YAI supports people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving the fullest lives possible by creating new opportunities for living, loving, working and learning. YAI is a network of agencies with programs that empower and enhance the lives of thousands of people we support and their families. YAI promotes a person centered approach by creating supports that cater to the specific needs of each person. Join our dynamic team teaching daily and independent living skills, providing individual and group counseling, and promoting community integration. The ideal candidate will have enthusiasm for working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and a willingness to help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as assisting with showering, toileting, grooming, laundry and housekeeping as necessary. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) work directly with people in their home, work, and daily life in varying capacities. A DSP 2 must have previously worked as a DSP 1, completed all the required trainings and demonstrated all the knowledge, skills and accountabilities of a DSP 1. Additionally, a DSP 2 utilizes support skills for people with moderate to complex levels of need, participates in developing treatment plans, understands specialized clinical knowledge for person specific needs, and takes on duties outside basic DSP work. A DSP 2 may work in more than one region.

Mission Statement YAI:

YAI is a network of agencies offering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a comprehensive range of services across all ages. YAI empowers people with disabilities to reach their goals every day. Our enthusiastic staff of over 4,000 professionals believes that everyone has a fundamental right to live, love, work, and learn. If you share our vision and want to help support people to live the fullest lives possible, apply to this position.

Location: Peekskill, NY

Schedule: Full-Time, Monday- Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Job Responsibilities:

− Demonstrating and modeling all skills of DSP 1

− Prioritizing tasks and responsibilities

− Ensuring implementation of plans of protective oversight, as well as care plans for all people

− Ensuring that medication is administered as prescribed to people we support − Planning and preparing balanced meals for people we support

− Ensuring a healthy, clean and safe setting for people we support

− Facilitating learning and training in fire safety for people we support

− Utilizing support skills for people with moderate to complex levels of need

− Participating in development of treatment plans

− Demonstrating effective clinical skills/ Understanding specialized clinical knowledge for person specific needs (supporting older adults, challenging behaviors, autism spectrum disorders, complex medical needs)

− Maintaining a solution-oriented approach during conflicts within team

− Using Progressive Teaching (Accuracy, Fluency, Competency)

− Supporting person centered advocacy

− Taking an active role in completing interviews for Personal Outcome Measures

− Observing and reporting any change in behavior

− Providing feedback to members of team

− Ensuring the completion of daily logs, progress notes and services

− Completing all required documentation timely and accurately

− Modeling OPWDD Core Competencies

− Facilitating ethical decision making based on the Code of Ethics

− Identifying and communicating programmatic needs

− Training/presenting to a team

− Taking on additional tasks outside of basic DSP work/ completing job related tasks as needed

Education and Experience:

− A High School Diploma or GED is preferred

− Work experience with intellectual/developmental disabilities, serving as a DSP − Proven excellence at working with people with intellectual/developmental disabilities − Knowledgeable and comfortable with ADLs

− Completed all mandatory OPWDD and YAI trainings

− Computer knowledge

− Valid NY State Driver's License may be required depending upon the position

− Tuberculosis test mandatory for most positions

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

− Exceptional interpersonal, problem solving and communication skills

− Willing to take initiative

− Highly flexible personality type

Compensation:

$18.31/hr.