Direct Support Professional - DSP 2

YAI•Pleasantville, NJ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional 2 (DSP 2) provides supervision, protection, and care to people supported, helping them build on their strengths, interests, and abilities while upholding their personal rights and supporting community connection. The role takes the lead during crisis situations, models and guides DSP 1 staff, and implements individualized service, behavior support, and life plans in accordance with applicable policies and regulations. DSP 2 staff provide or coordinate personal care, daily living support, medication administration, skill development, communication, advocacy, meals, transportation, and assistance with purchases and personal funds. They use person-specific clinical knowledge and behavior support strategies, observe and document progress and concerns, communicate with teams and circles of support, complete required records and training, and help maintain a safe, clean, therapeutic environment. The position may also involve leading shift activities, supporting less-experienced staff, participating in planning meetings, and providing coverage at other locations as program needs require. This is a part-time evening weekday position at the Pleasantville IRA, scheduled Friday through Monday from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Compensation is $19.55 per hour. The position may require working beyond scheduled hours or reporting during holidays, inclement weather, or emergencies to maintain program coverage.

Requirements

Two years of experience as a DSP 1 in a YAI program, or a satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training.
For newly hired employees qualifying through the equivalent-combination provision: at least 18 years old, with at least three years of direct support professional experience with the I/DD population; required YAI certifications must be obtained and maintained within six months of appointment.
Hold foundational certifications for the current setting: SCIP-R and CPR issued by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association, plus YAI-issued AMAP certification for residential assignments or Day Services Model Mentorship Training for day assignments.
Maintain foundational certifications; staff changing settings must obtain the applicable AMAP or Day Services Model Mentorship Training within three months of appointment.
Meet the physical demands of the role, including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, and reaching; handling, fingering, or feeling objects, tools, or controls; assisting with lifting or moving individuals of any weight with or without equipment or other staff; pushing wheelchairs; and occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds.
Have strong written and oral communication skills, including documenting services for billing and tracking and communicating information about individuals to teams and external providers.
Show enthusiasm for working with people with I/DD and demonstrate initiative, positivity, patience, empathy, and compassion.
Understand the specific needs of individuals in the program, including clinical rationales.
Be willing and able to assist with and teach supports and activities of daily living, including regular exposure to and handling of bodily fluids, with limited direction and in accordance with documented plans.
Be proficient with computers and electronic systems, including email, Workday, and related systems such as Digital Agency.
Hold and maintain additional certifications required by the program or the needs of people supported; staff changing programs or settings must obtain applicable certifications within three months of appointment.
Develop and maintain professional relationships aligned with YAI’s mission and vision.
Remain calm, act assertively, and use professional competence and sound judgment in stressful situations, including challenging behaviors and fast-paced environments.
Be able to work beyond scheduled hours or report as scheduled on holidays, during inclement weather, or in emergencies to maintain minimum program coverage, unless otherwise authorized.
For assignments requiring transportation, hold or obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license and Van certification, as applicable to the position, location, and program.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or its educational equivalent.

Responsibilities

Provide supervision, protection, and care, supporting individuals’ strengths, interests, abilities, personal rights, and community connections.
Promote the health, wellness, and safety of people supported in varied settings and according to individualized service and behavior support plans.
Lead during crises, deescalate situations, and direct DSP 1 staff while following applicable policies and regulations.
Implement person-centered plans and safeguards, including IPOP, Behavior Support Plans, Staff Action Plans, and Life Plans; model and train DSP 1 staff on plan goals and interventions.
Model professionalism, prioritize and complete regular duties with limited direction, adapt to assignment changes, and interact positively and courteously.
Maintain a clean, safe, organized therapeutic environment and follow safe handling and infection-control procedures.
Provide personal care and support with activities of daily living, including intimate care, hygiene, laundry, and housekeeping.
Ensure medication is administered as prescribed and in accordance with applicable guidelines.
Teach and develop skills, support advocacy and self-expression, assist with dispute resolution, and facilitate ethical decision-making.
Supervise or plan and prepare balanced meals and snacks in accordance with individuals’ dietary restrictions and guidelines.
Transport or escort individuals to recreational activities, appointments, home visits, volunteer opportunities, and employment sites; help establish schedules for activities as needed.
Assist individuals with purchases and safeguard their personal allowance and other funds.
Apply specialized clinical knowledge and implement Behavior Support Plans using person-centered approaches; collect, record, and summarize observable behavior data.
Observe and report changes in behavior, symptoms, or potential concerns to clinical staff or leadership; report facility maintenance and safety concerns.
Collaborate with the support team, communicate program needs and concerns, and maintain a solution-oriented approach to conflicts.
Communicate with families, external providers, and other members of individuals’ circles of support as directed by program or clinical leadership.
Complete and maintain required training and certifications and apply the skills learned.
Review communication logs, enter notes and service data in electronic health record systems, and complete required paperwork accurately and on time.
Use teaching methods such as Explain, Model, Observe and Evaluate (EMOE), task analysis, and progressive teaching.
Attend and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings; as needed, lead shift meetings, assign duties, and complete shift sheets.
Use approved YAI and OPWDD techniques, including verbal, environmental, and physical interventions, to respond to challenging or self-injurious behavior; train or redirect less-experienced staff as appropriate.
Provide coverage for other direct support staff, including at other YAI or off-site locations, and remain on shift when needed to meet minimum coverage requirements.
Comply with applicable federal, state, local, and regulatory requirements, including HIPAA.
Assist or guide less-experienced staff with administrative, financial, clinical, medical, and documentation tasks as requested.
Participate in implementing new processes, procedures, or systems and provide feedback or training as appropriate.
Assist with monthly progress summaries, life plan meetings, treatment plans, services and safeguards, and other person-centered documentation as assigned.
Operate a YAI motor vehicle when required for the assignment and when appropriately credentialed.
Perform other duties as assigned.