Com Hab - DSP 2 - Manhattan

YAI•New York, NY

About The Position

YAI is seeking a creative, passionate, and highly motivated Direct Support Professional 2 for its Community Habilitation services in Manhattan. The position provides one-on-one support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), teaching life skills and providing recreational opportunities that promote community integration. The program aims to empower people to maximize independence and live fulfilling lives. The DSP 2 provides supervision, protection, and care; supports health, wellness, safety, personal rights, and community participation; and implements individualized service and behavior support plans. The role also takes the lead in crisis situations, supports and models effective practices for DSP 1 staff, and contributes to person-centered, high-quality services as part of an interdisciplinary team. This is a part-time role of 16–20 hours per week. Schedules generally fall between 3:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Compensation is $19.55 per hour.

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 using the equivalent-qualification route: 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 and maintain foundational certifications applicable to 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. Employees changing settings must obtain the applicable certification within three months of appointment.
Meet the position’s physical demands, including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, reaching, and handling objects or controls; assist with moving individuals of any weight, use mechanical lifts or other equipment when appropriate, push wheelchairs, and occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Must also have the physical capacity to implement emergency interventions, including moving individuals with or without assistance or equipment.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including documenting services for billing and tracking and communicating information about supported individuals with internal teams and external providers or circles of support.
Enthusiasm for working with people with I/DD, initiative, positivity, patience, empathy, and compassion.
Knowledge of the specific needs of people supported in the program, including understanding clinical rationales.
Ability and willingness 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.
Computer and electronic-systems proficiency, including email, Workday, and related systems such as Digital Agency.
Hold and maintain additional certifications required by the program or people supported, such as Choking Return Demonstration, Diabetes Care, or Tube Feeding. Employees changing programs or settings must obtain applicable certifications within three months of appointment.
Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships aligned with YAI’s mission and vision.
Ability to remain calm, act assertively, and demonstrate professional competence and good judgment in stressful situations, including challenging behaviors and a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
Ability to work beyond scheduled hours or shifts and report as scheduled on holidays, during inclement weather, or during emergencies when needed to maintain minimum program coverage, unless otherwise authorized.
For assignments involving transportation, 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.

Responsibilities

Perform DSP 1 duties, providing overall supervision, protection, and care while helping individuals build on their strengths, interests, abilities, personal rights, and community connections.
Provide appropriate supervision and support in a variety of settings, following individualized service and behavior support plans and OPWDD Core Competencies.
Lead during crises by de-escalating situations involving individuals, facilities, or environmental issues and directing DSP 1 staff in accordance with policies and regulations.
Implement person-centered plans, including supervision levels and safeguards, IPOP, Behavior Support Plans, Staff Action Plans, and Life Plans; model and train DSP 1 staff on their intentions, interventions, and goals.
Maintain professionalism, prioritize and complete duties with limited direction, adapt to assignment changes, and interact positively and courteously with others.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized therapeutic environment; use safe handling and infection-control procedures.
Provide or assist with personal care and activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, toileting, laundry, and housekeeping, as appropriate and authorized.
Ensure prescribed medication is administered in accordance with applicable guidelines.
Teach and develop skills, support advocacy and self-expression, 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, including modified diets or liquid consistencies.
Transport and escort individuals to recreational activities, appointments, home visits, volunteer or employment sites, and other locations; help arrange schedules for volunteer, community, or therapeutic activities.
Assist individuals with purchases and safeguard personal allowance and other funds.
Use specialized knowledge of individuals’ needs to provide effective support and inform activities and staff training.
Implement Behavior Support Plans as written, use person-centered approaches to prevent escalation, and collect, record, and summarize observable behavior data.
Observe and report changes in behavior, symptoms, or other concerns to clinical or leadership staff; report facility maintenance, upkeep, and safety concerns.
Work collaboratively with the circle of support and team, communicate program needs and concerns, and use a solution-oriented approach to conflicts.
Communicate with families and external providers by phone, email, or in person as directed, and take the lead on assigned program communications when needed.
Complete required training and certifications and apply the skills in accordance with YAI policies and applicable regulations.
Review communication logs and document events, progress notes, services, and other information in electronic systems such as Digital Agency and eMAR; complete required paperwork accurately and on time.
Use foundational and progressive teaching methods, including Explain, Model, Observe and Evaluate, task analysis, essential skills, supports, and modifications.
Participate actively in interdisciplinary team meetings; consult on care and program operations and, when needed, run 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, potentially at another YAI or off-site location, and remain on shift when needed to maintain minimum coverage.
Comply with federal, state, local, regulatory, and HIPAA requirements.
Assist or guide less-experienced staff with administrative, financial, clinical, or medical tasks and documentation as requested.
Participate in implementing new processes, procedures, or systems, including providing feedback or training.
Assist with or prepare monthly progress summaries using daily notes and data.
Participate in Life Plan meetings and treatment-plan development.
Help develop or update services, safeguards, goals, Life Plans, Staff Action Plans, responses to service, and related documentation.
For designated assignments, operate a YAI motor vehicle to transport individuals when required and properly credentialed.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

DailyPay available.
Tuition reimbursement.
Medical insurance, with family and more extensive medical plan options, for full-time positions.
Dental insurance, with family and more extensive plan options, for full-time positions.
Vision insurance for full-time positions.
Paid vacation, holiday, and sick time, depending on employment time type.
Retirement plan with employer matching contributions.
Life insurance.
Long-term disability insurance.
Discounts on travel, entertainment, wireless services, shopping, and more.