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.
