Direct Support Professional - Levittown / Hicksville, NY

YAI - Seeing beyond disability; Levittown (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

Options for family plans

Additional benefits for full-time positions

Job summary

A leading support services organization in Levittown is seeking a Direct Support Professional to assist individuals with disabilities in maximizing their personal strengths and abilities. Responsibilities include providing emotional support, developing skills according to individual needs, and complying with all regulatory requirements. Applicants should have significant experience with the I/DD population, effective communication skills, and the physical capacity to handle various tasks. Opportunities for medical and dental insurance are available.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 - 5 years of experience supporting the I/DD population.
• Effective written and oral communication skills required.
• Ability to meet essential physical demands of position.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals in maximizing strengths and providing emotional support.
• Teach and develop skills according to individual plans.
• Complete necessary trainings and certifications for compliance.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Patience and empathy

Ability to assist with ADLs

Basic computer skills

Education

3 - 5 years of Direct Support Professional experience

Must be at least 18 years of age

Job description

Assists individuals in maximizing their strengths, interests, and abilities, upholding their personal rights, displaying patience and tolerance while providing emotional support and building positive relationships. Provides support in a variety of settings and in accordance with each person’s individualized service and behavior support plans, utilizing support skills for people with varying levels of need and demonstrating the OPWDD Core Competencies. Assists with a variety of tasks for people we support, as appropriate/authorized, including: Teaching/developing skills. Develops an understanding of specialized clinical knowledge for person specific needs (supporting adults, challenging behaviors, autism spectrum disorders, complex medical needs). Completes and maintains all necessary trainings and certifications, including specialized trainings based on program and position to ensure compliance with YAI policies and all applicable rules or regulations and applies skills. Uses foundational teaching skills (Explain, Model, Observe and Evaluate [EMOE], task analysis, essential skills, supports and modifications, etc.) and progressive teaching. Complies with all Federal, State, Local and other relevant regulatory agency requirements, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Consults with program leadership, clinical and other direct support staff to ensure streamlined and top-quality care for individuals and attends and actively participates in team meetings. Provides coverage for other direct support staff as requested, which may include assisting at another YAI or off-site location (e.g. hospital) based on needs of program and/or individuals supported, including remaining on shift to ensure maintenance of minimum coverage levels for program. Performs all other duties, as assigned. Minimum Qualification Requirements *including education, experience, licensure/certification, etc. and essential physical capabilities (e.g. lifting, assisting lifting, standing, etc.)* * Minimum of 3 - 5 years of Direct Support Professional experience supporting the I/DD population required.\** Must be at least 18 years of age.Ability to meet essential physical demands of position including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling and reaching with hands and arms; use hands to handle, finger or feel objects, tools or controls; assisting with lifting/moving individuals of any weight with assistance of mechanical lifts or other equipment and/or pushing individuals in wheelchairs; lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds on occasion; having the physical capacity to work with and implement emergency interventions as per the person’s Behavior Support Plan if/as needed, including lifting/moving individuals of any weight with or without assistance of equipment and/or other staff. Effective written and oral communication skills including the ability to appropriately document services provided for billing and tracking purposes. Enthusiasm for working with people with I/DD, willingness to take initiative and ability to demonstrate positivity, patience and empathy and compassion in all interactions. Ability and willingness to assist with a variety of supports and ADLs as requested, including regular exposure to and handling of various bodily fluids. Basic computer skills – including email, utilizing Workday and related systems (DA, etc.) to complete tasks. Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships in alignment 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 regularly scheduled hours/shift and/or to report to work as scheduled on holidays, in inclement weather or during other emergencies to maintain minimum coverage requirements of program, unless otherwise authorized. For assignments that require transporting persons supported by vehicle, must hold or obtain and maintain valid Driver’s License and Van certification (based on position/location/program). Preferred Qualification Requirements *(*desired *requirements beyond MQRs above)* Work or life experience in the I/DD field is a plus, but not mandatory (for DSP 1 positions) For elevated DSP positions, must have at least three (3) years of direct support professional experience with the I/DD population and must obtain (and maintain) required YAI certifications based on setting within six (6) months of appointment. \**depending on qualifications and experience* Medical and dental insurance - with options for family and more extensive medical plans, as well as vision (for Full time positions)