Day Habilitation Direct Support Professional

YAI

. Support people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities in day habilitation centers and community settings .

Posted 10/16/2026full-timeBrentwood • New York • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $19 - $20 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through person-centered approaches, crisis management, and effective communication. Proficient in implementing behavior support plans and maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements while providing personal care and assistance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Crisis ManagementBehavior Support Plans ImplementationSCIP-R CertificationEffective Communication SkillsPersonal Care Assistance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Behavioral Data CollectionMedication AdministrationMeal PlanningDaily Living Activities SupportTeaching TechniquesElectronic Health Records ManagementSafety Guidelines ComplianceTransportation of IndividualsDocumentation for BillingEmergency Response

Soft Skills

Emotional SupportTeam CollaborationCalmness Under StressEnthusiasm for I/DD WorkPerson-First Communication

Tools & Technologies

Digital AgencyEMARWorkdayYAI Intervention TechniquesOperational Data Entry

Certifications & Qualifications

SCIP-R CertificationChoking – Return DemonstrationAMAPDiabetes CareCPRTube Feeding

Industry Keywords

Intellectual and Developmental DisabilitiesPerson-Centered ApproachesCrisis SituationsBehavioral Changes ObservationRegulatory ComplianceDirect Support Professional ExperienceComplex Medical NeedsAutism Spectrum DisordersSafety Concerns ReportingTeam Meetings Participation

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities in day habilitation centers and community settings
Help individuals maximize strengths, interests, abilities, and personal goals
Provide emotional support, person-first communication, socialization, activities, and community connections
Supervise, protect, and care for individuals while maintaining program safety guidelines
Facilitate fire-safety learning and identify and escalate potential harm to self or others
Manage crisis situations while following policies, procedures, regulations, individualized service plans, and behavior support plans
Provide personal care and assistance with activities of daily living, hygiene, laundry, and housekeeping
Administer medication as prescribed according to applicable guidelines
Teach and develop skills, support advocacy, communication, self-expression, and ethical decision-making
Plan and prepare meals and snacks according to dietary restrictions and modified-diet requirements
Transport and escort individuals to recreational activities, appointments, home visits, volunteer sites, and employment sites
Assist with purchases and safeguard personal allowance funds
Support individuals with specialized needs, including challenging behaviors, autism spectrum disorders, and complex medical needs
Implement Behavior Support Plans and collect, record, and summarize behavioral data
Observe and report behavioral changes and other signs or symptoms to clinical and leadership teams
Collaborate with direct support, clinical, and program teams and participate in team meetings
Complete required trainings, certifications, communication logs, progress notes, service records, incident reports, and other documentation
Enter operational data in electronic health records such as Digital Agency and eMAR
Use foundational and progressive teaching techniques, including EMOE and task analysis
Apply person-centered approaches to understand behavior as communication and prevent escalation
Comply with HIPAA and other federal, state, local, and regulatory requirements
Report facility maintenance, upkeep, and safety concerns
Use approved YAI and OPWDD intervention techniques, including verbal, environmental, and physical interventions
Provide coverage for other direct support staff and assist at other YAI or off-site locations as needed
May participate in treatment-plan development
May operate YAI vehicles to transport individuals when assigned
Perform other assigned duties

Requirements

What you’ll need

Must be at least 18 years of age
Ability to meet essential physical demands, including walking, sitting, standing, bending, lifting/moving individuals, and lifting/moving up to 25 pounds on occasion
Effective written and oral communication skills, including documentation for billing and tracking
Enthusiasm for working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)
Ability and willingness to assist with supports and activities of daily living, including exposure to bodily fluids
Basic computer skills, including email, Workday, Digital Agency, and related systems
Must hold or obtain and maintain SCIP-R certification within one year of appointment
Must hold or obtain and maintain additional program-required certifications, such as Choking – Return Demonstration, AMAP, Diabetes Care, CPR, or Tube Feeding, within one year of appointment
Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and work in a fast-paced environment
Ability to work beyond scheduled hours and during holidays, inclement weather, or emergencies when required
For vehicle assignments, must hold or obtain and maintain a valid driver's license and Van certification
HS diploma or educational equivalent is preferred
Work or life experience in the I/DD field is a plus but not mandatory for DSP 1 positions
Elevated DSP positions require at least three years of direct support professional experience with the I/DD population and required YAI certifications within six months of appointment

Benefits

Comp & perks

DailyPay available - Work today, get paid today!
Tuition reimbursement
Medical and dental insurance, with vision options, for full-time positions
Paid vacation, holiday, and sick time
403(b) retirement with employer matching contributions
Life insurance and long-term disability
Discounts on travel, entertainment, wireless services, shopping, and more