Direct Support Professional

YAI - Seeing beyond disability; West Milford (NJ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

YAI - Seeing beyond disability is seeking dedicated Direct Support Professionals to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in daily living, community activities, and personal care. You will follow individualized plans, monitor safety, and document progress using electronic health records.

Role requires patience, empathy, and strong communication to support quality of life, social engagement, and advocacy for the individuals served.

Qualifications

• 18+ years of age or older.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Driver’s License with no more than five points.
• Basic computer skills: email and Workday.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for documentation and billing.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle stressful situations.
• Willingness to assist with ADLs and exposure to bodily fluids.
• Maintain required certifications within 120 days: Non‑Crisis Intervention, CPR/First Aid, NJ Medication Administration, Positive Behavior Supports.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals to maximize strengths, interests, and abilities while upholding personal rights.
• Support individuals to meet personal goals with respectful communication and social activities.
• Supervise and care for individuals; monitor health, safety, and crisis situations.
• Provide care in accordance with individualized plans and behavioral support plans.
• Maintain a clean, safe environment and follow infection control protocols.
• Transport individuals to activities and appointments; coordinate community activities.

Skills

Effective written communication

Oral communication

Empathy

Patience

Flexibility

Basic computer skills

Calm under pressure

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Workday

Email

Job description

Key Functions & Responsibilities

• Assist individuals in maximizing their strengths, interests, and abilities, upholding personal rights, displaying patience and tolerance, providing emotional support, and building positive relationships.
• Support individuals to meet personal goals that characterize quality of life; engage in respectful communication using person‑first language, encourage socializing, and facilitate activities that provide social capital and community connections.
• Supervise, protect, and care for individuals at all times; maintain program guidelines, facilitate learning and training in fire safety, and identify and appropriately escalates signs of potential self‑harm or harm to others.
• Ensure health, wellness, and safety by providing appropriate supervision and managing crisis situations while adhering to applicable policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Provide support in various settings in accordance with each person’s individualized service and behavior support plans, utilizing support skills for varying levels of need and demonstrating the DDD Standards.
• Implement person‑centered, individualized plans following levels of supervision and safeguards, including BSPs, ISPs, and Staff Action or Life Plans.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized therapeutic environment; use safe handling procedures and infection control protocols.
• Assist with personal care and activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, laundry, and housekeeping.
• Teach and develop habilitative and rehabilitative skills.
• Support advocacy, assist with communication, self‑expression, and dispute resolution among individuals; facilitate ethical decision making.
• Supervise, plan, and prepare balanced meals and snacks per dietary restrictions and individual guidelines.
• Transport and escort individuals to recreational activities, medical appointments, and other community or therapeutic sites; create and schedule volunteer and community activities.
• Assist individuals with making purchases, safeguarding personal allowance funds, and reviewing and reporting financial decisions.
• Administer medications as prescribed; manage medication inventory, check cabinets, reorder supplies, and ensure timely follow‑up appointments.
• Utilize petty cash and house funds responsibly, obtaining documentation or receipts per applicable rules.
• Operate agency vehicles for transportation; maintain logs and maintenance sheets while coordinating appointments.
• Develop specialized clinical knowledge for individuals with adults, challenging behaviors, autism spectrum disorders, and complex medical needs.
• Collect, record, and summarize data on observable behavior; report changes or symptoms to clinical and leadership teams.
• Communicate with families and external providers via phone, email, or in person; maintain continuous updates.
• Serve as a member of a highly effective team, providing feedback, communication, and maintaining a solution‑oriented approach during conflicts.
• Complete and maintain all required trainings and certifications; comply with YAI policies, regulatory rules, and applicable laws.
• Review communication logs and enter daily events, progress notes, services, and information using designated electronic health record systems.
• Complete required paperwork and documentation for compliance and accurate billing within appropriate timeframes.
• Apply foundational teaching skills (Explain, Model, Observe, Evaluate) and progressive teaching techniques.
• Consult with program leadership and clinical staff to streamline and provide top‑quality care; attend and participate in team meetings.
• Utilize approved YAI and NJ DDD training techniques (verbal, environmental, physical interventions, including takedowns) to respond to challenging or self‑injurious behavior.
• Provide support and coverage across multiple settings and programs, including off‑site locations, and maintain minimum coverage levels as directed.
• Participate in development of treatment plans, when appropriate.
• Comply with all federal, state, local, and other regulatory agency requirements, including HIPAA.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• At least 18 years of age.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Driver’s License with no more than five (5) points.
• Physical ability to walk, sit, stand, bend, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch, push, pull, reach with hands and arms; lift and move individuals with a mechanical lift or other equipment; lift up to 25 pounds on occasion; respond to emergency interventions as required by a Behavior Support Plan.
• Effective written and oral communication skills for documentation and billing.
• Enthusiasm for working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, initiative, positivity, patience, empathy, and compassion.
• Willingness to assist with a variety of supports and ADLs, including exposure to bodily fluids.
• Basic computer skills: email and use of Workday and related systems.
• Maintain required certifications within 120 days: Non‑Crisis Intervention training, CPR/First Aid, NJ Medication Administration, Positive Behavior Supports.
• Development and maintenance of 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.
• Flexibility to work beyond regularly scheduled hours or shift; willingness to report on holidays, inclement weather, or emergencies to maintain minimum coverage.

Preferred Qualification Requirements

• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
• Knowledge of I/DD, clinical syndromes, and co‑occurring behavioral or mental health needs.

Compensation

$20.00 per hour.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran. YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To ensure fairness, safeguard transparency, and promote an equitable workforce environment, YAI Network prohibits the practice of nepotism in the workforce and hiring process.