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Yai

Special education school with integrated therapies

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 physical demands, including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling objects or controls, assisting with lifting or moving individuals, 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 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 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 program assignment and the people supported within one year of appointment; examples include Choking Return Demonstration, Approved Medication Administration Personnel, Diabetes Care, CPR, and Tube Feeding.
  • 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, in inclement weather, or during emergencies to maintain 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 position, location, and program.
  • For elevated DSP positions, must have at least three years of direct support professional experience with the I/DD population and obtain and maintain required YAI certifications for the setting within six months of appointment.

Responsibilities

  • Support 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 foster social connections in the community.
  • Supervise, protect, and care for individuals at all times; maintain program safety 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 according to individualized service and behavior support plans, using support skills appropriate to varying needs and demonstrating OPWDD Core Competencies.
  • Implement person-centered individualized plans, including supervision levels and safeguards such as Individual Protective Oversight Plans, Behavior Support Plans, Staff Action Plans, and Life Plans, and understand their purposes 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 medications are administered as prescribed and in accordance with applicable guidelines.
  • Teach and develop 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 sites, employment sites, and other destinations.
  • Assist people with purchases and safeguard personal allowance and other funds provided.
  • Develop specialized clinical knowledge for individual 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 changes in behavior and other signs or symptoms to the clinical or leadership team.
  • Work as a member of the support team, provide feedback, communicate program needs, 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 promote positive interactions and prevent escalation.
  • Comply with applicable federal, state, local, and other regulatory requirements, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
  • 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 ensure coordinated, 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 and protect the health and safety of supported individuals, oneself, and others.
  • Provide coverage for other direct support staff as requested, including assisting 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 and from programs, residences, community locations, or other destinations on a daily or otherwise regular basis, with appropriate credentials.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Desired Qualifications

  • A high school diploma or educational equivalent is preferred.
  • Work or life experience in the I/DD field is a plus but is not mandatory for DSP 1 positions.

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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