Support Worker for Young Disabled Woman

Start Date: October/November 2024

Health insurance available to those working 35+ hours weekly

PTO Available

My name is Kathleen Downes and I am a 31-year-old woman with cerebral palsy from Floral Park, NY (wheelchair user) seeking a support worker through the OPWDD Self Direction program. A community habilitation worker must assist me with independent living skills, community outings, and developing strategies to reach my personal goals. I am a bright young professional with many interests and hobbies including advocacy, health policy, writing, reading, movies, and animals.

A small amount of personal care assistance is needed as well should I require the bathroom during a shift or transfer during a medical appointment.

Tasks include but are not limited to: accompanying me on community outings, assisting with navigating public transit, driving my accessible van, and bringing me to classes. Experience with caregiving is a plus but not necessary. Training provided.

Hours: 35 hours weekly. Ideal schedule Monday-Wednesday 10am-7pm, Saturday 10am-6pm. Flexibility/ ability to switch days to accommodate appointments and special events strongly preferred

Potential for extra hours through Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program

Rate: $26.50 per hour via Medicaid-funded program (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Self-Direction-AIM Services)

Although this is a Medicaid funded position through AIM Services, support workers should think of me as the employer

Successful applicants should:

Be mature, reliable, and honest

Be respectful of my autonomy and allow me to make free choices about where to go and what to do

Be inclusive and welcoming towards all populations including the LGBTQ+ community and people with various disabilities

Communicate in fluent English

Have access to reliable transportation (public transit is limited)

Have a valid driver’s license

Be comfortable driving an accessible minivan in the city and on Long Island

Be 18 years or older

Have a valid Social Security number

Be willing to go out into the community and accompany me to events of my choice (may include travel around Long Island, NYC, etc.)

Listen well and learn quickly

Be familiar with the NY Metro area and public transportation system

Be comfortable around dogs and the occasional visiting cat

Be willing and able to safely lift me and transfer me as needed (e.g. to toilet or exam table)

Be willing to get a background check at no cost to you

Be willing to wear a mask during work hours to protect my health

Be vaccinated with updated COVID 19 shot or willing to be before start date (Received Fall 2024)

Have a sense of humor and strong work ethic

Some college experience appreciated but not required

Email Kathleen with a resume of any format and a short statement of interest. Serious inquiries only.

Great opportunity for recent grads, students, and people looking for healthcare and disability experience