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Yai

Special education school with integrated therapies

Direct Support Professional

Residential & Direct SupportConfirmed live in the last 24 hours
Part-timeNew Jersey, USA$19 /hr

About the Job

Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must have a high school diploma or its educational equivalent.
  • Must hold or obtain and maintain a valid driver's license with no more than five points.
  • Must meet the physical demands of the position, including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling objects and controls, assisting with lifting or moving individuals using equipment or other staff, pushing individuals in wheelchairs, occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds, and implementing emergency interventions when needed.
  • Must have effective written and oral communication skills, including the ability to document services for billing and tracking.
  • Must be willing and able to assist with varied supports and activities of daily living, including regular exposure to and handling of bodily fluids.
  • Must have basic computer skills, including email and use of Workday and related systems such as Digital Agency.
  • Must hold or obtain and maintain certifications and training required by program assignment and the people supported, including Non-Crisis Intervention training, American Heart Association CPR/First Aid certification, New Jersey Medication Administration certification, and Positive Behavior Supports training, within 120 days of appointment.
  • Must be able to develop and maintain professional relationships aligned with the organization’s mission and vision.
  • Must be able to remain calm in stressful situations and work in a high-energy, fast-paced environment.
  • Must be able to work beyond regularly scheduled hours or shifts and report as scheduled on holidays, in inclement weather, or during emergencies to maintain program coverage, unless otherwise authorized.

Responsibilities

  • Support individuals in maximizing their strengths, interests, and abilities; uphold their personal rights; provide emotional support; and build positive relationships.
  • Support people in meeting personal goals associated with quality of life, communicate respectfully using person-first language, encourage socializing, and facilitate activities that build social connections in the community.
  • Supervise, protect, and care for individuals at all times; maintain program protection guidelines; facilitate fire-safety learning and training; and identify and appropriately escalate signs of potential harm to self or others.
  • Promote health, wellness, and safety through appropriate supervision and crisis management in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Provide support in varied settings according to individualized service and behavior support plans, using appropriate skills for people with varying levels of need and following New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities standards.
  • Implement person-centered individualized plans and their specified supervision levels and safeguards, including Behavior Support Plans, Individualized Service Plans, Staff Action Plans, and Life Plans; understand each plan’s intentions and goals.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized therapeutic environment.
  • Use safe handling procedures when working with individuals and implement infection-control protocols.
  • Provide personal care and assistance with activities of daily living, including intimate care and personal hygiene such as bathing, dressing, and toileting, as well as laundry and housekeeping.
  • Teach and develop habilitative and rehabilitative skills.
  • Support person-centered advocacy with individuals.
  • Assist with communication and self-expression and help individuals resolve disputes.
  • Facilitate ethical decision-making.
  • Supervise or plan and prepare balanced meals and snacks in accordance with individuals’ dietary restrictions and guidelines, including modified diets or liquid consistencies.
  • Transport and escort individuals to recreational activities, medical appointments, home visits, volunteer sites, and employment sites; participate in creating schedules for volunteer opportunities and community or therapeutic activities.
  • Assist individuals with purchases and safeguard their personal allowance and other funds.
  • Administer medication as prescribed and in accordance with applicable guidelines.
  • Assist with medication inventory, medication cabinet checks, and over-the-counter inventory; complete these tasks within applicable timeframes and reorder medication or supplies as needed.
  • Assist in scheduling medical appointments and ensure follow-up appointments are scheduled and attended in a timely manner.
  • Use petty cash and house funds, including store cards, appropriately; maintain purchase documentation and receipts according to applicable rules and in coordination with a supervisor.
  • Operate agency vehicles regularly to transport individuals to and from programs, residences, community locations, or other locations; update related logs and maintenance sheets and coordinate appointments with a supervisor.
  • Develop specialized clinical knowledge for person-specific needs, including support for adults, challenging behaviors, autism spectrum disorders, and complex medical needs.
  • Implement Behavior Support Plans, Behavior Guidelines, and protocols specified in applicable plans.
  • Collect, record, and summarize data on individuals’ observable behavior.
  • Observe and report changes in behavior and other signs and symptoms to the clinical or leadership team.
  • Communicate by phone, email, or in person with circles of support, including families and external providers, to provide updates or obtain information as directed by clinical or program leadership.
  • Participate as a member of the support team, provide feedback, communicate program needs to team members, and maintain a solution-oriented approach during conflicts.
  • Complete and maintain required training and certifications, including specialized training for the assigned program and position, and apply the acquired skills in compliance with organizational policies and regulations.
  • Review communication logs daily and enter events, progress notes, services, and other information; communicate relevant information across team members and shifts using in-house systems; and collect and enter daily operational data using an electronic health record or medication record.
  • Complete required paperwork and documentation accurately and within appropriate timeframes for compliance and billing, including notifications, logs, incident reports, file updates, maintenance requests, phone calls, and incident tracking.
  • Use foundational and progressive teaching skills, including Explain, Model, Observe and Evaluate; task analysis; essential skills; supports; and modifications.
  • Understand behavior as communication and use person-centered approaches to support positive interactions and prevent escalation.
  • Report facility maintenance, upkeep, and safety concerns to the Program Supervisor or designee.
  • Consult with program leadership, clinical staff, and other direct support staff to support high-quality care, and attend and actively participate in team meetings.
  • Use approved organizational and New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities training techniques, including verbal, environmental, and physical interventions such as takedowns, to respond appropriately to challenging or self-injurious behavior and protect the health and safety of individuals, staff, and others.
  • Provide support or coverage across settings and programs in the assigned region, including off-site locations such as hospitals, and remain on shift or report to another program as needed to maintain minimum coverage.
  • May participate in developing treatment plans.
  • Comply with applicable federal, state, local, and other regulatory agency requirements, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Desired Qualifications

  • Work or life experience supporting people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
  • Knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities, clinical syndromes, or intellectual or developmental disabilities with co-occurring behavioral or mental health needs.

About the Company

Yai

Special education school with integrated therapies

Manhattan Star Academy is a private, non-profit day school serving ages 3–21 with developmental needs, offering preschool through upper school under the YAI Network. It combines academics with comprehensive therapies (occupational, physical, speech-language, counseling) delivered during the school day, using a developmentally based, Montessori-inspired approach in small classes. The campus uses sensory-friendly facilities and technology such as smart boards and iPads to support learning and track progress, and it runs a transition program with vocational training and internships. Its differentiators are the integrated therapy model, a specialized environment for neuro-developmental disabilities, and a clear path from early education to post-secondary readiness with individualized support.

Company size
51-200
Company stage
Seed
Total funding
$330K
Headquarters
New York City, New York
Founded
2023

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