Per Diem/Floater Direct Support Professional (Westchester)

YAI•Westchester Float Pool, NY

10d•$19 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

YAI is seeking compassionate, engaging, and reliable Direct Support Professionals to provide support in residential programs throughout Westchester County. This per diem/floater role is suited to people seeking flexible work, including those balancing other employment, education, or family responsibilities. Floaters can pick up shifts that align with their availability and may provide coverage at other YAI or off-site locations as program needs require. Direct Support Professionals help create a safe, supportive home where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are valued and empowered. They support daily routines, personal care, meal preparation, health-related needs, independent living skills, personal goals, community participation, and meaningful activities. The role includes implementing individualized service and behavior support plans, protecting health and safety, documenting services, communicating with the support team, and completing required training and certifications. Some assignments may require driving individuals in a YAI vehicle.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
Must be able to meet the physical demands of the position, including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, reaching, and handling or feeling objects, tools, or controls.
Must be able to assist with lifting or moving individuals of any weight using mechanical lifts or other equipment, push individuals in wheelchairs, lift or move up to 25 pounds on occasion, and implement 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.
Enthusiasm for working with people with I/DD, willingness to take initiative, and ability to demonstrate positivity, patience, empathy, and compassion.
Ability and willingness to provide 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) 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.
Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships aligned 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/or report to work as scheduled on holidays, during inclement weather, or during emergencies to maintain minimum program coverage, unless otherwise authorized.
For assignments involving transportation, must hold or obtain and maintain a valid driver's license and Van certification, as required by the position, location, or program.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or educational equivalent.
Work or life experience supporting people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Responsibilities

Support individuals in maximizing their strengths, interests, abilities, personal rights, and quality-of-life goals while building positive relationships and providing emotional support.
Use respectful, person-first communication; encourage socialization and facilitate activities that build community connections.
Supervise and protect individuals, maintain program guidelines, support fire-safety learning, and identify and escalate potential risks of harm to self or others.
Promote health, wellness, and safety; manage crisis situations in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and regulations.
Provide support in varied settings according to individualized service and behavior support plans, supervision levels, safeguards, and OPWDD Core Competencies.
Implement person-centered plans, including IPOP, Behavior Support Plans, Staff Action Plans, and Life Plans.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized therapeutic environment and follow safe handling and infection-control procedures.
Assist with activities of daily living and personal care, including bathing, dressing, toileting, hygiene, laundry, and housekeeping.
Administer medication as prescribed and in accordance with applicable guidelines, when authorized.
Teach and develop skills, support advocacy and communication, 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.
Transport or escort individuals to recreational activities, appointments, home visits, volunteer or employment sites, and other locations as needed.
Assist individuals with purchases and safeguard personal allowance and other funds.
Develop knowledge of specialized, person-specific needs, including challenging behaviors, autism spectrum disorders, and complex medical needs.
Implement Behavior Support Plans as written by a Behavior Intervention Specialist; collect, record, and summarize observable behavior data; and report behavioral or health changes to clinical or leadership staff.
Collaborate with the support team, communicate program needs, offer feedback, participate in team meetings, and use a solution-oriented approach to conflicts.
Complete required training and certifications and apply the skills in compliance with YAI policies and applicable regulations.
Review communication logs and enter events, progress notes, services, and other information into required records and electronic systems, including electronic health records and medication administration records.
Complete required paperwork and documentation accurately and on time, including notifications, incident reports, file updates, maintenance requests, and tracking records.
Use foundational and progressive teaching techniques, including Explain, Model, Observe and Evaluate, task analysis, and appropriate supports and modifications.
Understand behavior as communication and use person-centered approaches to encourage positive interactions and prevent escalation.
Comply with applicable federal, state, local, and regulatory requirements, including HIPAA.
Report facility maintenance, upkeep, and safety concerns to the Program Supervisor or designee.
Use approved YAI and OPWDD intervention techniques, including verbal, environmental, and physical interventions, as trained and as needed to protect 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, and remain on shift when needed to maintain minimum program coverage.
Participate in treatment-plan development when applicable.
Operate a YAI motor vehicle for transporting individuals when required by the assignment, with appropriate credentials.
Perform other duties as assigned.