Direct Support Professional

YAI

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

Posted 10/16/2026full-timeEast Northport • 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 service plans, crisis management, and effective communication. Proficient in personal care, behavioral data documentation, and maintaining therapeutic environments while adhering to safety and regulatory standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Person-Centered Service PlansCrisis ManagementBehavioral Data DocumentationStrategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention – Revised (SCIP-R)Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Behavior Support PlansInfection-Control ProceduresMedication AdministrationFoundational and Progressive Teaching TechniquesElectronic Health Records (DA, eMAR)Documentation and ReportingFire-Safety TrainingTransportation of IndividualsBasic Computer SkillsMaintaining Therapeutic Environments

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationEmpathyPatiencePositivityInitiative

Tools & Technologies

WorkdayDigital Agency

Certifications & Qualifications

Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention – Revised (SCIP-R)Choking – Return DemonstrationAMAPDiabetes CareCPRTube Feeding

Industry Keywords

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD)Direct Support Professional (DSP)Person-First LanguageIndividualized Support PlansCommunity Connections

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities in homes, residences, day habilitation centers and community settings
Help individuals maximize strengths, interests and abilities while upholding personal rights and providing emotional support
Support personal goals, socialization, communication, advocacy and community connections using person-first language
Provide supervision, protection, care and safety; facilitate fire-safety training and identify and escalate potential harm
Manage crisis situations and follow applicable policies, procedures, regulations and individualized support plans
Implement person-centered service plans, Behavior Support Plans, IPOP safeguards, Staff Action Plans and Life Plans
Maintain clean, safe and organized therapeutic environments and follow infection-control procedures
Provide personal care and ADL assistance, including bathing, dressing, toileting, laundry and housekeeping
Administer medication as prescribed according to applicable guidelines
Teach and develop skills using foundational and progressive teaching techniques
Prepare and supervise balanced meals and snacks according to dietary restrictions and modified-diet requirements
Transport and escort individuals to recreational activities, medical appointments, home visits, volunteer and employment sites
Assist with purchases and safeguard personal allowance and other funds
Collect, record and summarize behavioral data; report behavioral or health changes to clinical and leadership teams
Review communication logs and enter service, progress and incident data into electronic health records such as DA and eMAR
Complete required documentation, notifications, incident reports, files, maintenance requests and tracking within required timeframes
Participate in team meetings and collaborate with program leadership, clinical staff and direct support staff
Use approved YAI and OPWDD verbal, environmental and physical intervention techniques, including takedowns, when required
Provide coverage at other YAI or off-site locations and remain on shift to maintain minimum staffing levels
Report facility maintenance, upkeep and safety concerns
May participate in treatment-plan development
May operate YAI vehicles to transport supported individuals when assigned and properly credentialed
Perform other assigned duties

Requirements

What you’ll need

Must be at least 18 years of age
Ability to meet essential physical demands, including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling and reaching; assisting with lifting/moving individuals of any weight with equipment and/or other staff; lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds on occasion; and implementing emergency interventions
Effective written and oral communication skills, including documenting services for billing and tracking
Enthusiasm for working with people with I/DD; willingness to take initiative; positivity, patience, empathy and compassion
Ability and willingness to assist with supports and activities of daily living, including exposure to and handling of bodily fluids
Basic computer skills, including email, Workday and related systems such as Digital Agency
Must hold or obtain and maintain Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention – Revised (SCIP-R) within one year of appointment
Must hold or obtain and maintain additional certifications required by assignment, such as Choking – Return Demonstration, AMAP, Diabetes Care, CPR and Tube Feeding, within one year of appointment
Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships aligned with YAI’s mission and vision
Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and work in a fast-paced environment
Ability to work beyond scheduled hours and/or on holidays, during inclement weather or emergencies as needed
For assignments involving transportation, 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
For elevated DSP positions, 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 options for family and more extensive medical plans, as well as vision (for Full time positions)
Paid vacation, holiday, and sick time (depending on time type)
403(b) retirement with employer matching contributions
Life insurance and long-term disability
Discounts on travel, entertainment, wireless services, shopping, and more