Direct Support Professional = DSP 1

Key/Essential Functions & Responsibilities 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. Supports people to meet personal goals that characterize quality of life, engages in respectful communication through person‑first language, encourages socializing, and facilitates activities that provide social capital and connections to the community. Responsible for the overall supervision, protection, and care of individuals at all times, including maintenance of program guidelines for the protection of individuals, facilitating learning and training in fire safety, identifying and appropriately escalating signs of potential harm to self or others. Ensures health, wellness and safety by providing appropriate supervision and managing crisis situations while adhering to applicable policies, procedures and regulations. Provides support in a variety of settings, following individualized service and behavior support plans, utilizing support skills for people with varying levels of need, and demonstrating the OPWDD Core Competencies. Maintains a clean, safe and organized therapeutic environment. Utilizes safe and appropriate handling procedures and implements infection control protocols. Assists with a variety of tasks, including: Providing personal care and assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as intimate care and personal hygiene (e.g., bathing, dressing, and toileting), laundry and housekeeping; Ensuring medication is administered as prescribed, in accordance with applicable guidelines; Teaching/developing skills; Supporting person‑centered advocacy, communication and dispute resolution; Facilitating ethical decision making; Planning and preparing balanced meals and snacks within dietary restrictions, including modified diets or liquid consistencies; Transporting and escorting individuals on recreational activities, medical appointments, home visits, volunteer and/or employment sites; and Assisting in making purchases and safeguarding personal allowance funds. Develops specialized clinical knowledge for individual needs, implements behavior support plans, collects and summarizes data on observable behavior, and reports changes to the clinical and leadership team. Serves as a member of a highly effective team, providing feedback and communicating programmatic needs, and maintains a solution‑oriented approach during conflicts. Completes and maintains all necessary trainings and certifications, including specialized trainings as required by the program and position. Reviews communication logs daily, maintains documentation and a digital health record, and completes all other required paperwork to ensure compliance and accurate billing. Complies with all federal, state, local and other regulatory agency requirements, including HIPAA, and reports maintenance, safety concerns. Consults with program leadership, clinical and direct support staff, and attends and participates in team meetings. Utilizes approved YAI and OPWDD training techniques to respond appropriately to challenging and/or self‑injurious behavior, ensuring the health and safety of the people, self and others. Provides coverage for other direct support staff as requested, including assisting at other YAI or off‑site locations, and may participate in the development of treatment plans. May be required to operate YAI motor vehicle to transport individuals on a daily basis, with appropriate credentials. Performs all other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualification Requirements Must be at least 18 years of age. Physical demands: frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling and reaching with hands; lifting and moving up to 25 pounds on occasion; ability to assist lifting/moving individuals with mechanical lifts or other equipment. Effective written and oral communication skills, including documentation for billing and tracking. Enthusiasm for working with people with I/DD and willingness to demonstrate positivity, patience, empathy and compassion. Ability to assist with a variety of supports and ADLs, including handling bodily fluids. Basic computer skills, including email and Workday, DA, etc. Must hold or obtain and maintain Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention – Revised (SCIP‑R) within 1 year of appointment. Must obtain and maintain additional certifications as required by program assignment (e.g., Choking – Return Demonstration, AMAP, Diabetes Care, CPR, Tube Feeding). Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships aligned with YAI’s mission. Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and work in a high‑energy fast‑paced environment. Ability to work beyond scheduled hours, on holidays, inclement weather or emergencies, unless authorized. For assignments that require transporting persons, must hold a valid driver’s license and van certification (based on position). Preferred Qualification Requirements HS diploma or equivalent. Experience supporting people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Compensation $18.00/hour to $18.79/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 veteran status. YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits nepotism. #J-18808-Ljbffr