Direct Support Professional - Bergen NJ in Cornwall

We are hiring Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) for our Bergen County residential programs. The ideal candidate possesses a wide range of skills and is eager to promote YAI's mission of supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, love, work, and learn in their communities. National Institute for People with Disabilities (NIPD-NJ) is a member of the YAI Network.

Key/Essential Functions:

• Actively participates in establishment and/or creation of schedules for volunteer opportunities, community and/or therapeutic activities for the program.
• Assists people with making purchases, as well as safeguarding personal allowance funds and any additional funds provided.
• Ensures that medication is administered as prescribed, in accordance with applicable guidelines.
• Assists with medication inventory, including medication cabinet checks and over-the-counter (OTC) inventory, performing within applicable timeframes and reordering medication and/or supplies, as needed.
• Assists with scheduling of medical appointments for people supported and ensures that follow-up appointments are scheduled and attended in a timely manner.
• Appropriately utilizes petty cash and house funds, including store cards, obtaining and maintaining documentation or receipts for purchases in accordance with applicable rules in coordination with supervisor.
• Operates agency vehicle to transport individuals to and/or from programs, residences, community or other locations on a regular basis and updates related logs and maintenance sheets, coordinating appointments with supervisor.
• 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/Behavior Guidelines and Protocols as specified in applicable plans.
• 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.
• Communicates by phone, email and/or in person with circles of support, including families and external providers, to provide updates and/or obtain information, as directed by clinical or program leadership.
• Serves as a member of a highly effective team, providing feedback and communicating programmatic needs to members of the team and maintaining a solution-oriented approach during conflicts.
• Completes and maintains all necessary trainings and certifications, including specialized trainings based on program and position to ensure compliance with YAI policies and all applicable rules or regulations.
• Reviews communication logs daily and makes entries of events, progress notes, services and/or information; ensures all pertinent information is communicated between members of the team and/or shifts using prescribed in-house communication systems.
• Uses foundational teaching skills and progressive teaching.
• Understands behavior as communication and employs person-centered thinking to support positive interactions and prevent further escalation.
• Reports maintenance, upkeep and safety concerns observed at YAI/NIPD-NJ facilities to Program Supervisor or appropriate designee.
• Consults with program leadership, clinical and other direct support staff to ensure streamlined and top-quality care for individuals and attends and actively participates in team meetings.
• Utilizes/demonstrates approved YAI and NJ DDD training techniques to respond timely and appropriately to challenging and/or self-injurious behavior, ensuring the health and safety of the people we support, self and others.
• Regularly provides support and/or coverage in a variety of settings and programs across assigned region and/or service delivery settings.
• May participate in the development of treatment plans.
• Complies with all Federal, State, Local and other relevant regulatory agency requirements, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Performs all other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• HS diploma or its educational equivalent.
• Must hold or obtain and maintain a valid Driver’s License with no more than five (5) points.
• Ability to meet essential physical demands of position including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Effective written and oral communication skills including the ability to appropriately document services provided for billing and tracking purposes.
• Enthusiasm for working with people with I/DD, willingness to take initiative and ability to demonstrate positivity, patience and empathy and compassion in all interactions.
• Basic computer skills – including email, utilizing Workday and related systems to complete tasks.
• Must hold or obtain and maintain certifications and trainings as required by program assignment and persons supported.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships in alignment 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/shift and/or to report to work as scheduled on holidays, in inclement weather or during other emergencies.

Preferred Qualification Requirements:

• Work or life experience supporting people with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
• Knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), clinical syndromes and/or I/DD with co-occurring behavioral/mental health needs.

Schedule: Full-time, part-time, weekday and/or weekend positions available - including morning, evening, and overnight schedules.

Benefit Highlights:

• 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.

Compensation: $18.50/hour to $18.50/hour.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran. YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.