Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and Commissioner of Mental Health and Social Services Darcie Miller are recognizing Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week, which runs through September 15th.
DSP Recognition Week recognizes the dedication and accomplishments of outstanding DSP’s and their contribution to their communities. DSP’s support residents with life-long conditions that impact day to day living known as intellectual or other developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
“There is a shortage of DSP’s in the community and it is important that we recognize and show our appreciation for the contributions they make every day,” Neuhaus said. “The work they perform is often difficult, but it is such a necessary service that assists many County residents and their families. For this, we commend and thank them.”
DSP’s guide and support children, teens and adults living with family or on their own. They may also support people in need who live in a group home. DSP’s implement a customized plan designed to develop a wide array of skills from daily living to social, leisure, work readiness and more to help people reach their personal potential, build relationships and become more involved in their communities.
According to Miller, there are hundreds of flexible, full and part-time DSP jobs available throughout Orange County.
“There is a serious shortage of DSPs in the County,” Miller said. “The need and demand far exceed the available resources. Someone you know is impacted by this workforce issue-a friend, neighbor, family member, student, employee, employer, and more. I applaud those who take the time to become a DSP and I thank them for serving their community in this way.”
Becoming a DSP can be a part-time second job or the start of a career path that can lead to supervisory and licensed, clinical professions. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent and pass a criminal background check. Most positions require a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation or the ability to navigate public transportation.
Some also require use of a personal vehicle to transport individuals. Agencies hiring include ACCESS: Supports for Living (greystoneprograms.org), Crystal Run Village (accesssupports.org), Greystone Programs (crvi.org), Inspire (inspirecp.org), the Mental Health Association in Orange County (mhaorangeny.com) and the Arc of Orange (thearcoforange.org). To learn more about jobs and careers in the field of developmental disabilities, visit orangecountynyddconnection.com.
For more information, visit orangecountynyddconnection.com.
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