Direct Support Professional - Northern Nassau County, NY

About the role

We are hiring Direct Support Professionals ( DSPs ) for our Port Washington, Manhasset, Glen Cove and Williston Park locations. DSPs work closely with people of all ages who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Depending on the supports needed, DSPs may work in a person's home, in their family's home, in a YAI residence, at a day habilitation center, or out in the community. YAI's Mission Ready to join our 4,000+ employees in a career at YAI? Working at YAI means effecting real change in people's lives. It means going home at the end of the day knowing you have helped someone accomplish a goal. If you want a career supporting others, creatively finding solutions to life's challenges, and building a more inclusive community, YAI is the place for you! Join us in our mission to create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, love, work, and learn in their communities. Learn more at yai.org/careers . Program Residential Services Location Northern Nassau Co unty Schedule Full time, part time, weekday and/or weekend positions available - including morning , evening, and overnight schedules. 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 communications and conversations 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 and identifying and appropriately escalating signs of an individual's potential harm to self or others. Ensures health, wellness and safety by providing appropriate supervision of the people we support and by managing crisis situations while adhering to applicable policies, procedures and regulations. 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. Ensures implementation of person-centered, individualized plans following levels of supervision and safeguards including protective oversight (IPOPs), as well as Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), Staff Action and/or Life Plans for all people we support, understanding the intentions and goals of the plans. Maintains a clean, safe and organized therapeutic environment. Utilizes safe & appropriate handing procedures when working with individuals and implements infection control protocols. Assists with a variety of tasks for people we support, as appropriate/authorized, including: Providing personal care and assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) including intimate care and personal hygiene (e.g. bathing, dressing, and toileting), laundry and housekeeping. Ensuring that medication is administered as prescribed, in accordance with applicable guidelines. Teaching/developing skills. Supporting person-centered advocacy with the individuals. Assisting in communication, self-expression and resolving disputes amongst individuals. Facilitating ethical decision making. Providing supervision for and/or planning and preparing balanced meals and snacks for people we support in accordance with dietary restrictions and guidelines of specific individuals including for modified diets or liquid consistencies. Transporting and escorting individuals on recreational activities, medical appointments, home visits, volunteer and/or employment sites, etc. Assisting people with making purchases, as well as safeguarding personal allowance funds and any additional funds provided. Develops an understanding of specialized clinical knowledge for person specific needs (supporting adults, challenging behaviors, autism spectrum disorders, complex medical needs). Implements Behavior Support Plan as written by Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS). Collects, records, and summarizes data on individuals' observable behavior. Observes and reports any changes in behavior, or other signs and symptoms, to clinical and/or leadership team. Serves as a member of a highly effective team (teamwork within the circle of support), providing feedback and communicating programmatic needs to members of team and maintaining a solution-oriented approach during conflicts. Completes and maintains all necessary trainings and certifications, including specialized trainings based on program and positi