Direct Support Professional - SDS

YAI•New York, NY

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional - SDS performs all duties of a DSP 1 while taking a lead role in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The role provides supervision, protection, and care; helps people build on their strengths, interests, and abilities; upholds personal rights; and facilitates activities that foster social connections and community participation. Support is delivered in accordance with individualized service and behavior support plans, OPWDD Core Competencies, and applicable policies and regulations. The position includes providing personal care and assistance with activities of daily living, medication administration, skill development, advocacy, communication, meal planning, transportation, and support with purchases and personal funds. The DSP uses person-specific clinical knowledge, implements Behavior Support Plans, collects and reports behavioral data, and responds to crisis situations using approved intervention techniques. The role also involves modeling and training less-experienced staff, communicating with families and external providers as directed, maintaining accurate electronic records and documentation, participating in interdisciplinary team activities, and helping ensure a safe, clean, and organized environment. The position may require coverage at other locations, remaining beyond a scheduled shift to maintain minimum staffing, operating a YAI vehicle for certain assignments, and performing additional duties as assigned. Employees must complete and maintain required certifications and trainings and comply with applicable regulatory requirements, including HIPAA.

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 under the equivalent qualification pathway: at least 18 years old, with at least three years of direct support professional experience with the I/DD population, and able to obtain and maintain required YAI certifications within six months of appointment.
Hold and maintain foundational certifications for the current service setting: SCIP-R, CPR issued by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association, and YAI-issued AMAP certification for residential assignments or Day Services Model Mentorship Training.
DSPs changing settings must obtain AMAP for a new residential assignment or Day Services Model Mentorship Training for a new day assignment within three months of appointment.
Hold and maintain additional certifications required by the program and people supported, such as Choking – Return Demonstration, Diabetes Care, or Tube Feeding; applicable certifications must be obtained within three months when changing programs or settings.
Meet the essential physical demands, including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, reaching, and handling or manipulating objects, tools, or controls.
Assist with lifting or moving individuals of any weight using mechanical lifts or other equipment and/or other staff, push individuals in wheelchairs, and occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds; have the physical capacity to implement emergency interventions as required by a person's Behavior Support Plan.
Demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills, including appropriate service documentation for billing and tracking and effective communication with internal teams, external providers, and circles of support.
Show enthusiasm for working with people with I/DD, initiative, positivity, patience, empathy, and compassion.
Understand the specific needs of people supported in the program, including relevant clinical rationales.
Be able and willing to assist with and teach supports and activities of daily living, including regular exposure to and handling of bodily fluids, following documented plans and with limited direction.
Be proficient with computers and electronic systems, including email, Workday, and related systems such as DA.
Develop and maintain professional relationships aligned with YAI's mission and vision.
Remain calm, act assertively, and exercise professional competence and good judgment in stressful situations and in a high-energy, fast-paced environment.
Be able to work beyond regularly scheduled hours or shifts and report as scheduled on holidays, during inclement weather, or during other emergencies to maintain minimum program coverage, unless otherwise authorized.
For assignments requiring transportation of people supported by vehicle, hold or obtain and maintain a valid driver's license and Van certification based on position, location, and program.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or its educational equivalent.

Responsibilities

Provide supervision, protection, care, and individualized support while promoting the strengths, interests, abilities, rights, and community participation of people supported.
Follow individualized service, behavior support, life, and staff action plans, including required supervision levels and safeguards; model and explain plans and interventions to DSP 1 staff.
Lead during crisis situations by deescalating issues and directing DSP 1s in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and regulations.
Maintain health, wellness, and safety through appropriate supervision, safe handling, infection control, and a clean, safe, organized therapeutic environment.
Provide personal care and assistance with activities of daily living, including intimate care, hygiene, laundry, and housekeeping.
Administer medication as prescribed and in accordance with applicable guidelines.
Teach and develop skills using foundational and progressive teaching techniques.
Support person-centered advocacy, communication, self-expression, ethical decision-making, and dispute resolution.
Plan or supervise the preparation of balanced meals and snacks in accordance with individual dietary restrictions and guidelines.
Transport or escort individuals to recreational activities, appointments, home visits, volunteer opportunities, employment sites, and other locations; for certain assignments, operate a YAI motor vehicle.
Assist individuals with purchases and safeguard 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, signs or symptoms, potential concerns, and facility maintenance or safety issues to the appropriate clinical or leadership staff.
Contribute to effective teamwork by communicating program needs, providing feedback, addressing concerns appropriately, and maintaining a solution-oriented approach.
Communicate with families, circles of support, and external providers by phone, email, or in person as directed; may lead or be assigned program communications.
Complete and maintain required training and certifications and apply the skills learned.
Review communication logs; enter events, progress notes, services, and other information in electronic health record systems; complete required paperwork accurately and on time.
Attend and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings; provide feedback on supports and program operations and, as needed, run shift meetings and assign duties.
Use approved YAI and OPWDD intervention techniques to respond to challenging or self-injurious behavior, and train or redirect less-experienced staff as appropriate.
Provide coverage for other direct support staff or locations as requested, including remaining on shift when needed to maintain minimum coverage.
Comply with Federal, State, Local, and other relevant regulatory requirements, including HIPAA.
As assigned, assist or guide staff with administrative, financial, clinical, or medical tasks; quality-check documentation; participate in process changes and training; prepare monthly progress summaries; and contribute to life plan meetings and related documentation.
Perform other duties as assigned.