Y

Yai

Special education school with integrated therapies

Direct Support Professional

Residential & Direct SupportConfirmed live in the last 24 hours
Part-timeBronx, NY, USA

About the Job

Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Ability to meet 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 mechanical lifts or other equipment, pushing wheelchairs, occasional lifting or moving up to 25 pounds, and carrying out emergency interventions as required by an individual's Behavior Support Plan.
  • Effective written and oral communication skills, including the ability to document services for billing and tracking purposes.
  • Ability and willingness to assist with a variety of supports and activities of daily living, including regular exposure to and handling of bodily fluids.
  • 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, or Tube Feeding, within one year of appointment.
  • Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships in alignment with YAI's mission and vision.
  • Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and work in a high-energy, fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to work beyond regularly scheduled hours or shifts and report as scheduled on holidays, in inclement weather, or during emergencies to maintain minimum program coverage, unless otherwise authorized.
  • For assignments requiring transportation of people supported by vehicle, 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 goals related to quality of life; communicate respectfully using person-first language; encourage socializing; and facilitate activities that build social connections within the community.
  • 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 according to each person's individualized service and behavior support plans, adapting support skills to different levels of need and applying 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, while understanding their purposes 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 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 with communication, self-expression, and dispute resolution; and facilitate ethical decision-making.
  • Supervise or plan and prepare balanced meals and snacks in accordance with individuals' 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 their personal allowance and other provided funds.
  • 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 a Behavior Intervention Specialist.
  • Collect, record, and summarize data on individuals' observable behavior.
  • Observe and report changes in behavior and other signs or symptoms to clinical or leadership teams.
  • Provide feedback and communicate program needs to team members; maintain a solution-oriented approach during conflicts; and contribute to teamwork within each individual's circle of support.
  • Complete and maintain required training and certifications, including program- and position-specific training, and apply the skills in accordance with YAI policies and applicable regulations.
  • Review communication logs daily and document events, progress notes, services, and other information; collect and enter operational data using electronic health records 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 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 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 such as takedowns, to respond appropriately 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, 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 and from programs, residences, community locations, or other destinations on a daily or other 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 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

Recently Posted Jobs

Explore more opportunities at Yai

See more jobs