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Yai

Special education school with integrated therapies

Direct Support Professional

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

About the Job

Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must be able to meet the 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 as appropriate, and occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds.
  • Must have effective written and oral communication skills, including the ability to document services for billing and tracking.
  • Must be able and willing 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 use of Workday and related systems such as Digital Agency.
  • Must hold or obtain and maintain Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention – Revised (SCIP-R) within one year of appointment.
  • Must hold or obtain and maintain additional certifications required by program assignment and the people supported, such as Choking – Return Demonstration, Approved Medication Administration Personnel, Diabetes Care, CPR, and 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 regularly scheduled hours or shifts and report as scheduled on holidays, in inclement weather, or during emergencies when needed to maintain minimum program coverage, unless otherwise authorized.
  • For assignments requiring transportation of people supported, must hold or obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license and Van certification, based on the position, location, and 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 quality-of-life goals; communicate respectfully using person-first language; encourage socializing; and facilitate activities that build social connections and community participation.
  • Provide overall supervision, protection, and care of individuals, maintain program guidelines, facilitate fire-safety learning and training, and identify and appropriately escalate signs of potential harm to self or others.
  • Ensure 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 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 Plan of Protective Oversight, 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 assistance with 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 communication and self-expression and resolution of disputes; 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 or employment sites, and other destinations.
  • Assist people with purchases and safeguard personal allowance funds and additional funds provided.
  • 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 as written by the Behavior Intervention Specialist.
  • Collect, record, and summarize data on individuals’ observable behavior.
  • Observe and report behavioral changes and other signs or symptoms to the clinical or leadership team.
  • Work as a member of the circle of support, provide feedback and communicate programmatic needs to team members, and maintain a solution-oriented approach during conflicts.
  • Complete and maintain required training and certifications, including specialized training based on program and position, to comply with YAI policies and applicable rules and regulations, and apply the skills learned.
  • Review communication logs daily and enter events, progress notes, services, and other information; collect and enter operational data in electronic health record systems such as Digital Agency and Electronic Medication Administration Records.
  • Complete required paperwork and documentation accurately, completely, and within required timeframes to support 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 other regulatory requirements, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
  • Report maintenance, upkeep, and safety concerns at YAI facilities to the Program Supervisor or designee.
  • Consult with program leadership, clinical staff, and other direct support staff to provide coordinated 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 and protect the health and safety of the people supported, self, and others.
  • Provide coverage for other direct support staff as requested, potentially at another YAI or off-site location such as a hospital, and remain on shift when needed to maintain minimum program coverage.
  • May participate in treatment-plan development.
  • For certain assignments, operate a YAI motor vehicle to transport individuals to and from programs, residences, community locations, or other destinations on a daily or other regular basis, with appropriate credentials.
  • Perform other assigned duties.

Desired Qualifications

  • A high school diploma or educational equivalent is preferred.
  • For DSP 1 positions, work or life experience in the intellectual and developmental disabilities field is a plus but is not mandatory.
  • For elevated DSP positions, at least three years of direct support professional experience with the intellectual and developmental disabilities population is required, and required YAI certifications based on 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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