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Yai

Special education school with integrated therapies

Day Habilitation Direct Support Professional

Residential & Direct SupportConfirmed live in the last 24 hours
Full-time

About the Job

Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must be able to meet the position’s essential physical demands, 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 when appropriate, pushing individuals in wheelchairs, and occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds. Must also be physically capable of emergency interventions specified in an individual's Behavior Support Plan, including moving individuals of any weight with or without assistance.
  • 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 a variety of supports and activities of daily living, including regular exposure to and handling of bodily fluids.
  • Must have basic computer skills, including email and using Workday and related systems such as Digital Agency.
  • Must obtain and maintain Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention – Revised certification within one year of appointment if not already held.
  • Must obtain and maintain additional certifications required by the program assignment and people supported, such as Choking Return Demonstration, Approved Medication Administration Personnel, Diabetes Care, CPR, or Tube Feeding, within one year of appointment if not already held.
  • Must be able to develop and maintain professional relationships aligned with YAI’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, during inclement weather, or during emergencies to maintain minimum program coverage, unless otherwise authorized.
  • For assignments involving transportation of people supported, must hold or obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license and van certification, as applicable to the position, location, or program.
  • A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
  • For elevated DSP positions, at least three years of direct support professional experience with the I/DD population and required YAI certifications based on setting within six months of appointment are required.

Responsibilities

  • Assist individuals in maximizing their strengths, interests, and abilities; uphold their personal rights; provide emotional support; and build positive relationships with patience and tolerance.
  • Support people in achieving personal quality-of-life goals, use respectful person-first communication, encourage socializing, and facilitate activities that build social connections in the community.
  • Provide overall supervision, protection, and care of individuals; maintain program safeguards; 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 a variety of settings according to individualized service and behavior support plans, using support skills for people with varying needs and demonstrating OPWDD Core Competencies.
  • Implement person-centered individualized plans, including levels of supervision and safeguards such as Individual Protective Oversight Plans, Behavior Support Plans, Staff Action Plans, and Life Plans, understanding each plan’s intentions and goals.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized therapeutic environment.
  • Use safe and appropriate handling procedures and implement infection-control protocols.
  • Provide authorized support with personal care and activities of daily living, including intimate care and personal hygiene such as bathing, dressing, and toileting, as well as laundry and housekeeping.
  • Ensure medication is administered as prescribed and in accordance with applicable guidelines.
  • Teach and develop skills; support person-centered advocacy; assist with communication and self-expression and resolving disputes; and facilitate ethical decision-making.
  • Supervise or plan and prepare balanced meals and snacks in accordance with each person’s dietary restrictions and guidelines, including modified diets or liquid consistencies.
  • Transport and escort individuals to recreational activities, medical appointments, home visits, volunteer or employment sites, and other destinations.
  • Assist individuals with purchases and safeguard their personal allowance and other funds.
  • Develop specialized clinical knowledge for individual needs, including supporting adults, challenging behaviors, autism spectrum disorders, and complex medical needs.
  • Implement Behavior Support Plans as written by the Behavior Intervention Specialist.
  • Collect, record, and summarize data on observable behavior; observe and report behavioral changes or other signs and symptoms to the clinical or leadership team.
  • Contribute to the support team by providing feedback, communicating program needs, and maintaining a solution-oriented approach during conflicts.
  • Complete and maintain required trainings and certifications, including assignment-specific training, and apply the skills learned.
  • Review communication logs daily and enter events, progress notes, services, and other information; collect and enter operational data using electronic health records such as Digital Agency and Electronic Medication Administration Records.
  • Complete required paperwork and documentation accurately and on time 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.
  • Comply with federal, state, local, and other applicable regulatory requirements, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
  • 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; attend and actively participate in team meetings.
  • Use approved YAI and OPWDD training techniques, including verbal, environmental, and physical interventions and takedowns, to respond appropriately to challenging or self-injurious behavior while protecting the health and safety of individuals, oneself, and others.
  • Provide coverage for other direct support staff as requested, including at another YAI or off-site location such as a hospital, and remain on shift when needed to maintain minimum coverage.
  • May participate in developing treatment plans.
  • For certain assignments, operate a YAI motor vehicle to transport individuals to or from programs, residences, community locations, or other destinations on a daily or other regular basis, with appropriate credentials.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Desired Qualifications

  • Work or life experience in the I/DD field is a plus for DSP 1 positions but is not mandatory.

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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