Direct Support Professional

YAI

. Assist individuals in maximizing strengths, interests, and abilities while upholding personal rights and providing emotional support .

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

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in implementing person-centered plans and behavior support strategies while providing emotional support and personal care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Proficient in crisis intervention techniques and maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Crisis Intervention TechniquesBehavior Support PlansMedication AdministrationEffective Communication SkillsPerson-Centered Planning

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

ADLs AssistanceBehavior Data CollectionInfection Control ProceduresEmergency Intervention ImplementationMeal PreparationTherapeutic Environment MaintenanceDocumentation SkillsTransportation of IndividualsBasic Computer SkillsUnderstanding of I/DD Needs

Soft Skills

EmpathyPatiencePositivityCompassionInitiative

Tools & Technologies

WorkdayDigital Agency (DA)Electronic Health Records

Certifications & Qualifications

Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention – Revised (SCIP-R)Approved Medication Administration Personnel (AMAP)CPR CertificationChoking – Return DemonstrationDiabetes Care CertificationTube Feeding Certification

Industry Keywords

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD)Person-First LanguageCrisis ManagementBehavioral Changes ObservationCommunity Activities FacilitationIndividualized Service PlansHIPAA ComplianceDirect Support Professional ExperienceChallenging BehaviorsComplex Medical Needs

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Assist individuals in maximizing strengths, interests, and abilities while upholding personal rights and providing emotional support
Support people in meeting personal goals, using person-first language, encouraging socialization, and facilitating community activities
Provide supervision, protection, and care at all times, including fire-safety training and escalation of potential harm
Ensure health, wellness, and safety; manage crisis situations according to policies, procedures, and regulations
Provide support across homes, residences, day habilitation centers, and community settings according to individualized service and behavior support plans
Implement person-centered plans, including IPOP, Behavior Support, Staff Action, and Life Plans
Maintain clean, safe, organized therapeutic environments and follow infection-control procedures
Provide personal care and assistance with ADLs, hygiene, laundry, housekeeping, and authorized tasks
Administer medication as prescribed and according to applicable guidelines
Teach and develop skills; support advocacy, communication, self-expression, dispute resolution, and ethical decision-making
Plan and prepare balanced meals and snacks according to dietary restrictions and modified-diet requirements
Transport and escort individuals to recreational activities, medical appointments, home visits, volunteer or employment sites, and other locations
Assist with purchases and safeguard personal allowance and other funds
Develop specialized clinical knowledge for individual needs, including challenging behaviors, autism spectrum disorders, and complex medical needs
Implement Behavior Support Plans and collect, record, and summarize observable-behavior data
Observe and report behavioral changes and signs or symptoms to clinical and leadership teams
Collaborate with the circle of support and program teams, provide feedback, communicate needs, and attend team meetings
Complete required trainings, certifications, documentation, communication logs, progress notes, incident reports, and electronic health-record data entry
Use foundational and progressive teaching skills, understand behavior as communication, and support positive interactions
Comply with HIPAA and all applicable regulatory requirements
Report facility maintenance, upkeep, and safety concerns
Use approved YAI and OPWDD intervention techniques, including verbal, environmental, and physical interventions/takedowns, when responding to challenging or self-injurious behavior
Provide coverage for other direct support staff, including at other YAI or off-site locations
May participate in treatment-plan development
For certain assignments, operate YAI motor vehicles to transport individuals
Perform other duties as assigned

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, reaching, handling objects/tools/controls, assisting with lifting or moving individuals, and lifting or moving up to 25 pounds on occasion
Physical capacity to implement emergency interventions, including lifting or moving individuals of any weight with or without equipment or other staff
Effective written and oral communication skills, including documenting services for billing and tracking
Enthusiasm for working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)
Willingness to take initiative and demonstrate positivity, patience, empathy, and compassion
Ability and willingness to assist with supports and activities of daily living (ADLs), including exposure to and handling of bodily fluids
Basic computer skills, including email, Workday, Digital Agency (DA), and related systems
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 as required, such as Choking – Return Demonstration, Approved Medication Administration Personnel (AMAP), Diabetes Care, CPR, or 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 high-energy, fast-paced environment
Ability to work beyond regularly scheduled hours/shifts and report as scheduled on holidays, during inclement weather, or emergencies when required
For assignments requiring transportation, must hold or obtain and maintain a valid Driver’s License and Van certification
Preferred: HS diploma or its educational equivalent
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