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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 essential 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, occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds, and implementing emergency interventions as required.
  • Must have effective written and oral communication skills, including the ability to document services for billing and tracking.
  • Must be willing to work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and 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 certifications and training required by program assignment and the people supported, including Non-Crisis Invention training, American Heart Association CPR/First Aid certification, New Jersey Medication Administration certification, and Positive Behavior Supports training, within 120 days of appointment, as scheduled by a supervisor or designee.
  • 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, during inclement weather, or during other emergencies to maintain minimum program coverage, unless otherwise authorized.

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 meeting personal goals related to quality of life, communicate respectfully using person-first language, encourage socializing, and facilitate activities that build social connections in the community.
  • Provide overall 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.
  • 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 appropriate to differing levels of need and following New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities standards.
  • Implement person-centered individualized plans, including Behavior Support Plans, Individualized Service Plans, Staff Action Plans, and Life Plans, while following supervision levels and safeguards and understanding each plan's 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 assist with activities of daily living, including intimate care, hygiene, bathing, dressing, toileting, laundry, and housekeeping, as appropriate and authorized.
  • Teach and develop habilitative and rehabilitative skills; support person-centered advocacy; assist with communication and self-expression; help resolve 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 or liquid consistencies.
  • Transport and escort individuals to recreational activities, medical appointments, home visits, volunteer opportunities, and employment sites; help establish schedules and create volunteer, community, or therapeutic activities for the program.
  • Assist people with purchases and safeguard personal allowance and other funds provided to them.
  • Administer medication as prescribed and in accordance with applicable guidelines.
  • Assist with medication inventory, medication cabinet checks, and over-the-counter inventory; meet applicable timeframes and reorder medications or supplies as needed.
  • Assist with scheduling medical appointments and ensure follow-up appointments are scheduled and attended in a timely manner.
  • Use petty cash, house funds, and store cards appropriately; obtain and maintain purchase documentation or receipts in accordance with rules and in coordination with a supervisor.
  • Operate agency vehicles regularly to transport individuals to and from programs, residences, community locations, or other destinations; update related logs and maintenance sheets and coordinate appointments with a supervisor.
  • Develop specialized clinical knowledge for the needs of specific people, including adults, people with challenging behaviors or autism spectrum disorders, and people with complex medical needs.
  • Implement Behavior Support Plans, behavior guidelines, and protocols specified in applicable plans.
  • Collect, record, and summarize data on observable behavior; observe and report behavioral changes and other signs or symptoms to clinical or leadership teams.
  • 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.
  • Work 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 program and position, and apply the skills in compliance with organizational policies and applicable regulations.
  • Review communication logs daily and enter events, progress notes, services, and other information; ensure information is communicated across team members and shifts using prescribed systems; and enter operational data into electronic health or medication records such as Digital Agency.
  • 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.
  • Report facility maintenance, upkeep, and safety concerns to the Program Supervisor or appropriate 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 organizational and New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities training techniques, including verbal, environmental, and physical interventions and take-downs, to respond appropriately to challenging or self-injurious behavior while ensuring the health and safety of supported individuals, self, and others.
  • Provide support or coverage across assigned regional settings and service-delivery programs, including off-site locations such as hospitals, based on program or individual needs; remain on shift or report to another program to maintain minimum coverage.
  • May participate in developing treatment plans.
  • Comply with federal, state, local, and other applicable regulatory 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/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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