Per Diem Direct Support Professional - Setauket, NY

YAI • Town of Brookhaven, NY

10d • $19 - $20

About The Position

YAI is hiring per diem Direct Support Professionals for its residential program in Setauket, New York. DSPs work with people of all ages who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), providing support in settings such as a person’s or family’s home, a YAI residence, a day habilitation center, or the community. The role supports individuals in pursuing personal goals, building skills and relationships, and participating in their communities while respecting their rights and individualized support needs.

Per diem staff can pick up shifts around their availability, with morning, evening, overnight, and weekend shifts available. After completing required paid agency training, staff are expected to work at least 16 hours per month. Compensation is $18.50–$19.55 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. The role may require coverage beyond scheduled hours, holiday or emergency availability, and transportation of individuals for assignments that require driving.

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 when applicable, push individuals in wheelchairs, lift or move up to 25 pounds occasionally, and physically implement emergency interventions as needed.
• Effective written and oral communication skills, including the ability to document services for billing and tracking.
• Enthusiasm for working with people with I/DD, initiative, positivity, patience, empathy, and compassion.
• Willingness and ability to provide a variety of supports and ADL assistance, including regular exposure to and handling of bodily fluids.
• Basic computer skills, including email and use of Workday and related systems such as DA.
• 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 the program assignment and individuals supported, potentially including Choking – Return Demonstration, AMAP, Diabetes Care, CPR, or Tube Feeding, within one year of appointment.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships consistent with YAI’s mission and vision.
• Ability to remain calm under stress and work in a high-energy, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work beyond scheduled hours or shifts and report as scheduled on holidays, in inclement weather, or during emergencies when needed 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 applicable to the position, location, and program.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or educational equivalent.
• Work or life experience in the I/DD field is a plus for DSP 1 positions, but is not mandatory.
• For elevated DSP positions, at least three years of direct support professional experience with the I/DD population and required YAI certifications for the setting, obtained and maintained within six months of appointment.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals in maximizing their strengths, interests, and abilities while upholding their rights and building positive relationships.
• Help people pursue personal goals, communicate respectfully, socialize, and connect with their communities.
• Provide supervision, protection, and care, including supporting fire-safety learning and identifying and escalating potential risks of harm.
• Promote health, wellness, and safety; manage crisis situations in accordance with policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Provide support in varied settings according to individualized service and behavior support plans and supervision safeguards.
• 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.
• Provide authorized personal care and assistance with activities of daily living, including hygiene, bathing, dressing, toileting, laundry, and housekeeping.
• Administer medication as prescribed and in accordance with applicable guidelines.
• Teach and develop skills, support advocacy and self-expression, help resolve disputes, and facilitate ethical decision-making.
• Supervise or prepare balanced meals and snacks in line with 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 locations as needed.
• Assist with purchases and safeguard individuals’ personal allowance and other funds.
• Develop knowledge of specialized clinical needs and implement Behavior Support Plans as written by a Behavior Intervention Specialist.
• Collect, record, and summarize data on observable behavior; report behavioral changes and other signs or symptoms to clinical or leadership staff.
• Communicate program needs and feedback to the support team, work constructively through conflicts, and participate in team meetings.
• Complete required training and certifications and apply the acquired skills.
• Review communication logs and enter events, progress notes, services, and other information into electronic records and systems, including DA and eMAR.
• Complete required paperwork and documentation accurately and on time, including notifications, incident reports, file updates, maintenance requests, and tracking information.
• Use foundational and progressive teaching methods, including Explain, Model, Observe and Evaluate (EMOE), 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.
• Consult with program leadership, clinical staff, and other direct support staff to support high-quality care.
• Use approved YAI and OPWDD techniques, including verbal, environmental, and physical interventions, to respond appropriately to challenging or self-injurious behavior and protect the health and safety of individuals and others.
• Provide coverage for other direct support staff, including at other YAI or off-site locations when needed, and remain on shift when necessary to maintain minimum staffing coverage.
• May participate in developing treatment plans.
• For certain assignments, operate a YAI motor vehicle to transport individuals when appropriately credentialed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• DailyPay available.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Medical and dental insurance, with family and more extensive medical plan options, and vision coverage for full-time positions.
• Paid vacation, holiday, and sick time, depending on time type.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching contributions.
• Life insurance and long-term disability.
• Discounts on travel, entertainment, wireless services, shopping, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed