Direct Support Professional - DSP 1

YAI•City of Peekskill, NY

7d•$19 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional (DSP 1) supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in maximizing their strengths, interests, abilities, personal goals, and quality of life. The role provides person-centered support, emotional encouragement, supervision, protection, and care while promoting personal rights, respectful communication, social connection, community participation, and independence. Work is performed in accordance with individualized service and behavior support plans, applicable policies and regulations, and YAI and OPWDD training and standards. The position supports health, wellness, and safety in a variety of settings. Duties may include personal care and activities of daily living; medication administration; teaching and skill development; meal planning and preparation; transportation and escort; assistance with purchases and funds; crisis response; implementation of behavior support plans; and observation and documentation of individual progress and needs. The DSP also maintains a clean and safe environment, completes required records and trainings, and works closely with program leadership, clinical staff, and other members of each person’s circle of support. The role is based at the Peekskill WOW program in Peekskill, New York, with a stated schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The position may require additional hours or holiday/emergency coverage to maintain minimum program staffing. Certain assignments may require driving individuals in a YAI vehicle and may involve coverage at another YAI or off-site location.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, and reaching; handling, fingering, or feeling objects, tools, or controls; assisting with moving individuals of any weight using mechanical lifts or other equipment and/or pushing wheelchairs; and occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds.
Physical capacity to perform emergency interventions specified in a person’s Behavior Support Plan, including lifting or moving individuals of any weight with or without equipment or assistance from other staff.
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) within one year of appointment.
Must hold or obtain and maintain certifications required by program assignment and the needs of supported individuals, which may include choking response, AMAP, 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 scheduled hours or shifts and/or report as scheduled on holidays, during inclement weather, or during emergencies to maintain minimum program coverage, unless otherwise authorized.
For assignments involving transportation of supported individuals, must 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.
Work or life experience supporting people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Responsibilities

Support individuals in developing and using their strengths, interests, abilities, and personal goals while respecting their rights and building positive relationships.
Promote person-first communication, socialization, community connections, and participation in activities that support quality of life.
Provide supervision, protection, and care, including maintaining safety guidelines, teaching fire safety, and identifying and escalating signs of potential harm to self or others.
Support health, wellness, and safety; manage crisis situations in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and regulations.
Provide support in a variety of settings according to individualized service and behavior support plans and the person’s level of need.
Implement individualized plans and safeguards, including IPOP, Behavior Support Plans, Staff Action Plans, and Life Plans.
Maintain a clean, safe, organized therapeutic environment and use safe handling and infection-control procedures.
Assist with personal care and activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, toileting, laundry, and housekeeping.
Administer medication as prescribed and according to applicable guidelines.
Teach and develop skills, support advocacy and communication, assist with self-expression and dispute resolution, and facilitate ethical decision-making.
Supervise or plan and prepare balanced meals and snacks according to individual dietary restrictions and guidelines, including modified diets or liquid consistencies.
Transport or escort individuals to recreational activities, medical appointments, home visits, volunteer or employment sites, and other destinations as needed.
Assist individuals with purchases and safeguard personal allowance and other funds.
Develop understanding of person-specific clinical needs, including challenging behaviors, autism spectrum disorders, and complex medical needs.
Implement Behavior Support Plans as written by the Behavior Intervention Specialist; collect, record, and summarize observable behavior data; and report changes in behavior or other signs and symptoms to clinical or leadership staff.
Work collaboratively with the person’s circle of support, communicate program needs, provide feedback, and maintain a solution-oriented approach during conflicts.
Complete and maintain required training and certifications 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 in required systems, including electronic health record and medication administration systems.
Complete required paperwork and documentation accurately and on time, including notifications, incident reports, file updates, maintenance requests, and incident tracking.
Use foundational and progressive teaching techniques, including Explain, Model, Observe and Evaluate (EMOE), task analysis, and appropriate supports and modifications.
Recognize 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 HIPAA.
Report facility maintenance, upkeep, and safety concerns to the Program Supervisor or designee.
Consult with program leadership, clinical staff, and other direct support staff, and attend and actively participate in team meetings.
Use approved YAI and OPWDD verbal, environmental, and physical intervention techniques, including take downs, to respond appropriately to challenging or self-injurious behavior while protecting the safety of individuals and others.
Provide coverage for other direct support staff as requested, potentially at another YAI or off-site location, and remain on shift when needed to maintain minimum coverage.
May participate in treatment plan development.
For certain assignments, operate a YAI motor vehicle to transport individuals to and from programs, residences, community locations, or other destinations.
Perform other duties as assigned.