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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 York, NY, USA

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, and reaching; handling objects, tools, or controls; assisting with lifting or moving individuals of any weight using mechanical lifts or other assistance as appropriate; lifting or moving up to 25 pounds occasionally; and implementing emergency interventions, including moving individuals with or without equipment or other staff.
  • Must have effective written and oral communication skills, including the ability to document services provided for billing and tracking.
  • Must be willing and able 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 the 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, 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.

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 in the community.
  • Provide continuous supervision, protection, and care; maintain program guidelines for individual protection; 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 appropriate skills for people with varying needs and demonstrating OPWDD Core Competencies.
  • Implement person-centered individualized plans, including supervision levels and safeguards, Individual 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 authorized personal care and assistance with activities of daily living, including intimate care, hygiene, bathing, dressing, toileting, laundry, and housekeeping.
  • Ensure medications are administered as prescribed and in accordance with applicable guidelines.
  • Teach and develop skills; support person-centered advocacy; assist 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 or employment sites, and other destinations.
  • Assist people with purchases and safeguard personal allowance funds and other funds provided.
  • Develop specialized clinical knowledge for person-specific needs, including supporting adults, challenging behaviors, autism spectrum disorders, and complex medical needs.
  • Implement Behavior Support Plans written by a Behavior Intervention Specialist.
  • Collect, record, and summarize data on individuals' observable behavior.
  • Observe and report behavior changes 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 trainings and certifications, including specialized program- and position-specific training, and apply the skills learned.
  • Review communication logs daily and enter events, progress notes, services, and other information; enter daily operational data using an electronic health record such as Digital Agency or 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 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 facility maintenance, upkeep, and safety concerns 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 such as takedowns, to respond appropriately to challenging or self-injurious behavior while protecting the health and safety of individuals and others.
  • Provide coverage for other direct support staff when requested, including 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 developing treatment plans.
  • For certain assignments, operate a YAI motor vehicle to transport individuals to or from programs, residences, community settings, or other locations, 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 intellectual and developmental disabilities field is a plus, but is not mandatory for Direct Support Professional 1 positions.
  • For elevated Direct Support Professional positions, at least three years of direct support professional experience with the intellectual and developmental disabilities population is required, along with obtaining and maintaining setting-specific YAI certifications 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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