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Yai

Special education school with integrated therapies

Direct Support Professional - DSP 1

Residential & Direct SupportConfirmed live in the last 24 hours
Full-timePort Chester, NY, USA

About the Job

Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must be able to meet the role’s 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 of any weight using mechanical lifts or other assistance, pushing individuals in wheelchairs, occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds, and implementing emergency interventions as specified in behavior support plans.
  • Must have effective written and oral communication skills, including the ability to document services for billing and tracking.
  • Must be willing to support people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and demonstrate initiative, positivity, patience, empathy, and compassion.
  • Must be able and willing 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 Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention – Revised certification within one year of appointment.
  • Must hold or 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.
  • 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 scheduled hours or shifts, and report as scheduled on holidays, during inclement weather, or during other emergencies to maintain minimum program coverage, unless otherwise authorized.
  • For assignments involving transportation, must hold or obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license and van certification, as applicable to the position, location, or program.

Responsibilities

  • Assist 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 that contribute to quality of life, use respectful person-first communication, encourage socializing, and facilitate activities that build community connections.
  • Provide continuous supervision, protection, and care; maintain program 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 in accordance with 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, protective oversight plans, Behavior Support Plans, Staff Action Plans, and Life Plans, and understand their intentions and goals.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized therapeutic environment.
  • Use safe and appropriate handling procedures and implement infection-control protocols.
  • Provide personal care and assist 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, self-expression, and dispute resolution; and facilitate ethical decision-making.
  • Supervise or plan and prepare balanced meals and snacks in accordance with individual 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 destinations.
  • Assist individuals with purchases and safeguard personal allowance and other funds provided.
  • Develop specialized clinical knowledge relevant to individual needs, including support for 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 behavioral changes and other signs or symptoms to the clinical or leadership team.
  • Provide feedback and communicate program needs to team members, contribute to teamwork within each person’s circle of support, 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 enter events, progress notes, services, and other information; collect and enter operational data using electronic health record systems 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 thinking 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, 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 to challenging or self-injurious behavior while protecting the health and safety of individuals, staff, and others.
  • Provide coverage for other direct support staff as requested, including at another YAI or off-site location such as a hospital; remain on shift when needed to maintain minimum program coverage.
  • Participate in treatment-plan development when applicable.
  • Operate a YAI motor vehicle to transport individuals to and from programs, residences, community locations, or other destinations when required for the assignment, with appropriate credentials.
  • Perform other assigned duties.

Desired Qualifications

  • A high school diploma or educational equivalent is preferred.
  • Work or life experience supporting people with intellectual or developmental disabilities is preferred.

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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