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Yai

Special education school with integrated therapies

Direct Support Professional

Residential & Direct SupportConfirmed live in the last 24 hours
Full-timeSetauket- East Setauket, NY, USA$19.55 - $21.05 /hrIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

  • A minimum of 3–5 years of experience as a Direct Support Professional supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is required.
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  • Applicants must meet the position’s physical demands, including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling objects or controls, assisting with moving individuals using equipment or staff support, occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds, and implementing emergency interventions when needed.
  • Effective written and oral communication skills are required, including the ability to document services for billing and tracking.
  • Applicants must be willing and able to assist with varied supports and activities of daily living, including regular exposure to and handling of bodily fluids.
  • Basic computer skills are required, including email and use of Workday and related systems such as Digital Agency.
  • Applicants must hold or obtain and maintain Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention – Revised certification within one year of appointment.
  • Applicants must hold or obtain and maintain additional certifications required by the program assignment and people supported within one year of appointment; examples include Choking Return Demonstration, Approved Medication Administration Personnel, diabetes care, CPR, and tube feeding.
  • Applicants must be able to develop and maintain professional relationships aligned with YAI’s mission and vision.
  • Applicants must remain calm in stressful situations and work in a high-energy, fast-paced environment.
  • Applicants must be able to work beyond scheduled hours or shifts, and report as scheduled on holidays, in inclement weather, or during emergencies when needed to maintain program coverage, unless otherwise authorized.
  • For assignments requiring transportation of people supported, applicants must hold or obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license and van certification as applicable to the position, location, and program.

Responsibilities

  • Support individuals in maximizing their strengths, interests, and abilities, uphold their personal rights, provide emotional support, and build positive relationships.
  • Help people meet personal quality-of-life goals through respectful, person-first communication; encourage socializing and facilitate activities that build community connections.
  • Provide continuous supervision, protection, and care; maintain program safeguards, facilitate fire-safety learning and training, and identify and 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, applying support skills for people with varying needs and OPWDD Core Competencies.
  • Implement person-centered plans, including levels of supervision and safeguards, Individual Plans of Protective Oversight, Behavior Support Plans, Staff Action Plans, and Life Plans, and understand their goals and intent.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized therapeutic environment.
  • Use safe and appropriate handling procedures and implement infection-control protocols.
  • Provide personal care and assistance with activities of daily living, including intimate care, hygiene, bathing, dressing, toileting, laundry, and housekeeping, as appropriate and authorized.
  • 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 individuals’ dietary restrictions and guidelines, including modified diets and liquid consistencies.
  • Transport and escort individuals to recreational activities, medical appointments, home visits, volunteer sites, employment sites, and other locations.
  • Assist individuals with purchases and safeguard their personal allowance and other funds.
  • Develop specialized clinical knowledge for person-specific needs, including supporting adults, challenging behaviors, autism spectrum disorders, and complex medical needs.
  • Implement Behavior Support Plans as written by a Behavior Intervention Specialist.
  • Collect, record, and summarize data on observable behavior.
  • Observe and report changes in behavior and other signs or symptoms to the clinical or leadership team.
  • Provide feedback and communicate program needs to the support team, and maintain a solution-oriented approach during conflicts.
  • Complete and maintain required training and certifications, including program- and position-specific training, and apply the skills learned.
  • Review communication logs daily and document events, progress notes, services, and other information; enter operational data into electronic health record systems such as Digital Agency and Electronic Medication Administration Records.
  • Complete required paperwork and documentation accurately, fully, 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 applicable federal, state, local, and 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 coordinate care and 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 and protect the health and safety of individuals, staff, and others.
  • Provide coverage for other direct support staff when requested, potentially at another YAI or off-site location such as a hospital, and remain on shift when necessary to maintain minimum program 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 regular basis, with appropriate credentials.
  • Perform other assigned duties.

Desired Qualifications

  • A high school diploma or educational equivalent is preferred.
  • Work or life experience in the intellectual and developmental disabilities field is a plus, but is not mandatory for DSP 1 positions.
  • For elevated DSP positions, at least three years of direct support professional experience with the intellectual and developmental disabilities population and required YAI certifications for the setting must be obtained and maintained within six months of appointment.

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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