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Senior Community DSP
Upstate Caring Partners
Utica, NY, USA
Posted on Apr 11, 2026
The Senior Direct Support Professional (Sr. DSP) – Community Habilitation provides oversight and leadership to staff delivering Community Habilitation services in community-based settings. The Sr. DSP supports the daily coordination of services, including staff and people we support (PWS) scheduling, volunteer opportunity coordination, activity planning, documentation, and fiscal tracking related to community outings and activities.
The Sr. DSP serves as a mentor and role model to DSPs, assists with on-site orientation and training, and ensures that services are delivered in accordance with Staff Action Plans (SAP), agency policies, and all applicable regulatory requirements. Under the supervision of the Director of Community Services or designee, the Sr. DSP provides high-quality, person-centered supports that promote independence, community inclusion, and meaningful participation.
Core Responsibilities
- Ensure the implementation and documentation of Individual Program Plans (IPP), habilitation goals, and behavior support plans.
- Provide direct support to people we support, including personal care, skill development, and community-based instruction.
- Promote independence, self-advocacy, and meaningful community participation.
- Monitor the safety and well-being of people we support and report concerns or incidents as required.
- Transport and accompany people we support to community activities, volunteer sites, appointments, and events as needed.
- Assist with coordinating and maintaining staff and people we support schedules to ensure appropriate coverage and continuity of services.
- Communicate scheduling needs, changes, and coverage concerns to the Director of Community Services (or designee)
- Support daily service delivery by assigning staff responsibilities and coordinating community-based activities.
- Coordinate volunteer opportunities for people we support, including identifying community partners, scheduling volunteer activities, and supporting participation.
- Maintain positive relationships with community organizations, volunteer sites, and partner agencies.
- Ensure volunteer activities align with individual goals and agency expectations.
- Ensure timely and accurate completion of required documentation, including service notes, attendance, and community activity records.
- Track and reconcile funds related to Community Habilitation activities, including petty cash, activity expenses, and receipts.
- Communicate financial discrepancies in a timely manner.
- Serve as a mentor and role model to DSPs, promoting professionalism, teamwork, and best practices.
- Assist with on-site orientation and training of new DSPs.
- Provide coaching and guidance to staff to enhance individual and team performance.
- Ensure effective communication of daily expectations, program updates, and service needs.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable OPWDD regulations, agency policies, and operating standards.
- Monitor supplies and equipment needed for community-based services and report needs to the Program Manager.
- Participate in treatment team meetings, trainings, committees, and agency activities as assigned.
Qualifications
- High School Diploma
- One-year experience in a direct support role with individuals with a Developmental Disability preferred.
- Travel is required. Must have a valid New York State driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Benefits
Our work environment provides the opportunity to grow and learn in a fast-paced atmosphere. We offer competitive benefits and salary to include a low-cost individual health insurance plan, dollar for dollar retirement match (up to 7%), life insurance, voluntary benefits and generous paid time off.
- Comprehensive Health/Dental/Vision
- Direct Deposit
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Retirement Plan 403(b)
- Life Insurance
- Voluntary Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Generous PTO Plans (Sick, Vacation and Employee Leave)
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Service Awards
- Employee Appreciation Events
- Employee Discounts
Upstate Caring Partners is the premier provider of direct-care services and programs in Central New York for individuals of all abilities and their families. If you believe in empowering people, Upstate Caring Partners is an excellent place to start or grow your career. Please visit our careers website to access the full job description located within the job posting. upstatecpjobs.org