United Helpers Hosting Open Interviews First, Last Wednesday Each Month

OGDENSBURG – United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills is hosting open interviews on the first and last Wednesday of each month for those interested in working as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).

 

Bi-monthly open interviews will begin on Wednesday, September 29 from 1-3 p.m. The following week on Wednesday, October 6 open interviews will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Open interviews will always be from 1 to 3 p.m. on the final Wednesday and from 9 to 11 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. 

Interviews will take place at the Behavioral Health and Life Skills complex, 100 Ford Street in Ogdensburg.

Earlier this summer staff and residents from the Centennial IRA in Ogdensburg attended a Luke Bryan concert in Syracuse.  

The primary role of a DSP is to promote skills development and act as a role model to those with developmental disabilities residing in one of United Helpers 11 Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs). DSPs also inspire involvement and participation in recreational, community and/or social activities.

“Direct support professionals are the backbone of our IRAs,” said United Helpers Director of Residential Services Colleen S. Aldridge. “A good DSP serves as a friend and mentor, as well as a caregiver to the people residing in the house where they work.”

A typical day for a DSP may include assistance with personal care, interactions and daily activities such as travel to medical appointments, attendance at religious services, concerts, sporting, or other community events.

The starting salary for DSPs is $15 per hour, however, for those working evening and midnight shifts, a shift differential is available, bringing the wage up to $16 and $16.50 per hour.

 

While vacancies exist across the county, the greatest area of need is currently in the Rensselaer Falls and Potsdam areas.

 

United Helpers operates IRAs in Ogdensburg, Heuvelton, Lisbon, Morristown, Rensselaer Falls, Potsdam, and Norwood.

Earlier this summer staff and residents from the Centennial IRA in Ogdensburg attended a Luke Bryan concert in Syracuse. From left, clearly enjoying the show, Crystal Osborne and Direct Support Professional Tapanga Gotham, who also works in the United Helpers Human Resources Department. Other outings enjoyed by DSPs include fishing trips, movies, fairs, parades, amusement parks, and more.