In addition to adhering to all requirements of the UDSP job description as well as agency requirements, sub status employees have the following requirements:

• Schedules will be based on the needs of the site (open hours) after Full time and Part time staff have been scheduled.
• Must work a minimum of 8 weekend hours/month. (Weekend:4pm Friday-8am Monday)
• Must work a minimum of 1 agency observed holiday/year.
• Will require approval to work hours outside their primary site.

Qualifications - High School Diploma or equivalency preferred.  Experience working with the Developmentally Disabled preferred. Good verbal and written communication skills required. Work may require lifting, pushing, or pulling, in excess of 30 pounds. Valid New York State Driver’s License.    

Work Authorization/Security Clearance – Authorized to work in the United States.

Summary/Objective - Assist in coordination of the people we support in the residential program, day habilitation program or community habilitation program, stressing independence, integration, individualization, and productivity with emphasis on the person’s choice.  Be aware of the person centered approach and incorporate it into training.  Must be progressive and proactive in providing for, arranging for, supervising and documenting services to the people we support to promote growth toward increasing levels of independence.

Essential Functions – Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Assist the people we support in buying necessary household equipment and in management of personal funds, purchases and disbursements; and assist in acclimation to the environment of the house or program site.
2. Assist the people we support in proper nutrition, meal planning and preparation as well as grocery shopping, and provide training as needed in these areas as outlined on the service plan.
3. Provide guidance and instruction to the people we support in cleaning of the program site, general domestic tasks and upkeep of their rooms and property, and ensure physical plant is maintained in a safe and sanitary manner.
4. Provide guidance to the people we support in available leisure time activities; assist in arranging or providing transportation.  All staff shall be cleared by the transportation department to drive an agency vehicle and maintain their driving certification.  If hired as non-driver or certification is lost, there will be a reduction in pay.
5. Conduct and document fire drills as prescribed by regulation and policy.
6. Communicate all person’s supported and household supply needs to the Residence Manager.             
7. Participate in staff meetings and other discussions regarding the person’s and household needs and the CR/IRA program in general.
8. Participate actively when crisis intervention is required.  Responsible for the implementation and follow through of all ADL, interpersonal skill training and/or behavioral support programs for the people we support, as directed by the Residence Manager and outlined in the person’s support plans for both the Residential and Day Habilitation programs. Staff will document in a timely fashion prescribed programs as directed, assisting the Residence Manager/QIDP.  Documentation will be completed the same day as program implementation and accurately written to reflect person’s progress.
9. If designated by Residence Manager, will be required to administer medications as directed by physicians’ orders and agency policy after successfully completing the OPWDD approved medication course and be required to maintain said certification.
10. Report any illness or accident, or changes, or problems in the person’s medical status to the on-call nurse or administrator and shall use the appropriate documentation procedure and follow instructions as given.  Nursing Notes will be completed daily to reflect monitoring of Resident’s health status.
11. Write incident reports as defined by Incident Review Procedures.
12. Ensure the needs of the people we support are being met, taking into account integration, individualization, independence and productivity with emphasis on the person’s choice, while ensuring their safety and welfare.  Promote the five governing principles in improving the lives of the residents while still meeting the valued outcomes outlined in the support plan.
13. Communicate to the Residence Manager or Assistant Residence Manager all matters concerning the person’s support program and physical plant. This is to be done through the use of a daily log or contact as necessary.                  
14. May be required to accept temporary or permanent transfers within the department as necessary, in order to meet the needs of the person’s supported.
15. Remain aware of and follow policies and procedures as outlined in the Functional Plan pertinent to the assigned work site and program.
16. All staff will be responsible for documenting service plan documentation per regulations and training pertaining to Residential Habilitation, Day Habilitation, Community Habilitation services.  This includes all programming, nursing services, clinical services and self-care.
17. Monitor the people we support during their sleeping hours as required and attend to any and all of their needs.  Each individual and bedroom must be observed and documented per bed check log and team recommendations.
18. Perform cleaning duties on a daily basis as required on the cleaning schedule and any other duties as assigned by the Residence Manager.  Shall complete all cleaning logs and physical plant checklists as designated.
19. If designated by the Residence Manager, will be required to act as designated in charge in the absence of the Residence Manager.
20. Be aware of and follow correct procedures for the use of personal funds, ensuring proper purchasing and documentation.

Competencies –

• Ethical Conduct.
• Time Management.
• Organizational Skills.
• Personal Effectiveness/Credibility.

Supervisory Responsibility - None

Work Environment – Personalized home environment based on the people who reside in the home or other designated program space.

Physical Demands - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Work may require lifting, pushing, or pulling in excess of 30 pounds.

Other Duties – This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. I have read and received a copy of the above job description and understand the responsibilities fully.  I understand that the preceding job description will be reviewed/updated at least annually; more frequent updates will depend on contract needs.            

AAP/EEO Statement – The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence has and will continue to provide all employees and applicants’ equal opportunity in the manner provided by law in all aspects of employment regardless of their age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, genetic predisposition, or carrier status, or marital status. These individuals will be recruited, referred for hiring consideration, and employed with regard to the positive and appropriate utilization of their skills and capabilities. Qualified employees will be afforded non-discriminatory consideration for promotion and job advancement, and there will be no discrimination with regard to assignments, rates of pay, promotions, transfers, training, termination, accessibility, working conditions, and benefits.

Wage Range- $18.00-$21.85/Hour, more based on education and experience. Starting rate for sub positions is $16.00/Hour.